What is TAPU and how to get it when buying a property in Turkey?

A Tapu is an official document confirming ownership of real estate in Turkey. It plays a key role in the execution of a purchase and sale transaction and is necessary to protect the rights of the owner. In this article, we will tell you what TAPA includes, how to get it, and what nuances need to be considered when applying.

• What is TAPU?

  TAPU is an analogue of a certificate of ownership of real estate. This document is issued by the Cadastral Office (Tapu ve Kadastro Müdürlüğü) and contains the following information:

  • Personal data of the owner: FULL name and citizenship.
  • Description of the property: Object type (apartment, house, land plot), area and location.
  • Cadastral record number: The unique identifier of the object in the cadastre.
  • Information about the previous owner: An indication of the ownership of the previous owner.
  • Transaction price: The amount for which the object was purchased.

  IMPORTANT: Only having a TAPU makes you a legitimate owner of real estate in Turkey. Without it, it is impossible to verify your ownership.

• Types of TAPU

  There are two types of TAPU in Turkey:

  • Kat Irtifakı (shared ownership): Issued if the property is under construction. This document confirms that the object belongs to the buyer, but the commissioning has not yet been completed.
  • Kat Mülkiyeti (full ownership): It is issued after completion of construction and receipt by the developer of the building's technical passport (Iskan). This is the final certificate of ownership of the object.
• How do I get a TAPU?

  Obtaining a TAPU is one of the final stages of a real estate purchase and sale transaction. The process includes several steps:

  Step 1. Checking the property

  Before buying, it is necessary to make sure that the object is free from legal encumbrances, such as:

  • Mortgage debt.
  • Litigation.
  • Restrictions on sales (for example, in strategic areas).

  Step 2. Preparation of documents

  To apply for a TAPU, you will need the following documents:

  • The buyer's passport (with a notarized translation into Turkish).
  • Taxpayer identification number (issued by the Turkish Tax Administration).
  • The buyer's photo (biometric, 6x4 cm in size).
  • Purchase and sale agreement.
  • Insurance policy (DASK) for real estate.

  Step 3. Payment of taxes and fees

  Before receiving the TAPU, you must pay for:

  • Property purchase tax (4% of the declared value of the property).
  • State duties and administrative fees (depending on the region).

  Step 4. Signing the transaction at the cadastral office

  After checking all the documents, the buyer and seller sign the deed of transfer of ownership in the presence of the registrar.

  Step 5. Getting TAPU

  Upon completion of the transaction, the TAPU is issued to the new owner of the property. This process usually takes from 1 to 3 business days.

• Important nuances in the design of TAPU
  • Translator: If the buyer does not speak Turkish, a licensed translator must be present at the TAPU registration.
  • Legal purity:It is recommended to involve a lawyer or agency to verify all aspects of the transaction in order to avoid unpleasant surprises.
  • Correct indication of the cost of the object: The real value of the property must be indicated in the contract and TAPU. Underestimating the amount can lead to fines and other problems.
  • Strategic zones: Foreign citizens are prohibited from buying real estate in military or strategically important areas.
• What should I do after receiving the TAPU?

  After receiving the TAPU, you become the official owner of the property. Next steps:

  • Registration of public services: Connect electricity, water, and gas in your name.
  • Applying for a residence permit (if you plan to move): Buying a property allows you to obtain a residence permit.
  • Ensure the safety of the document:Keep the TAPU in a safe place, as it is the main legal document confirming your ownership.
• Conclusion

  A TAPU is a key document that confirms your ownership of real estate in Turkey. Its design requires careful preparation, but with the right approach, this process takes place quickly and without problems.