The TAPU (Tapu Senedi) is the title deed issued by Turkey's Land Registry Directorate (Tapu Müdürlüğü). Without a correctly registered TAPU in your name, you do not legally own the property — regardless of any private contracts you may have signed.
Types of TAPU
Kat Mülkiyeti (Condominium Title Deed): The most secure type. Confirms the building has planning approval and a habitation certificate. This is what you want for apartments.
Kat İrtifakı (Construction Servitude Deed): Issued for off-plan properties. Ownership is registered before construction is complete. Carries more risk.
Arsa (Land Deed): Confirms ownership of bare land. No building rights are guaranteed without separate zoning approval.
The Transfer Process
Both buyer and seller (or their legal representatives) must appear in person at the Land Registry office. A licensed translator is required for non-Turkish speakers. The transfer fee is 4% of the declared sale price, split equally between buyer and seller by convention (though legally the buyer pays).
Common Mistakes
Never pay the full purchase price before the TAPU is transferred. Insist on a simultaneous exchange at the Land Registry office. Verify that the TAPU shows no mortgage, lien, or seizure order before proceeding.
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