Tapu Turkey: Full Owner Of The Turkish Real Estate | Tolerance

TAPU is a document confirming the right of ownership to the acquired real estate in Turkey. It is this legal document that proves ownership and establishes the legal owner of property in Turkey. The TAPU certifies the transaction, and only after it is obtained are you recognized as the full owner of the Turkish real estate.

In Turkey, the only official state body performing and controlling the processing of paperwork for purchased real estate is the Office of Cadastre and Tapu (cadastre office), which is the official authority for property registration and title deed transactions. This organization is the state guarantor of the legality and transparency of a transaction.

After the conclusion of the contract and performance of all the procedures required to start the processing of the real estate, the agency, under a power of attorney from the client, submits his documents to the Office of Tapu and Cadastre of the city and the district where the property was acquired. The required documents for the title deed application typically include the buyer's passport, tax number, photographs, proof of payment, and the sales contract. If the buyer is a foreign company or legal entity, a legal representative in Turkey is required to complete the process.

After the arrival of positive responses from the relevant inspection bodies for foreign citizens and the payment of the relevant taxes and duties, the Buyer receives a master document, recording the title to the property (TAPU), confirming that the transfer of title from the seller to the new owner has been performed. The buyer pays the purchase price and service fees before the final signatures at the cadastre office, and the tapu signing is the last step before ownership transfer.

The TAPU contains registration information, including property details, transaction data, and the purchase price. The process of buying property in Turkey may be affected by restrictions such as military zones, where foreign ownership is prohibited.

TAPU, the title, means the establishment of a timeless and absolute right of ownership, which, after the conclusion of the purchase and sale contract, may not be challenged by anyone at court. One or more individuals or legal entities may be real estate owners. Property purchase in Turkey can also facilitate obtaining a residence permit and, in some cases, Turkish citizenship through real estate purchase.

Reputable agencies offer comprehensive after sales services to assist buyers with legal procedures, document preparation, and ongoing support after the property purchase.

The construction company is often listed in the Tapu for new developments or off-plan purchases.

• When registering a first apartment, as a rule, ARSA (meaning land lot) is indicated here, i.e. they register the share in the plot of land allocated to the apartment specified below. If the apartment is purchased a few years after the commissioning of the house, then MESKEN (flat) may be written there. It is also possible that DUKKAN will be written there, when it comes to commercial real estate. The property type (residential, commercial, or land) is specified and may affect legal requirements and taxes.

The original deed is not required for proof of ownership, as digital records are maintained by the cadastre office. The Tapu is a legal document that deed proves and establishes ownership rights.

Types of Tapu

In Turkey, the concept of Tapu extends far beyond a simple document—we're talking about several distinct types of title deeds, each thoughtfully designed for different forms of property ownership and various stages of real estate development. Understanding these important distinctions is absolutely essential for anyone who's taking the exciting journey into the Turkish real estate market, and we truly understand that this can feel overwhelming, especially for our foreign buyers, investors, and those with genuine interest in commercial real estate or agricultural land. We want you to feel confident and well-informed every step of the way.

1. Red Tapu (Kat Mülkiyeti):The Red Tapu represents what we consider the «golden standard» of title deeds in Turkey—it's the most sought-after document that every property owner dreams of holding. This precious document represents complete, full ownership of a finished property, whether we're talking about your cozy apartment, family house, or commercial property that will serve your business needs. This official document, carefully issued by the land registry office, provides detailed information about your property's exact location, precise size, and your specific share of the land beneath it. For property owners like yourself, the Red Tapu serves as the ultimate, unquestionable proof of legal ownership and becomes absolutely essential for all property transactions involving completed buildings. We're particularly excited to share that it's also a key requirement for those of you who are seeking Turkish citizenship through property investment—a path that many of our clients have successfully walked.
2. Blue Tapu (Kat İrtifakı):The Blue Tapu holds a special place in our hearts because it represents hope and future possibilities—it's typically connected with properties that are still under construction, still growing into their full potential. This valuable document grants you, as the owner, specific rights to a designated share of the land and a future unit within the development, all based on the approved building permit and detailed project plans. While it doesn't yet confer full ownership of a completed unit, we want you to understand that it represents a crucial, meaningful step in the title deed transfer process for off-plan property purchases. We've witnessed countless times how, once construction reaches completion and all legal procedures are properly satisfied, this Blue Tapu can be transformed into that coveted Red Tapu, finally granting you those full ownership rights you've been waiting for.
3. Agricultural Tapu (Tarla Tapusu):For those of you who are drawn to the beauty of land ownership for farming or livestock pursuits, the Agricultural Tapu becomes your essential companion. We understand that this type of Tapu carries with it strict regulations and specific rules regarding land use and building permits—rules that exist to protect Turkey's precious agricultural heritage. We want to be completely transparent with you: changing the status of agricultural land to residential or commercial use requires additional legal verification and approval from the Turkish government, and this process demands patience and proper guidance. The Agricultural Tapu proves essential for anyone looking to invest in Turkey's rich rural real estate market, and we're here to help you navigate these unique requirements.
4. Shared Tapu (Hisseli Tapu):Shared Tapu emerges when a property welcomes more than one owner into its story. We find this arrangement quite beautiful, actually—each owner's share is clearly and fairly defined in the real estate title deed, and any important decisions regarding the property—whether it's a sale, renovation, or transfer—typically requires genuine agreement among all parties involved. This type of Tapu appears frequently in family inheritances, business partnerships, or joint investments in Turkish property, and we've helped many families and partners navigate these shared ownership arrangements with care and understanding.
5. Floor Easement Deed (Kat İrtifakı):The Floor Easement Deed serves as what we like to call a «promise document»—it's a preliminary title deed granted for properties that are still under construction, still taking shape. This important document specifies your right to own a particular unit within a building once it reaches completion. This deed draws its authority from the approved building permit and detailed project plans that guide the construction process. We're always excited to witness the moment when, after construction reaches completion and the property receives its occupancy permit, this Floor Easement Deed can be upgraded to a full ownership title deed (Kat Mülkiyeti), ensuring that your rights as the new owner are fully recognized and protected.

Each type of Tapu comes with its own unique set of legal aspects, specific regulations, and distinct advantages that we want you to fully understand and appreciate. For example, obtaining that precious Red Tapu requires the property to be completely finished and fully compliant with all building permits, while a Blue Tapu becomes more relevant for those of you who are investing in future developments and believing in tomorrow's possibilities. We want our foreign investors and buyers to pay close attention to these important distinctions, because they significantly impact the ownership transfer process, your eligibility for Turkish citizenship, and the comprehensive legal rights that come with your property investment.

We understand deeply that navigating Turkish property transactions can feel complex and sometimes overwhelming, especially for foreign citizens who may be unfamiliar with our local regulations and cultural nuances. This is why we highly recommend—and we truly mean this from our hearts—that you consult with experienced real estate professionals and trusted legal representatives who genuinely care about your success. We want to ensure that all necessary documents are perfectly in order, that your title deed reflects the most current and accurate information, and that your ownership transfer is conducted smoothly and efficiently at the land registry office. This thoughtful approach not only protects your valuable investment but also ensures complete compliance with Turkish law while maximizing all the wonderful benefits that come with real estate ownership in our beautiful Turkey.