The Title Deed (Tapu) Transfer Process in Türkiye: A Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Buyers

A property purchase becomes real at the title deed (tapu) transfer at the Land Registry (Tapu Müdürlüğü). For foreign buyers a few extra documents apply, and a missing one is the most common reason an appointment is postponed.

The process, step by step

1. Start the application. Transactions are initiated through Web Tapu (or Alo 181) and finalised in person at the assigned appointment time.
2. Valuation report. A property valuation report is required in any sale where a foreign national is buyer or seller (in force since 4 March 2019). It is obtained through Web Tapu from the GEDAŞ system and prepared by appraisers licensed by the Capital Markets Board (SPK). Reports issued before 9 December 2024 are valid for three months; determination documents issued after that date are valid for six months, so confirm the current validity before relying on a report.
3. Documents at the Land Registry. Typically: a passport or national ID showing nationality; a foreign ID number; a recent photograph; the valuation report; the municipal property-value (emlak rayiç) certificate; compulsory earthquake insurance (DASK) for buildings; the currency-purchase document (döviz alım belgesi); a representation document if acting by proxy; and a sworn translator if a party does not speak Turkish.
4. Completion. The parties, or their representatives, attend the relevant Tapu Müdürlüğü at the appointment; once finalised, the transfer is registered in the buyer's name. Official charges apply: a title-deed charge (tapu harcı) under Law No. 492 and a revolving-fund service fee under Law No. 6083. Rates change, so confirm the current figures.

Acting remotely. A representative can complete the transfer under a correctly drafted power of attorney. See our guide on buying property in Türkiye with a power of attorney.

Risks and common issues

• A missing or expired valuation report.
• No DASK earthquake insurance for a building.
• No currency-purchase document where required.
• No sworn translator present when a party does not speak Turkish.
• A representative whose power of attorney does not clearly authorise the transfer.
• Assuming fixed fees; confirm the current rates before the appointment.

Conclusion

For foreign buyers, a smooth tapu transfer is mostly about a complete file before the appointment: a valid valuation report, the address and value documents, earthquake insurance for buildings, the currency-purchase document, and, where used, a correctly drafted power of attorney. Checking these in advance is what keeps the transfer on schedule in Bodrum, Fethiye, Marmaris or anywhere in Muğla.