Explanation of the TAPU (Turkish Title Deeds)
In Turkey, “Tapu” refers to an official Title Deed. It is the sole legal document that proves property ownership and is issued and registered by the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre (Tapu ve Kadastro Genel Müdürlüğü, or TKGM).
Types of Tapu Documents
The title deed you receive depends on the status of the property:
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- Kat Mülkiyeti (Property Ownership): Granted for completed, independent units (like apartments or villas) that have an official housing permit (İskan).
- Kat İrtifakı (Floor Easement): Granted for properties that are still under construction or have not yet received their final housing permit.
- Devre Mülk (Fractional Ownership): Used for timeshares, giving you the right to use the property for a specific period of the year.
Key Information Listed on the Deed
Even though the official document is written in Turkish, an official translation outlines the following key details:
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- Il / Ilçe: Province and District.
- Mahalle: Neighborhood / Quarter.
- Ada / Parsel: Block and Parcel number (used to locate the property on a map).
- Yüzölçümü: The total area/size of the land.
- Nitelik: The property’s type (e.g., land, residential building, apartment).
- Malik / Malikler: The full name(s) of the legal owner(s).
- Satış Bedeli: The declared sale value of the property in Turkish Lira.
Important Details to Know
- Blue vs. Red: Historically, blue title deeds were used for land/agricultural properties, while red were used for residential units. Today, the color holds no strict legal distinction.
- Online Tapu: You can manage or apply for property transactions online without visiting the land registry office using the official WebTapu Service.
- Tapu Fees: When buying real estate, there is a title deed fee (Tapu Harcı) which is legally 4% of the declared property value
