Documents Required for House Sale in Turkey | 2025 Guide

Introduction

The sale of a house in Turkey is not just an agreement between buyer and seller. In order for the sale to be valid, the official procedures before the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre (TKGM ) must be fulfilled and the necessary documents must be prepared in full. Failure to prepare the documents correctly may cause the process to be prolonged or even cancel the sale.

In this guide, we will examine in detail the documents required for the sale of a house, the legal framework, how the process works and the critical points to be considered.

1. Documents Requested from the Seller

The basic documents that a person who wants to sell his/her house should prepare are as follows:

1. Title Deed
   • It is the certificate of ownership of the immovable subject to sale.
   • It must be submitted during the transaction at the land registry.
2. Identity Document
   • Seller’s identity card, new identity card or passport.
   • For foreign sellers, a notarized passport translation is also required.
3. TCIP (Compulsory Earthquake Insurance) Policy
   • No sale can be made without compulsory earthquake insurance.
   • The policy must be valid from the date of sale.
4. Fair Value Certificate from the Municipality
   • It shows the minimum registered value of the immovable in the municipality.
   • The sale price cannot be below the market price.
5. No Real Estate Tax Debt Certificate
   • It is obtained from the municipality.
   • Indicates that the seller does not owe property tax on the immovable property.
6. Power of Attorney (If applicable)
   • If the sale is to be made through a lawyer or representative, a notarized power of attorney is required.
   • The power of attorney must clearly state the authorization for the sale of immovable property.

2. Documents Requested from the Buyer

There are also documents that the homebuyer must prepare:

1. Identity Document
   • Recipient’s identity card or passport.
   • Notarized passport translation for foreign buyers.
2. Tax Number (for foreigners)
   • Foreigners who will buy real estate in Turkey are required to obtain a tax number.
   • It can be obtained from the tax office or online system.
3. Residence Certificate (for foreigners, in some cases)
   • It may be requested for foreign buyers planning a long-term residence in Turkey.

3. Documents Required at the Land Registry Office

Documents to be submitted at the land registry for both the buyer and the seller:

• Application form (issued by the Land Registry Office).
• Photographs (one biometric photo each from the seller and the buyer).
• Payment receipts (tuition fee, revolving fund fee).
• Immovable property declaration form (sale value cannot be lower than the market value).

🔗 Official source: General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre (TKGM)

4. Payments and Fees

The official costs to be paid during the sale of a house are as follows:

• Title deed fee 4% of the sale price (shared 50/50 between buyer and seller).
• Revolving fund fee: 2,000 – 5,000 TL on average for 2025.
• Notary fees: Payable separately if a power of attorney is issued.

5. Steps of the Process

1. Preliminary Preparation
   • The seller completes the documentation.
   • The buyer prepares the payment.
2. Land Registry Appointment
   • An appointment is made with the Land Registry and Cadastre Directorate.
   • Transactions are usually completed on the same day or within 2-3 business days.
3. Payment of the Sale Price
   • The price must be paid through the bank.
   • Payment by hand does not provide assurance in official processes.
4. Signature and Handover
   • The parties sign at the land registry.
   • The title deed is registered in the name of the buyer.

6. Risks and Legal Considerations

• Risk of missing documents: The transaction may be delayed.
• Under-declaration: May lead to a tax penalty.
• Wrong power of attorney: The sale may be invalid.
• Risk for the buyer: Transferring the title deed without payment can result in serious losses.

7. Official Sources

• TKGM – General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre
• Revenue Administration
• Republic of Turkey Ministry of Justice – Notarial Transactions

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question 1: Do the buyer and seller have to go to the title deed office on the same day?

Yes. Both parties or their proxies must be present at the land registry during the transaction.

Question 2: What additional documents should foreigners submit when selling a house?

Passport translation, address confirmation and tax number. There may also be a security investigation to ensure that there are no barriers to sale.

Question 3: Can a sale be made if there is a property tax debt?

No, no, no. First of all, all debts must be settled.

Question 4: Does the sale price have to be paid through a bank?

Yes. From 2018 onwards, all real estate sales must be paid through the bank.

10. Conclusion

The house sale process is not only about the preparation of documents. Proper management of the legal details is critical to ensure that the buyer and seller do not lose their rights.

👉 MFY Legal’s real estate lawyers check your pre-sale documents, carry out all official procedures on your behalf and ensure that the sales process is completed in full.

📩 Contact us today, realize your home sale with confidence.