Land Title Deed: Types, Verification Methods and the Buying Process

What Is a Title Deed and Why Is It So Important?

A title deed is the official government document that records the legal owner, nature, area and location of a property. In Türkiye, all title deed transactions are conducted through land registry offices affiliated with the Land Registry and Cadastre General Directorate (TKGM).

Types of Land Title Deeds

• Freehold Title Deed: The entire parcel belongs to a single person or entity. It is the cleanest and least risky type of title deed. There are no restrictions from other rights holders on the ownership right.
• Shared Title Deed: The parcel belongs to more than one person, each having a specific share. When purchasing a shared title deed, there may be legal processes requiring the approval of all shareholders.
• Usufruct Rights and Annotations: There may be restrictions on the title deed such as mortgages, attachments or usufruct rights. The presence of these restrictions must be checked before purchase.

Title Deed Transfer Process

1. Seller and buyer make an appointment at the land registry office (via ALO 181 or tapu.gov.tr).
2. The title deed fee calculated on the sale price is paid (buyer and seller share equally at a total rate of four percent).
3. The revolving fund service fee is paid.
4. The title deed certificate is signed by both parties and the title deed registration is completed.

Checks to Be Made Before Title Deed Transfer

• Query the current title deed record through TKGM.
• Check for mortgages, attachments or annotations.
• Confirm that the seller is the actual owner.
• If applicable, have the content of a power of attorney sale reviewed by a legal advisor.

The Kupon Araziler Guarantee

The title deed status for every piece of land in our portfolio is clearly stated in our listings. Listings with shared title deeds are specially tagged, allowing our investors to make informed choices.