A Comprehensive Guide to Selling Your Home in Turkiye – 2025

مدیر·12/06/2024·راهنما, Home Buying Tips, مشاور املاک·4 min·

Step-by-step guide to selling your home, from preparing documents to handling mortgages and past debts. Contact Simply TR for expert assistance in your home sale.

In Turkiye, Selling a home involves various critical steps, documentation, and processes. This guide will walk you through the essential steps of selling your property, focusing on the key tasks and documents required to complete a home sale successfully.

Step-by-Step Home Selling Process

1. Schedule an Appointment with the Land Registry Office

To transfer the title of your property, you must first schedule an appointment with the Land Registry Office. You can book this appointment through the official website of the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre or by calling the hotline at 181.

2. Prepare Necessary Documents for the Home Sale

Both the seller and the buyer must prepare specific documents before heading to the Land Registry Office. These documents vary slightly for the seller and the buyer and are crucial for a smooth transaction. If the property owner or buyer cannot read or write, they must bring two witnesses who do not share the same surname to the Land Registry Office.

Documents Required for the Seller:

Original and photocopy of the seller’s ID card
Two biometric photos taken within the last six month
Statement of Identity Information Form (If the seller is foreigner)
Property tax valuation document (obtainable from the local municipality)
Proof of no outstanding property taxes
Mandatory earthquake insurance certificate

Documents Required for the Buyer:

Original and photocopy of the buyer’s ID card
Statement of Identity Information Form (If the buyer is foreigner)
~~Evaluation report (If the buyer is foreigner)~~ (Not anymore)
Currency exchange certificate (If the buyer is foreigner)
Two biometric photos taken within the last six months
Notarized power of attorney if a proxy is involved in the transaction

3. Pay the Title Deed Fee

Before the transfer, both the buyer and the seller must pay the title deed fee, %4 of the sale price of the property. This fee can be paid at the local tax office, online banking or online through the Revenue Administration’s inquiry service.

Important Considerations During the Home Sale

Who is Responsible for Past Debts?

According to legal precedents, the new owner is not usually responsible for the previous owner’s unpaid taxes. However, unpaid property taxes can bind both the buyer and the seller. Maintenance fees and other communal expenses owed by the previous owner typically do not transfer to the new owner.

Timeline for Evicting Tenants

If the property is tenanted, the eviction process must be handled according to the lease agreement and local laws. Tenants usually have the right to stay in the property until the end of their lease term, even if the property is sold.

Steps to Ensure a Smooth Sale

Appointing a Proxy for the Sale

If you cannot be present for the sale, you can appoint a proxy through a notarized power of attorney. This document can be obtained from a notary public and must include all necessary details about the property and the proxy’s authority.

Calculating the Property Value

Determining the accurate market value of your property is essential. You can use several methods to estimate your property’s value, including comparing it to similar properties in the area, calculating its value based on rental income, or using online property valuation tools. You can also always contact us to learn about your property value.

Vacating the Property

Once the sale is complete, the new owner typically expects to take possession of the property within an agreed timeframe. This period can vary but is usually takes up to 6 months, depending on the sales contract. Ensure all personal belongings are removed and the property is left in a good condition.

Commonly Asked Questions

How Long Does the Seller Have to Vacate the Property?

The timeframe for the seller to vacate the property depends on the agreement between buyer and seller. Generally, it ranges from 1 week to 90 days. If the property is tenanted, the lease agreement terms apply, and the new owner must respect the tenant’s rights.

Can a Tenant Refuse to Show the Property to Potential Buyers?

Tenants must allow the property owner or their agents to show the property to potential buyers. However, the owner must notify the tenant in advance and schedule visits at convenient times. If the tenant refuses, the owner can seek legal recourse through the local civil court.

Can the Seller Take Photos of the Property with a Tenant Present?

The property owner has the right to take photos of the property for sale purposes, but they must coordinate with the tenant and respect their privacy.

For more detailed guidance and personalized assistance in selling your home, feel free to contact us at Simply TR. Our experts are here to help you navigate the home selling process smoothly and efficiently.