Completion Day in Turkey: Notary, Translator and Land Registry Appointment Explained

After weeks of searching, negotiating and checking documents, the purchase of a property in Turkey comes down to one appointment at the land registry office. Knowing what will happen that day removes most of the stress and helps you avoid last-minute surprises. This guide walks through completion day, from booking the appointment to the first things you should do as the new owner.

Last updated: November 2026. Procedures can vary slightly between land registry offices.

Before the Day: Booking the Appointment

The title deed transfer is carried out at the land registry office responsible for the property's location. The application is usually made online, by the seller, the buyer or their representatives, and the office then gives an appointment once the file is ready.

Before the appointment can go ahead, the file normally needs:

• The buyer's and seller's identity documents and the buyer's tax number
• The valuation report required for foreign buyers
• A valid DASK compulsory earthquake insurance policy
• The foreign exchange purchase certificate from the bank, where required
• Any power of attorney if a representative will sign

The full list is in our checklist of documents needed to buy property in Turkey.

Paying the Fees

The title deed fee and the land registry service charge are calculated by the office and must be paid before the signing, usually online or through a bank. The receipt is checked at the appointment. The title deed fee is legally shared between buyer and seller, although the split is often agreed in the contract. See the total cost of buying property in Turkey.

Paying the Seller

The safest structure is to pay the seller at or immediately around the signing, through a traceable bank transfer, with any remaining mortgage on the property cleared at the same time. Agree in advance exactly how and when the money will move, and do not hand over cash. Read more about transferring money to Turkey to buy property.

On the Day: What Happens at the Land Registry

1. Arrival and identity checks: the buyer, the seller or their attorneys arrive with original identity documents. Photos may be taken or requested.
2. The interpreter: if a foreign buyer does not speak Turkish, a sworn interpreter attends and translates the official deed and the questions asked.
3. Review of the deed: the officer reads out the key details of the transaction, including the parties, the property and the declared price.
4. Last check of the title record: make sure no new annotation, mortgage or attachment has appeared. See title deed annotations explained.
5. Signing: the parties sign the official deed, and the transfer is registered.
6. The new title deed: the title is registered in your name, and you receive the title deed document or can access it electronically.

The signing itself is usually short. Most of the time is spent on preparation and waiting for the appointment. Learn what the document shows in what is a tapu in Turkey?

If You Cannot Attend

A representative with a valid power of attorney can sign for you. The document must clearly authorise the purchase and the related steps. See power of attorney for buying property in Turkey.

After the Signing: First Steps as the New Owner

• Keys and handover: agree the handover of keys, meter readings and any furniture on the inventory.
• Utilities: transfer or open electricity, water, gas and internet subscriptions in your name.
• Building management: register with the building manager and confirm the monthly fee. See aidat and site management explained.
• Property tax: check with the municipality whether a property tax declaration is needed for the new owner.
• Insurance: keep DASK active and consider home insurance. Read DASK and home insurance in Turkey.
• Residence permit: if you plan to stay in Turkey, you can now apply using the property. See short-term and family residence permits.

For a wider overview, read what happens after buying property in Turkey.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the land registry appointment take?

The signing itself usually takes a short time once the file is complete. Preparing the file and getting the appointment takes longer.

Do I need a notary to buy property in Turkey?

For a ready property, the transfer is normally completed at the land registry. Notaries are used for powers of attorney, translations and sales promise contracts.

Do I need an interpreter?

Yes, if you do not speak Turkish. A sworn interpreter must attend the signing.

When do I become the owner?

When the transfer is signed and registered at the land registry.

Plan Your Purchase

Follow the full process in our property buyer's guide for Turkey, browse property for sale in Turkey, read our Property Turkey guide or ask our team to coordinate your completion day.