Selling a Home: Documents and Costs 2026

How does a home seller pay the title deed fee, what happens to the DASK policy, which taxes apply? A step-by-step seller checklist with the 2026 rule changes.

The buyer's costs are often discussed in a home sale; the seller's obligations are often noticed only on the day of the title deed transfer. This guide summarizes the seller side's documents and costs together with the changes that took effect at the end of 2025 and in 2026.

1. Title deed fee: the seller pays too

Under sub-paragraph 20/a of tariff No. (4) attached to the Fees Law, in the sale of real estate the title deed fee is collected separately from the transferor and the transferee. The rate is 20 per thousand (2%). In other words, on the sale price the buyer pays 2% and the seller pays 2% in fees; even if the parties agree on a different split between themselves, the obligation under the law applies to both sides.

The basis was clarified by Law No. 7566 dated 19.12.2025: the fee is calculated on the declared transfer and acquisition price, which may not be less than the real estate tax value of the property. With the same law, the tax loss penalty to be applied if it is later determined that the fee was paid on a price lower than the real estate tax value, or that the declared price does not reflect the truth, was raised from 25% to “one fold”. These changes entered into force on 19.12.2025.

In addition to the fee, a revolving fund service fee is also collected for title deed transactions; find out the current amount from the land registry office before your appointment.

2. The DASK policy is no longer transferred to the buyer

The amendment to the General Conditions of Compulsory Earthquake Insurance (DASK), published in the Official Gazette dated 21.08.2026, entered into force fifteen days after publication, on 5 September 2026. Under new article C.4:

When the beneficiary changes because of a sale or equivalent transactions, the contract ends as of the registration date in the title deed.
Upon the application of the policyholder or the previous beneficiary, the premium for the days not run is refunded. To obtain the refund, the seller must apply to the insurance company or the agency.
Land registry offices check whether there is a compulsory earthquake insurance contract belonging to the new owner for the change of beneficiary.
In cases other than a sale (for example inheritance), the contract continues with the new beneficiary; the new owner notifies the insurance company within fifteen days from the date they learn of the change.

3. Capital gains tax (gain from value increase)

According to GİB's 2026 guide, if a home acquired for consideration is sold within five years from the acquisition date, the gain obtained is subject to income tax; the calendar day is the basis in the five-year period. This tax does not arise in acquisitions without consideration such as inheritance and gift. The exemption amount for 2026 sales is TL 150,000 (Communiqué No. 332). The gain exceeding the exemption is declared in March of the following year.

4. Payment method: note the date of 1 December 2026

With the amendment to the Regulation on Real Estate Trade published in the Official Gazette dated 01.10.2026, the transition date to the secure payment system envisaged for real estate sales was postponed from “1/7/2026” to “1/12/2026”. The sales to be left outside the scope of the system, and the usage fee and its sharing, will be determined by a protocol to be signed between the Ministries and the integrator. It will be useful for sellers planning a title deed appointment in December or later to discuss the payment method with the buyer in advance according to the current practice.

If you are selling a home with a tenant

A sale does not end the existing lease on its own. Under Article 351 of the Turkish Code of Obligations, if the new owner needs the home for themselves or their relatives, they notify the tenant in writing within one month from the date of acquisition and may end the contract through a suit filed six months later; if they wish, they may also exercise this right within one month from the end of the contract term. Giving the buyer a copy of the lease, the rent amount and the deposit status before the sale prevents disputes later.

5. What the seller needs to prepare

Identity document and, if needed, a notarized power of attorney.
Title deed information: Block/parcel (ada/parsel), independent unit number and the current record.
Annotations and encumbrances: If there is a mortgage, a plan to have it removed before the sale or paid off with the buyer's loan.
Occupancy permit and construction permit information: The buyer and the bank will ask for it.
Energy Performance Certificate: If the buyer will use a loan, the energy class affects the loan ratio.
Acquisition documents: Records showing the purchase date and price (for the capital gains calculation).
Maintenance fee and bill status: Settling accounts with the management and transferring subscriptions.

6. The day of sale and afterwards

Make sure the price declared at the land registry is the same as the real sale price.
After the title deed registration, apply to your insurance company for the DASK premium refund.
Close or transfer the electricity, water and natural gas subscriptions.
If you sold before five years had passed, mark your declaration obligation in your calendar.

Aktif Emlak can help home owners selling in the Edremit Gulf with document preparation, communication with the buyer and title deed appointment planning.