Clear and accurate definitions of the title deed, zoning, mortgage and investment terms you will come across when buying or selling property. So that nothing in the process confuses you, we have explained each term in plain language.
34 terms
The official document showing ownership of a property. It is based on the record kept at the Land Registry Office (Tapu Müdürlüğü) and is the legal proof of ownership.
A preliminary ownership right established over the independent units of a building that is not yet completed (still under construction). Once the building is finished, it is converted into condominium ownership.
A form of ownership that allows each independent unit (flat, shop) in a completed building with an occupancy permit to be owned separately.
A permit issued by the municipality certifying that a building has been completed in accordance with its approved plans and the regulations. Condominium ownership cannot be established in a building without one.
Information showing for what purpose and under what conditions (height, density, etc.) a plot may be built on according to the zoning plan.
The ratio of the total floor area that may be built on a plot to the area of the plot.
The ratio of the footprint of the building on the ground to the area of the plot.
A charge placed on a property as security for a debt. If the debt is not repaid, it gives the creditor the right to have the property sold.
The determination of a property’s current market value by experts. It is used in mortgage and sale processes.
Compulsory Earthquake Insurance. It is a legal requirement for residential properties and is requested for title deed transactions and utility subscriptions.
The current value of a property as set by the municipality. It is used as the basis for calculating property tax and fees.
The official fee paid on a sale, usually at a rate of 4% of the sale price (most often shared between buyer and seller).
An advance payment made by the buyer to show their intention to purchase. Depending on the terms of the contract, it may or may not be refundable.
Agricultural land with olive trees. In Turkey it is protected by special legislation and is subject to restrictions in terms of building and status.
The division of a single plot into several plots in accordance with the zoning regulations.
The merging of several plots into a single plot. It is the opposite of subdivision.
In shared ownership, the right of the other co-owners to buy first if one co-owner sells their share.
The smallest unit of land whose boundaries are defined in the zoning plan and which is registered in the land registry.
A group of land surrounded by roads and made up of several plots. In the land registry it is identified by its block and plot number.
The official system that determines the boundaries, location and owners of immovable properties and records them on maps and in the register.
A single-building home on its own plot, not attached to a shared structure with other units.
A type of holiday property based on shared ownership that gives the right to use a home during specific periods of the year.
A technical plan showing the position of the buildings, roads and facilities on a plot.
The permit obtained from the municipality allowing a building to be constructed in accordance with its plans. It is a precondition for starting construction.
The procedure of correcting the property’s description in the land registry to match its actual state (e.g. land that now has a building on it).
A form of ownership in which a property belongs to more than one person, with the shares stated in the title deed.
A title deed showing that a property belongs to a single owner and fully represents the independent unit.
An amount paid regularly in a residential complex or apartment building to cover shared costs (security, cleaning, pool, etc.).
The gross area includes the walls and the share of common areas; the net area refers only to the usable interior space.
A long-term loan taken from a bank to buy a home, secured by a mortgage on the property.
The official report in which a valuation expert documents the value and condition of a property.
Looking up a property’s title deed and zoning information in the official systems using its block and plot number.
The right to use an asset and to benefit from its produce; the right of use is transferred while ownership remains with someone else.
A contractual right that allows the seller to buy back the property they sold within a certain period.