Imagine it’s a cold winter evening in Istanbul, and the kombi (central heating boiler) in your rented apartment suddenly stops working. A moment of panic sets in. Who should you call for the repair? And more importantly, who is financially responsible for the bill? This is a common and critical question for countless tenants and landlords across Turkey. Understanding your rights and obligations is key to...
Real Estate
In Türkiye, it's common for tenants to make small modifications to their rented homes. However, not all renovations are treated equally in the eyes of the law or the lease agreement. Understanding which changes are permitted without the landlord’s consent — and which require written approval — is essential for avoiding legal disputes and protecting your security deposit. Modifications That Do Not...
Investing in land has become an increasingly attractive option for real estate investors in Türkiye, offering long-term capital appreciation and development potential. However, land investment is not without risks — especially for first-time buyers who may be unaware of common pitfalls. Making one wrong decision can result in years of legal or financial trouble. Here are five critical mistakes...
Türkiye’s housing market has undergone a dramatic transformation. According to Hakan Akçam, President of the Ankara Real Estate Professionals Chamber (ATEM), the number of tenants in the country has reached 24 million, while property prices have increased 18-fold and rents 12-fold during the same period. This explosive growth has not been without consequences. Currently, an estimated 1.6 million...
In Türkiye, rental deposits serve as a financial guarantee for landlords to secure their properties against potential damages or unpaid obligations. According to the Turkish Code of Obligations, the maximum allowable deposit amount is the equivalent of three months' rent. When Can a Landlord Legally Deduct from a Deposit? There are specific and legally defined situations in which a landlord may...
Inheriting real estate in Turkey comes with a clear legal process that must be followed step by step. Whether you're a Turkish citizen or a foreigner who has inherited property in Istanbul or any other region, understanding this process ensures your rights are secured and the property is officially transferred to your name. Here’s a breakdown of the inheritance process for real estate: 1. Obtain...
When a landlord decides to sell a rented property, one common question arises: Can the tenant be forced to show the property to potential buyers or new tenants? According to Turkish law, the tenant is expected to cooperate—but under certain conditions. For the landlord to exercise this right, they must notify the tenant in advance. This notification can be verbal or written, but for legal clarity and...
It might seem like a small issue, but even a single letter mistake in your name on a Turkish title deed (Tapu) can lead to serious legal complications. From selling a property to applying for a mortgage or transferring inheritance, the accuracy of your legal name is essential for smooth transactions. What Counts as a Name Error? A name error typically involves a spelling mistake, an extra or missing...
Yes, you can legally sell a property with an existing mortgage in Turkey, but it’s not as straightforward as selling a debt-free home. The sale of a mortgaged property involves additional legal and financial procedures, and it’s important to understand your options before proceeding. In Turkey, a mortgage is a legal claim placed on a property by a lender—usually a bank—as collateral for a loan....
If you're a real estate agent, property consultant, or even an individual homeowner looking to sell your property in Turkey, ensuring the legal and administrative status of the title deed is a critical step before putting anything on the market. Overlooking even a minor risk can delay or invalidate the entire sale process, damaging your reputation and creating legal complications. The first and most...
