When looking for land register information in a foreign jurisdiction, it is always a challenge to know which websites are official, which documents are binding, and which information needs to be double-checked with official sites. This online guide on land register information aims to highlight how to access land register information in numerous jurisdictions around the world, what information and which documents are available to the public at what cost, in what language are the websites, what other land-related information is available and whether buildings are treated differently than the land.
How to Find Real Estate and Land Register Information in Turquía
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How is it possible to access land register information in Turkey?
Access to land register information in Turkey is a process carried out by the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre. You can generally access land registry records from the Land Registry and Cadastre Directorates. However, as an individual owner, you can also query your land registry records online. You can use the following methods to access land registry information:
- Land Registry and Cadastre Directorates: The most basic method is to go to the relevant provincial land registry and cadastre directorates in person to inquire about your land registry records. In this way, you can access your title deed record with the land registry number or information about the location of the property.
- Inquiry via e-government System: You can query your title deed registration information via e-government by logging in with your Turkish ID number and e-government password. You can access title deed records through "Real Estate Inquiry" service.
- Online Land Registry Inquiry Services: Some private websites offer title deed records inquiry services.
Technically, how do these systems work?
- Land Registry Records:
a. Collection of Information: Land registry and cadastre systems collect basic information about real estate. This information includes data such as the name of the property owner, land registry number, parcel information, location of the real estate.
b. Storage and Update: This information is stored and updated at the land registry offices in a given region. Updated information is added to the system in case of a new ownership transfer or any other change. - E-Government and Online Services:
a. E-Government Portals: In many countries, online access to land registry information is usually provided through the government's official web portal or e-government service. These systems provide access to personal title deed information using security measures such as a Turkish ID number and e-government password.
b. Security and Authorization: Security is of great importance in these systems. Users are provided access to the system with correct credentials and authorizations. - Land Registry and Cadastre Application and Infrastructure:
a. Geographic Information Systems (GIS): The geographical location of real estates is determined on maps using geographic information systems (GIS). This geographically represents the parcel information contained in land registry records.
b. Databases and Security: Land registries run on powerful database systems for secure storage. These databases house ownership information, ownership history and other important data.
The main purpose of these systems is to secure property rights, record title deed transactions and ensure public safety. Furthermore, these systems aim to quickly record property-related changes and provide easy access to citizens. Security, accuracy and transparency are the basic principles of land registry and cadastre systems.
Is access to these systems only online?
As in option number 1, you can physically go to the Land Registry and Cadastre Directorate where the relevant real estate is located and make an inquiry about the real estate.
As in options 2 and 3, it will be possible to obtain more detailed information in an online query using the information of the person registered on the relevant real estate.
Is there a need for a professional account when making these queries?
There is no need for a professional account to obtain such more detailed information about real estate and immovable property in the land registry, the queries to be made require the detailed information of the person on whom the immovable or real estate is registered and a certificate of authorization / power of attorney in accordance with the authority given to the person who will make the query (If the person himself / herself will make this query, this is not required).
Can a land registry inquiry be made if only the name of the person is known?
If you only know the name and are not authorized to do so, you are not entitled to make a query. In general, it is not possible to make a direct land registry query if only the name of the person is known. Land registries are usually queried with specific information such as the land registry number or the address of the property. Therefore, it is difficult to make a title deed query with only one person's name because there may be many similar names.
However, in Turkey, personal title deed information can be accessed by using the Turkish ID number for online title deed inquiries through the e-government system. For security purposes, the e-government system requires the use of a Turkish ID number and a password.
It would be more effective to access title deed records with more specific information such as the land registry number, the full address of the property or access via e-government. If a person is unable to access the exact information, they can seek assistance by contacting the relevant land registry office in person. However, in order to access the title deed information, the person who owns the real estate or immovable property in question must authorize someone else to do so (authorization certificate/ PoA) if he/she is not able to make this query himself/herself).
In which languages can this land registry query be made?
In Turkey, title deed registry queries are usually made in Turkish. Official documents, records and information are usually kept in Turkish. E-government systems and online services are often country-specific and therefore the languages in which they are available may vary depending on the institution and service.
Links that can be used:
- Tapu Bilgileri Sorgulama (turkiye.gov.tr) (E-Government query)
- TKGM | Parsel Sorgu Uygulaması (Online parcel query)
What property information is publicly available in Turkey?
In Turkey, property information is generally publicly available and specific information is generally provided by the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre. However, access to complete and detailed ownership information usually requires records containing direct personal information. Some basic property information that is publicly available may include the following:
Name and Location of Property: Basic information such as the name and geographical location of real estate is usually publicly available.
However, obtaining more detailed information about ownership, especially reviewing detailed records of a person's ownership, may involve personal information and other sensitive information.
To obtain information such as the name of the owner, the land registry number of the immovable property, it may often be necessary to make a request with specific information such as the person's identification details or land registry number. This information is also provided to the requester in exchange for the necessary information. In addition, if someone else wants to make these queries, that person must be authorized to do so.
In Turkey, access to property information is usually provided through the Land Registry and Cadastre Directorates or the e-government system. However, it is important to consider personal privacy and security measures when accessing this information.
Which places can be included in the land registry?
The types of immovable property that can be registered in the land registry often vary depending on the country's legal regulations and land registry system. However, in general, the following types of immovable property can be registered in the land registry in many countries:
- Land: Vacant or unbuilt land, agricultural land or land suitable for other uses.
- Residential and Commercial: Structures such as houses, apartments, offices, shops, etc.
- Vineyard and Garden: Vineyards and gardens used for agricultural or commercial purposes.
- Forest: Areas used for the protection of natural resources such as forest areas, forest villages.
- Seaside and Lakeside Properties: Properties by the sea or lake, beaches, and similar immovable properties.
- Immovable Rights: Immovable rights such as usufruct right, right of peace, easement right.
- Property Acquired through Expropriation: Immovable properties acquired as a result of expropriation for public benefit.
- Rights Obtained as a Result of Deed Cancellation and Registration Lawsuits: Rights obtained as a result of deed cancellation and registration cases with a court decision.
Such places can be registered in the land registry by registering immovable properties.
Which property related documents are available in Turkey?
There are various documents related to property in Turkey. These documents include official records and approvals regarding property rights, transactions regarding the sale or transfer of immovable property. Here are some of the important documents related to property in Turkey:
- Title Deed: It is the most basic document proving ownership of immovable property. The title deed is officially issued by the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre and includes the name of the owner, the characteristics of the immovable, its surface area and its location.
- Land Registry: The land registry is an official document that contains details such as the land registry number of the immovable property, island-parcel information, owner information.
- Sales Contract: It is the contract organized in case of sale of the immovable property. The contract specifies the rights and obligations of the parties.
- Encroachment Decision : Used when a person demands payment for the construction or use of land or a building owned by another person.
- Mortgage Certificate: A document issued when a bank loan is obtained, or a property is mortgaged as collateral for a specific debt.
- Lease Agreement: It is a contract between the tenant and the owner. It determines the tenant's right to use the property.
These documents are the basic documents used in various legal transactions related to property in Turkey. However, it is important to note that each document varies according to the specific situation and is subject to official regulations.
The documents used in Turkey in relation to property may vary depending on various situations and needs. In addition, property-related transactions and documents may also change over time with legal regulations. However, examples of other documents used in some cases in relation to property include the following:
- Housing Development Administration (‘’TOKI’’) Certificate: For houses sold by TOKİ, a special document may be issued to document ownership of these houses.
- Expropriation Certificate: It is one of the official documents regarding the immovables obtained as a result of expropriation procedures.
- Certificate of Occupancy: It is a document stating that the use of a newly constructed building is permitted. This document is obtained after the completion of the building and is an official document that authorizes the use of the immovable.
- Public Purchase and Sale Contract: This is a special contract issued for immovable properties purchased or sold by public institutions.
- Land Registry Clarification Certificate: A document issued when a correction or clarification is made to the land registry.
The use and validity of each document depends on a specific context and situation. It is important to consult official authorities, such as the Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre, a notary public or legal advisors, about which documents are required for a particular property transaction or situation. It is also important that they comply with local regulations on the issuance and validity of documents.
What other property-related information is available in Turkey?
There is a range of important information and resources on property in Turkey. Information on factors such as zoning, pollution, tourism areas, natural hazards, etc. is usually available in official sources. Here are some sources for further information on these topics:
- Zoning Status: Information about the zoning status of the immovable property, conditions of use and building permits can be obtained from the relevant municipalities or the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre. The zoning plans of the municipalities provide detailed information on this subject.
- Pollution and Environmental Information: Information on environmental impacts, pollution levels and environmental licenses can be found on the official website of the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization or from the relevant departments.
- Tourism Areas and Projects: For information on tourism areas, tourism investments and projects, the official website of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism or relevant departments can be a source.
- Natural Hazards (Flood Risk Areas, etc.): For information on natural hazards, flood risk, earthquake risk, etc., official sources of AFAD (AFAD in Turkish; Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency in English), Chamber of Geological Engineers and General Directorate of Meteorology can be used.
- Cadastral and Land Registry Information: You can access information such as the title deed records, cadastral information and land registry number of the immovable property through the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre or the e-government system.
- Land and Agriculture Information: Official sources of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry can be used for information on land use, agricultural areas and agricultural policies.
- Public Announcements: Announcements and notices made by public institutions, local municipalities and relevant ministries can provide information on regional and local developments.
Is it possible to obtain information on pending litigation concerning the property?
In order to obtain information about ongoing property-related litigation, it is often necessary to contact authorized venues, such as the legal offices of the parties involved in the litigation, the courts or official sources. However, the general public availability of this information may be subject to some limitations.
- Courthouse and Court Information Systems: The information systems of courthouses and courts in Turkey contain information on case files and their status. This information can be accessed through the websites of the relevant courthouses or the official website of the Ministry of Justice (e.g. UYAP Citizen Portal in Turkey).
- E-Government System: The e-government system is a platform that provides electronic access to many services in Turkey. It may be possible to access some information about the case files through e-government.
- Court Decisions and Announcements: Courts officially publish some decisions and announcements to inform the public. These announcements can be announced through the court's website or local media.
- Land Registry and Cadastre Directorates: If there is a property-related case, title deed records and information may be available at the relevant Land Registry and Cadastre Directorate. However, such information may in some cases have limited accessibility until court proceedings are completed.
The privacy and confidentiality of cases may vary depending on the type of case, court policies and local regulations. Therefore, to get the most reliable and up-to-date information, contact the relevant institution directly.