Title Deed Guide
DASK, Declared Property Value and Title Deed Documents
When is compulsory earthquake insurance (DASK) required, how long is the declared property value certificate valid, and how do you replace a lost or Ottoman-era title deed in Turkey?
Last updated: · RE/MAX İDA
Some documents required for title deed transactions must be obtained in advance from institutions other than the land registry. Missing documents are the most common reason for a transaction being postponed.
Compulsory earthquake insurance (DASK)
A valid compulsory earthquake insurance (DASK) policy is required for the sale of properties with a building on them; taking out the policy is the owner’s responsibility. DASK is not compulsory for properties without a building, such as plots and fields.
Declared property value certificate
This certificate, obtained from the municipality responsible for the property, is valid only for the year in which it is issued. A certificate for the current year must be presented for title deed transactions.
Occupancy permit and site plan
The occupancy permit (iskan) and site plan are issued not by land registries but by municipalities or other competent authorities.
Lost and old title deeds
Losing the title deed document does not end your ownership; a new document can be obtained on application. For Ottoman-era documents, research is first carried out at the relevant land registry and, if no record is found, at the Title Deed Archive Department.
The information on this page is for general guidance only.
Frequently asked questions on this topic
I have lost my title deed and want a new one. How much will it cost?
Losing the title deed document does not end your ownership. The owner can obtain a new title deed by applying through the Web Tapu system or directly at the land registry.
Presenting your ID is enough, and only the revolving fund fee is charged.
I have an Ottoman-era title deed. Where can I look it up?
Ottoman-era title documents cannot be used directly for transactions. Research is first carried out at the relevant land registry. If no record is found, an application is made to the Title Deed Archive Department (Tapu Arşiv Dairesi) for an examination of the archive records.
If the information obtained can be matched with existing records, a current title deed record can be created.
For which properties is DASK required?
Compulsory earthquake insurance (DASK) is required for title deed transactions on properties with a building on them.
DASK is not compulsory for properties without a building, such as plots and fields.
Where can I obtain the occupancy permit and the site plan?
The occupancy permit (iskan) and site plan are not issued by land registries. These documents are obtained from the municipality responsible for the property or other competent authorities. The land registry only checks them during the transaction.
How long is the declared property value certificate valid?
The declared property value certificate (emlak beyan değeri belgesi) is valid only for the year in which it was issued. A certificate issued in the current year must be presented for title deed transactions; certificates from previous years are not accepted.
Who takes out the compulsory earthquake insurance for a sale?
The owner of the property or the holder of the usufruct right is responsible for taking out compulsory earthquake insurance (DASK). The sale cannot be completed without a valid DASK policy.