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Title Deed Guide

How to Transfer an Inherited Property in Turkey

A step-by-step guide to the certificate of inheritance, the Web Tapu application, inheritance tax and how to find properties registered to a deceased relative in Turkey.

Last updated: · RE/MAX İDA

When a relative passes away, their properties pass to the heirs automatically; however, an inheritance transfer (intikal) must be carried out for the title deed records to be registered in the heirs’ names. Until this is done, the property cannot be sold, donated or divided.

Step-by-step transfer

  1. Certificate of inheritance (veraset ilamı): Obtained from a notary or a civil court of peace, it shows who the heirs are and in what shares.
  2. Identifying the properties: Properties belonging to the deceased can be searched by applying to the land registry with the certificate of inheritance.
  3. Application: The inheritance transfer application is made through Web Tapu or in person at the land registry.
  4. Signature and registration: The heirs are invited to sign, and the property is registered in the heirs’ names as joint ownership.

Inheritance and transfer tax

Heirs are required to file an inheritance and transfer tax return with the tax office within the legal deadline. Until the tax debt has been paid in full, the property cannot be sold or otherwise disposed of. We recommend getting support from a financial adviser on deadlines and exemptions.

Selling an inherited property

The heirs can sell jointly, or first convert to shared ownership (müşterek mülkiyet) so that each heir can sell their own share separately. At RE/MAX İDA we manage sales involving several heirs by keeping all parties informed.

The information on this page is for general guidance only; please consult a lawyer about your specific situation.

Frequently asked questions on this topic

What documents are needed to transfer an inheritance? How does the process work?

To register inherited property in the heirs’ names, a certificate of inheritance (veraset ilamı) must first be obtained. With this certificate and the heirs’ identity details, an application is made through the Web Tapu system.

After reviewing the application, the land registry invites the heirs to sign. Once completed, the property is registered jointly in the heirs’ names. At this stage only ownership passes to the heirs; no sale or transfer takes place.

Can an inheritance be transferred before the inheritance tax is settled?

Inheritance transfers can be completed even if the inheritance and transfer tax has not yet been paid. However, at this stage no sale, donation or transfer can be carried out on the property.

The right to dispose of the property cannot be exercised until the tax debt has been paid in full.

How can I find out whether there is a property registered in my late grandfather’s name?

To search for properties belonging to a deceased person, a certificate of inheritance must first be obtained. With this certificate you can apply to the land registry and find out whether any property is registered in that person’s name.