Property listings sometimes use Turkish building terms as if they mean the same thing. They do not. Buyers should ask for the actual records and have a local professional explain how the documents fit together for the exact apartment, building and land parcel.
What the terms refer to
Iskan is commonly used for the building-use or occupancy permission issued by the relevant authority. Kat irtifaki is a construction servitude structure associated with planned independent units, while kat mülkiyeti is condominium ownership registered for completed independent units. These labels alone do not tell you whether the apartment matches the approved project or whether every required document is in place.
Questions to put in writing
- Is there a building-use permission for the building, and does it cover the block and unit being sold?
- Does the unit’s registered area and layout match the approved project and what you inspected?
- Are shared areas, parking, storage or terraces included in the records or merely described in marketing?
- Are there unresolved construction, management or utility matters that could affect use?
Ask for copies of the tapu, approved plans and relevant municipal documents. Have a lawyer verify legal status and an independent technical professional inspect the property where appropriate. Do not treat a new building, a furnished interior or a developer’s assurance as a substitute for document checks.
For the ownership record, see our tapu review checklist. If you plan to rent the home to visitors, check the tourism-rental permit rules too.
