Building Permit, Occupancy Permit, Construction Servitude and Condominium Title
A clear explanation of four different legal and technical documents that property buyers and building owners frequently encounter in Türkiye.
Building permits, occupancy permits, construction servitude and condominium ownership describe different stages and legal aspects of a property. None should be assumed to replace another.
What is a building permit?
It is the authority’s permission to begin construction in accordance with approved architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical projects. It does not mean that the building is complete or ready for use.
What is an occupancy permit?
Known as “iskan”, it confirms that the completed building complies with its permit and approved attachments and may be used from the authority’s perspective. Requirements may vary by building and municipality.
What is construction servitude?
“Kat irtifakı” is a right linked to the land share for independent units in an unfinished building or one whose occupancy process is incomplete. Seeing an apartment number on the title alone does not prove that an occupancy permit exists.
What is condominium ownership?
“Kat mülkiyeti” is ownership established over independent units in a completed building. Approved plans, occupancy permission, a management plan and land-registry procedures are key elements.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Title and independent-unit records
- Permit and approved-project status
- Occupancy permit
- Servitude or condominium-title status
- Consistency between municipal and land-registry records
- Common areas and management plan
The Toruklar Group approach
Toruklar Group sees reliable permit, design, inspection and handover documentation as an integral part of trustworthy project management.
Source: Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change. Always confirm current requirements with the relevant municipality and land registry.
