🏠 Iskan Türkiye – Everything you need to know about building permits when buying real estate
When buying property in Turkey, buyers often come across an important term: the IskanBut what exactly is an Iskan in Turkey? Why is this document so important, and what risks exist if it is missing?
In this article, HomeWorld Alanya Everything you need to know about the building passport – from the background to its practical significance when buying a house.
📌 What is an Iskan in Turkey?
The Iskan (officially: Making a Difference in Belgium) is a technical building passwhich confirms that a building has been constructed in accordance with legal requirements and habitable is.
There are two main forms:
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General Iskan (general building pass for the entire property)
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Ferdi Iskan (formerly individual for each apartment – no longer common today)
Since 2020, only the General Iskan issued to the developer and automatically applies to all units in the building.
🔎 Why is a building passport (Iskan) important in Turkey?
Without a valid Iskan, buyers can:
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no water, electricity or gas contracts complete
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do not take out a mortgage on the property
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be exposed to legal and financial risks
A missing Iskan can mean that the building does not comply with building regulations – e.g. fire protection, earthquake safety or permits.
🧾 What should property buyers in Turkey look out for when buying Iskan?
Before you buy a property, make sure you clarify:
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Is there a valid Genel Iskan?
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Is the Iskan included in the purchase price or is it paid separately?
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Who is responsible for the exhibition – the developer or the buyer?
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Is the connection to supply lines secured?
If the Iskan is missing, clear deadlines for its submission should be set out in the contract – including possible rights of withdrawal.
🏗️ New buildings without Iskan: Which documents are important?
When buying in a new building that has not yet been accepted, there is usually no Iskan yetIn this case, you should definitely:
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After Yapi Restati (building permit) ask
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The Check construction progress
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Include the developer’s responsibility for issuing the Iskan in the contract
An Iskan cannot be “re-issued” – but Copies are possible if it gets lost.
Electricity and water are not proof of Iskan certification.
Existing electricity and water connections, or already occupied neighboring apartments, do not prove that a valid Iskan (building permit) exists. They can provide indications, but do not replace the review of the building permit documents. Official information on the Yapı Kullanma İzin Belgesi (building permit) can also be found on the e-Devlet portal.
Purchase without Iskan only under clear conditions.
If the Iskan (project approval) is still pending, it should be clearly documented who is applying for it, what requirements are still outstanding, who will bear any fees or additional work, and what will happen in case of delays. Larger final payments should be tied to clearly defined project progress milestones.
Existing properties: Iskan should still be checked.
Even for older buildings or apartments that have been sold multiple times, the Iskan (land register) should be compared with the current Tapu (land register) and the unit being viewed. For villas, pools, outbuildings, terraces, or covered areas should be included and should correspond to the approved documents.
💡 Tip from HomeWorld Alanya
Some developers distribute the Iskan costs pro rata on the buyers. These often lie between 1,500 – 4,000 TL. Clarify in advance whether these are included in the purchase price.
🌐 Further information
You can find more information about legal requirements regarding construction and housing in Turkey on the Ministry’s official website:
👉 https://www.csb.gov.tr
If you would like to know more about the required Documents for buying property in Turkey read our detailed Blog articles on this topic.
Or discover our current Real estate offers in Alanya with a valid Iskan.
👉 Always check for an existing Iskan (public transport permit) when making a purchase. Current offers in Alanya can be found at [website address]. Buy an apartment in Alanya and Buy a villa in Alanya.
