Kat mülkiyeti is full legal ownership of a specific flat or unit in a completed building that has an occupancy permit (iskan). The owner holds a title deed for their own independent unit (bağımsız bölüm) together with a share of the land (arsa payı) and the building's common areas.
What kat mülkiyeti gives you
- The flat is yours as a separate property: you can sell it, give it away, let it or leave it to your heirs.
- Banks can accept it as security for a mortgage.
- The building has been formally signed off, so water and electricity are on permanent connections.
- The flat can support a residence permit application, provided the other conditions are met.
How it differs from kat irtifakı
The two are stages in the life of the same property. While a building is under construction or still waiting for iskan, the buyer holds a registered right to a future flat, known as kat irtifakı. Once iskan is issued, the land registry converts the deed to kat mülkiyeti.
| Kat irtifakı | Kat mülkiyeti | |
|---|---|---|
| Building stage | under construction or no iskan | finished, iskan issued |
| What you own | a right to a future flat and a land share | the flat and a land share |
| Utilities | may be on temporary connections | permanent connections |
| Mortgage and residence permit | can be difficult | no restriction on this ground |
How to tell which one you are buying
The form of ownership is stated on the tapu itself. Before buying a finished flat, ask for a copy of the deed and check that it says kat mülkiyeti. If the building is long finished but the deed still reads kat irtifakı, check whether it has iskan and whether it departs from its approved plans.
Common property and building rules
With the flat comes a share of the common property: the land, staircases, roof, pool and gardens. Relations between owners are governed by the Condominium Law (Kat Mülkiyeti Kanunu) and the building's own management plan, the yönetim planı. This sets out how common areas may be used, how the general meeting works and how the monthly service charge (aidat) is shared. Check for unpaid aidat before you complete.
Common mistakes
- Assuming every finished flat is automatically registered as kat mülkiyeti.
- Not reading the yönetim planı, especially if you plan short-term lets.
- Comparing prices without considering how far each property is through the registration process.
How we help
We check the form of ownership, iskan and building debts before any deposit, and focus on flats with complete paperwork. Browse finished properties in our catalogue, or read the step-by-step guide to buying a flat in Alanya.