7 replies to this topic

[Mia220781]

Thank you for allowing me to join this forum.
I need some advice and possibly help regarding a property I bought 8 years ago.
The basics are:
I bought an apartment in 2004 in didim / altinkum.
I haven't been out to the property in those eight years, nor have I paid any local taxes or rates.
I have all the legal doucments that were given at the time of purchase.

It seems ridiculous I know, but due to personal circumstances I haven't had a chane to deal with it until now.

I need to sort this out and bring everything up to date but don't have a clue where to start.....assuming I still own it!!

Can anyone help or point me in the right direction?..

I would really appreciate any help!

Thank you ?

[Abi]

Hi Mia and welcome to our forum. Not sure I know where you would start either, Did you by off plan and if so did you ever see the finished property or did you buy a re-sale. Is it possible for you to come over to Turkey to sort this out? Did you get both your Tapu and Habitation Certificate for the property.

If you can't get over here it may be possible to assign someone to deal with it on your behalf.

We do have a member called Jade who is an emlak, but she she lives in Antalya which is too far away, but she may be able to tell you what you should be doing.

Sorry I can't be more helpful but wish you good luck. and hope you let us know how you get on.

Edit. I'm going to move your post to the Property section so that you will get more answers. I will leave a link in this section so you can find it again,

[jade]

Good morning,

exactly as Abi wrote the first thing to do is to find out if you do own the property or not. Go to the Land Registry Office (Tapu office) and check THE ORIGINAL TAPU to see if you are the rightful owner.

If so you will have to backpay any council rates due etc.

if you can't speak Turkish I would recommend contacting a lawyer (avukat) who can check out these things for you. Maybe someone can recommend a lawyer for you in Didim for you.

I know an estate agent in Didim who might be able to help you. Her name is Zeynep Karlidağ and her mobile number is 0506 772 15 23. I taught her English last year at a school in Bristol and visited her in June last year. In the meantime she has moved her office so I can't give you her address, but the office is near the beach in Altinkum. If you speak slowly enough in English she can understand you. At least she knows the ropes.

Hope this has been of help to you,
jade

[mrslawyer]

Hello Mia,

Welcome to our forum.

8 years is such a long time. As the others say FIRSTLY you have to do the TITLE CHECK!

Following issues are also important:

· Checks on the land title and ownership

· Checks for debts or restictive covenants against the title

· Conformation of habitation licence for completed properties or projects.·

If the title deed is on your name, then you have to check whether there is any seizures (by government) on it or not. If so, then you have to make a negotiation with the government officials about payment installments.

Regards,

Av. Merve Balin

[ash]

Hello all, I am thinking of buying a falt in istanbul. The turkish guy is asking me to pay some money to reserve that flat. It is in Silivri area of istanbul. Anyone can advise me what to do? Or anyone has been through this procedure please let me know. Your help will be appreciated. many thanks

[Abi]

What sort of age is the property and who is the man, is he the owner or an emlak and how much is he asking for as a deposit? If you aren't Turkish you can't buy any property until Military searches have been done. I can't say how long a military search will take in that area but the Tapu office should be able to tell you. So if you put a deposit down you need to draw up a document which says the deposit will be returned if you get turned down. Also you should get it notorised. Do not use a lawyer that an emlak or builder suggests you need to find your own. Make sure you don't put down more than 10% deposit. When buying a property it is wise to find out if you are supposed to pay the sellers cost.

You need to find out that the seller is the owner and has the seller name on the Tapu, also that there is planning permission for the property and that it has a habitation certificate. If it hasn't got a habitation certificate it means that you can't live in it legally. The most important thing at the start is that the Tapu is checked to make sure it has no debts against it.

We have a member called Jade who is an emlak and if she doesn't answer your post you can send a message and she will be able to tell you more.

Please don't rush into buying anything.

[sunny]

Some good advice from Abi. Also do not buy off plan, it is a big risk and many foreigners have lost a lot of money thinking they were going to get a good deal.

[jade]

I think Abi has said all there is to say. Definitely get a lawyer to check the title deeds and to check any contracts drawn up as this will put you at ease. As Abi also pointed out, find a lawyer yourself to make sure he/she is independent and working in your interests. Also get one that speaks your language well.
I don't know how long it needs for military clearance in/around Istanbul. The last one checked down here in Antalya took around 2 months to come through
Jade