The tapu (title deed) transfer is the final and most important step of any Istanbul purchase, and it happens in person at the local Land Registry office. Both buyer and seller — or their notarised power-of-attorney representatives — need to attend, along with a certified translator if either party does not speak Turkish.
Before that appointment, your advisor should have already completed a title check confirming there are no liens, unpaid taxes or ongoing disputes attached to the property, and arranged the mandatory valuation report, which is required by law and must be less than three months old on the day of transfer.
On the day itself, the declared transfer tax is paid, the tapu is signed over in the new owner’s name, and you walk out with the registered deed — typically the same day. A good advisor gives you a written checklist of every document required before you arrive, so nothing holds up the appointment.