Real Estate Lawyer - Building Amnesty & Registration Certificate

Real Estate Lawyer - Building Amnesty and Registration Certificate Services

Building Amnesty (İmar Barışı) and Building Registration Certificate (Yapı Kayıt Belgesi) represent a crucial opportunity for property owners in Turkey to legalize structures built without proper permits or in violation of building regulations. As an experienced Antalya Real Estate Lawyer, we provide comprehensive legal services to help property owners navigate the building amnesty process and obtain necessary documentation.

The building amnesty law provides a pathway for millions of property owners to regularize their properties, gain legal protection, and access essential services such as utilities. Understanding the requirements, procedures, and limitations of this program is essential for successful application.

What is Building Amnesty (İmar Barışı)?

Building Amnesty, officially known as "İmar Barışı" in Turkish, is a government program that allows property owners to obtain legal documentation for structures that:

  • Were built without building permits
  • Violate zoning regulations
  • Have unauthorized additions or modifications
  • Lack proper completion certificates

The program provides a Building Registration Certificate (Yapı Kayıt Belgesi) which grants legal recognition to these structures and protects them from demolition orders.

Eligibility for Building Registration Certificate

Qualifying Structures

The Building Registration Certificate can be obtained for structures that:

  • Were completed before December 31, 2017
  • Are located on legally owned land or land where the applicant has legal rights
  • Are not located in restricted areas (detailed below)
  • Have not been subject to final demolition orders

Excluded Areas

Building Registration Certificates cannot be issued for structures in:

  • Bosphorus coastal strip and foreground areas (Istanbul)
  • Istanbul historical peninsula designated areas
  • Gallipoli Historical Site
  • Properties belonging to third parties without ownership rights
  • Treasury-owned land designated as social facility areas

Benefits of Building Registration Certificate

Obtaining a Building Registration Certificate provides numerous advantages:

Legal Protection

  • Cancellation of Demolition Orders: Existing demolition orders are cancelled
  • Protection from Future Demolition: Structure gains legal protection
  • Administrative Fine Cancellation: Uncollected administrative fines are cancelled

Property Rights

  • Title Deed Operations: Enables condominium establishment and title deed transactions
  • Property Type Changes: Allows changes in property usage type
  • Sale and Transfer: Facilitates legal sale and transfer of property

Utility Connections

  • Electricity Connection: Temporary electricity connection becomes possible
  • Water Supply: Water connection can be obtained
  • Natural Gas: Natural gas connection becomes available

Financial Benefits

  • Mortgage Eligibility: Property becomes eligible for mortgage financing
  • Property Value: Increases property market value
  • Insurance: Enables proper property insurance

Application Process

Required Documents

To apply for a Building Registration Certificate, you need:

  1. Ownership Documents

    • Title deed (tapu) or ownership proof
    • Land registry records
    • Inheritance documents (if applicable)
  2. Property Information

    • Property location and address
    • Building dimensions and area
    • Number of floors and units
    • Construction type and use
  3. Personal Documents

    • Identity card or passport
    • Tax identification number
    • Power of attorney (if applying through representative)

Application Methods

Applications can be submitted through:

  • e-Government Portal: Online application through e-Devlet system
  • Municipal Offices: In-person application at local municipality
  • Special Provincial Administration: For properties outside municipal boundaries

Application Steps

  1. Complete Application Form: Fill out the Building Registration Certificate form with accurate information

  2. Calculate Fee: Determine the Building Registration Certificate fee based on property value and type

  3. Submit Application: Submit application through chosen method with required documents

  4. Pay Fee: Pay the calculated Building Registration Certificate fee

  5. Receive Certificate: Obtain Building Registration Certificate after approval

Building Registration Certificate Fee Calculation

The fee is calculated based on:

Base Calculation

Fee = (Land Tax Value + Building Approximate Cost) × Rate

Where:

  • Rate for Residential: 3%
  • Rate for Commercial: 5%

Land Tax Value

Based on property tax values determined by the Real Estate Tax Law (Law No. 1319), using minimum square meter unit values from the municipality.

Building Approximate Cost

Unit cost per square meter:

| Building Type | Cost per m² | |--------------|-------------| | Agricultural simple buildings | 200 TL/m² | | 1-2 story buildings and simple industrial structures | 600 TL/m² | | 3-7 story buildings and integrated industrial structures | 1,000 TL/m² | | 8+ story buildings | 1,600 TL/m² | | Luxury buildings, villas, shopping complexes, hospitals, hotels | 2,000 TL/m² | | Solar Energy Plants (GES) | 100,000 TL/MW |

Mixed-Use Properties

For properties with both residential and commercial use, the fee is calculated separately for each portion based on their respective rates and areas.

Condominium Establishment After Building Registration

After obtaining a Building Registration Certificate, property owners can establish condominium ownership by:

Required Documents

  1. Building Registration Certificate: Original certificate
  2. Architectural Project: Prepared by licensed architect showing all units, common areas, and proportional shares
  3. Land Transfer Document: For areas designated as public service areas in zoning plans
  4. Management Plan: Prepared according to unit usage and signed by all owners
  5. Ground Survey Report: Prepared by licensed surveying offices confirming compliance between certificate and project

Additional Fee

An additional fee equal to the original Building Registration Certificate fee must be paid to complete condominium establishment.

Legal Responsibilities

Architects and engineers preparing required documents are legally responsible, together with property owners, for the accuracy of the information provided.

Special Situations

Co-Owned Properties

For properties with multiple owners:

  • No Building Permit: All owners must pay their proportional share of the total fee before certificate issuance
  • With Use Permit: Only owners of units with violations need to pay for their specific violations

Incomplete Construction

For buildings under construction as of December 31, 2017:

  • Certificate can be issued for completed portions only
  • No additional construction area can be created
  • Simple repairs and maintenance can be performed on certified portions

Common Issues and Solutions

Ownership Disputes

If ownership is disputed:

  • Resolve ownership issues before applying
  • Obtain court decisions if necessary
  • Ensure all co-owners agree on application

Boundary Problems

For properties with boundary disputes:

  • Conduct proper survey before application
  • Resolve boundary issues with neighbors
  • Obtain cadastral corrections if needed

Zoning Violations

For structures violating zoning regulations:

  • Assess extent of violations
  • Determine if violations can be regularized
  • Consider partial demolition if necessary

Our Building Amnesty Legal Services

As experienced Antalya real estate lawyers, we provide comprehensive services for building amnesty matters:

Application Assistance

  • Complete application preparation
  • Document collection and verification
  • Fee calculation and payment guidance
  • Submission through appropriate channels

Legal Consultation

  • Eligibility assessment
  • Risk analysis
  • Strategy development
  • Compliance guidance

Dispute Resolution

  • Ownership dispute resolution
  • Boundary dispute handling
  • Co-owner negotiations
  • Administrative appeals

Condominium Establishment

  • Project coordination with architects
  • Document preparation
  • Title deed office representation
  • Registration completion

Why Choose Our Services?

Expertise

  • Extensive experience with building amnesty applications
  • In-depth knowledge of property law and regulations
  • Successful track record with complex cases

Comprehensive Support

  • End-to-end service from application to certificate
  • Coordination with architects, surveyors, and other professionals
  • Follow-up until completion

Local Knowledge

  • Familiarity with Antalya municipal procedures
  • Established relationships with local authorities
  • Understanding of regional property issues

Multilingual Service

  • Services in Turkish, English, and German
  • Support for foreign property owners
  • Clear communication throughout process

Important Deadlines and Requirements

Application Deadline

While the original deadline has been extended multiple times, it's crucial to:

  • Apply as soon as possible
  • Don't wait for deadline extensions
  • Ensure timely payment of fees

Payment Terms

  • Full payment required for certificate issuance
  • Installment options may be available (check current regulations)
  • Late payment may result in penalties

Post-Certificate Obligations

After receiving your Building Registration Certificate:

Notification Requirement

Property owners must provide a copy of the certificate to:

  • Local municipality (within municipal boundaries)
  • Special Provincial Administration (outside municipal boundaries)

Compliance

  • Maintain structure in accordance with certificate
  • Perform only authorized repairs and modifications
  • Keep certificate with property documents

Future Transactions

  • Present certificate for utility connections
  • Include in property sale transactions
  • Required for condominium establishment

Contact Our Antalya Real Estate Law Office

For expert legal assistance with building amnesty and Building Registration Certificate matters in Antalya, contact our experienced real estate lawyers.

Phone: +90 242 966 65 45
Email: [email protected]
Address: Meltem Mh. 3808 Sk. No:2E, Onur Sitesi A7 Blok, Kat:1 Daire:2, Muratpaşa / Antalya

Working Hours:
Monday - Friday: 08:00 - 17:00
Saturday: By Appointment

Don't miss the opportunity to legalize your property. Contact us today for a consultation on building amnesty and Building Registration Certificate matters.

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Last Updated: December 1, 2025  

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