The First 30 Days After the Title Deed: Subscriptions, Service-Charge Transfer and Tax Records

You have the title deed; the exciting part is over. But there are a few jobs to do in the first month, and skipping them causes trouble later. This article gives the order for those first 30 days.

Days 1–3: gather the documents

• Take copies of the title deed and the payment receipts.
• Record the DASK policy and its renewal date.
• Keep the sales contract, valuation report and bank receipts in one folder.
• Collect the key handover record (if any) and the user manuals.

Days 3–10: subscriptions

Electricity, water, natural gas and internet subscriptions should move into your name. For this the following are usually requested:

• The title deed or a photocopy of it.
• Passport and tax number.
• DASK policy.
• Details of closing the old subscription and meter readings.

The steps vary by region, so having one manager or representative follow up all the subscriptions makes it easier. Important: if the seller has a subscription debt, it comes out during the transfer; so before the title deed get a "no debt" letter.

Days 10–20: complex management and service charge

• Register with the complex management as the new owner.
• Find out the service-charge amount, payment day and payment account.
• Check whether there is any past service-charge debt; debt belongs to the seller and must have been paid before the transfer.
• Read the management plan (rules of use).
• Set up an automatic payment instruction.

Days 15–25: taxes

• Property tax. It is notified to the municipality as the property owner; learn the payment dates and amount from the municipality or your representative. Details may differ by municipality.
• Environmental cleaning tax. Usually collected together with the water bill.
• Income tax. If you rent it out, a rental income declaration is needed. Speak to an accountant about this.

To see annual costs together, see our article on purchase costs and annual costs.

Days 20–30: life and permits

• Residence permit. If you want a residence permit, you apply with the title deed and other documents. For current requirements see our residence permit page and the Migration Authority's site.
• Citizenship. If you are planning a citizenship application, keep the documents safe and do not forget the three-year ban on selling. See our citizenship guide.
• Health insurance. Health insurance may be needed for a residence permit. See our article on healthcare in Antalya.
• Local connections. Everyday services such as a bank account, phone line and e-Devlet.

If you will leave the home empty

If you live far away, also make a management plan: our article on managing an empty home explains it step by step.

Summary list

1. Copy and keep the documents.
2. Take over the subscriptions.
3. Service-charge and complex management registration.
4. Property tax and DASK calendar.
5. Residence permit / citizenship plan.
6. How the home will be used and managed.

This list differs for every home; if you contact us we will prepare a checklist specific to your home. You can see purchase costs in our calculator.

Sources: goc.gov.tr · gib.gov.tr · dask.gov.tr · tkgm.gov.tr