Building Registration Certificate is a document issued by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization to record structures built contrary to zoning regulations. The certificate records the condition of the building and the land, the classification of the property, and other essential details. It allows unpermitted or noncompliant constructions to be registered, facilitating the progress of urban projects when buildings are formally recognized.
How to Obtain a Building Registration Certificate?
Applications for the building registration certificate can be made through the following channels:
- E-Government (e-Devlet) portal,
- Authorized institutions and relevant public offices.
To apply via the e-Government portal, the application form must be completed in full and the required fees must be paid. After payment and submission, the applicant can obtain the relevant document through the www.turkiye.gov.tr system.
When applying through public offices, the form is filled out based on the applicant’s statements and supporting documents. Once the applicant pays the prescribed fee, the file is processed for approval. After higher authorities approve the certificate, a copy is issued to the applicant and the procedure is concluded. A registration certificate can be requested once for each property.
What Is the Purpose of the Building Registration Certificate?
The benefits of the building registration certificate include preventing demolition of noncompliant structures except in cases of force majeure where the property owner is responsible, halting enforcement actions and certain fines, and providing visibility of the property in public systems. This recognition helps banks process loan transactions smoothly. The certificate also simplifies licensing and the opening of businesses, and it increases the registered property’s market value.
With a building registration certificate you can:
- Connect water, electricity and natural gas services to the property,
- Clarify the type of ownership recorded in the land registry,
- Demonstrate the economic value of the registered property,
- Cancel monetary penalties that could not be recovered through demolition decisions,
- Perform changes in property type and floor details in the land registry for buildings without occupancy permits or construction permits,
- Carry out simple repairs and renovations,
- Obtain the right to open and operate a business at the property,
- Complete incomplete or unfinished parts of the building.
How Is the Fee for the Building Registration Certificate Determined?
Factors that affect the fee calculation include:
- The value of the plot where the property is located,
- If multiple properties share the plot, the fee is calculated based on the plot value corresponding to the property being registered,
- The share of the property owner in the property.
When calculating the economic value of buildings, the following unit values are considered:
- Agricultural simple properties: 200₺ per square meter,
- Simple industries and buildings up to two floors: 600₺ per square meter,
- Integrated industries and buildings of 3–7 floors: 1000₺ per square meter,
- Buildings with at least 8 floors: 1600₺ per square meter,
- Luxury buildings, shopping centers, and hotels: 2000₺ per square meter,
- Energy facilities: 2,000,000₺ per square meter,
- Shipyards and ports: 1500₺ per square meter,
- Sports fields, pools and retaining areas: 150₺ per square meter.
If the fee for a building without a construction permit is not paid, no entry will be made in the certificate. For buildings with an occupancy permit but with irregularities, the irregularity is valued and when the owner pays the determined amount the necessary adjustments are made. Collected amounts are deposited to the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization’s accounting department. No fee is charged for central public institutions and places of worship.
Where to Check a Building Registration Certificate?
Verification of building registration certificates is done through the e-Government portal. Use the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization – Building Registration Certificate Inquiry section on e-Devlet to perform the check.
What Happens If a Building Registration Certificate Is Cancelled?
When a building registration certificate is revoked, the state’s recognition of the building is removed. Utilities such as electricity, water and natural gas may be disconnected, and unregistered structures may be subject to demolition.
What Can Be Done After a Cancellation Decision?
In case of certificate cancellation the property owner may file an administrative lawsuit against the decision. If the owner does not file suit within the legal timeframe, the cancellation becomes final. If the cancellation arose from a complaint rather than an official inspection, the owner may pursue criminal complaints against the complainants based on the court’s outcome.
How to Update a Building Registration Certificate?
Applications to renew or update a building registration certificate are made via the e-Government portal. The certificate holder should make the necessary changes online and click the “Update” button. Renewing the certificate cancels the previous one. If changes do not alter recorded information materially, no additional fee is required. If updates include new information that affects valuation, any required additional payment must be made before a new certificate is issued.
How Long Is a Building Registration Certificate Valid?
The validity of a building registration certificate continues until it is renewed or until urban transformation procedures are implemented. Other than these cases, the certificate’s validity remains unaffected.
When Is the Building Registration Fee Paid?
Payment terms for the application fee require 25% of the amount to be paid in advance within two weeks, and the remaining balance to be paid within one year. The remainder may be paid in installments. Each month an interest of 2% is applied to determine the following month’s installment.
How Is Property Tax Calculated for Registered Buildings?
Property tax for buildings with a registration certificate is based on the value of the plot. For residential portions the rate is 3%, and for commercial portions it is 5%. For mixed-use properties, tax is calculated separately for residential and commercial areas based on their respective square meters.
How to Convert a Building Registration Certificate into a Title Deed?
To convert a building registration certificate to a title deed you must first have a management plan signed by the owners. A ground survey report is prepared and changes in property type and floor usage are made. Relevant bar associations or authorities review whether the area encroaches on public space. The file is prepared and submitted to the municipality. For type changes, required documents are submitted to the Land Registry Office and the Cadastre Directorate.
Which Properties Are Excluded from Building Registration?
Areas where the building registration certificate is not applicable are defined by law and include:
- The Bosphorus coastal strip and designated adjacent zones defined by official plans,
- Structures around the historic peninsula that are protected by law,
- Areas around Çanakkale-Gelibolu that are restricted by law,
- State treasury lands and other areas specifically identified by authorities.
Certificates issued for properties in excluded areas will be cancelled and fees will not be refunded. If someone applies for a certificate outside the boundaries set by law, authorities may pursue legal action against the applicant.
How Are Building Registration Certificates Inspected?
Certificates are monitored in cooperation with banks and relevant authorities. If inspections reveal false declarations, the certificate will be cancelled. If payments are incomplete, the outstanding amount will be collected from responsible parties. If unpaid, the certificate is revoked and fees are not refunded.
How Is a Building Registration Certificate Transferred?
Transfer of a building registration certificate occurs upon the owner’s death or following a sale. After the owner’s death, heirs should apply to the governorship with an inheritance certificate, the national ID of the person to whom the certificate will be transferred, and other documents requested by the governorship.
After a sale, the following steps are followed:
- Present the sales document and provide the buyer’s information. The necessary documents are submitted via the governorship to the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization to effect the transfer of the building registration certificate.