Mert
Lawyer · Antalya, Turkey
- 43 cases handled · 2 in this service
- 11+ years in practice
- Speaks: English, Turkish
- Bachelors of Law, Ankara University
Property Rights & Disputes in Turkey
Property lawyers in Turkey for foreign owners and heirs: questions about property rights, and disputes over the title record, boundaries, rights of way or someone using a property without a right.
About Property Rights & Disputes in Turkey
Some property problems in Turkey have nothing to do with buying or renting: a title that names the wrong person, a neighbour's wall on the land, a path through the garden. This page covers property rights and disputes in Turkey and the work of a property lawyer or real estate lawyer (gayrimenkul avukatı): the rights and obligations of a foreign owner, disputes over the title record, boundaries, easements and rights of way, and interference with a property. English-speaking lawyers registered in Turkey can review the documents and take the case. Some older lists and lawyer pages call this service “Property Rights, Obligations & Disputes”.
Common disputes in Turkey
- Title cases. When the tapu does not show the true owner, for example after a fraudulent sale, a forged power of attorney or a sale that hid a gift to one heir, the remedy is a case to cancel the registration and register the rightful owner (tapu iptal ve tescil davası).
- Boundaries and the cadastre, where the fence and the cadastral map (kadastro) disagree.
- Easements (irtifak hakkı), such as a right of way (geçit hakkı) or a water line across a neighbour's land.
- Interference and use without a right: a court order to stop it (el atmanın önlenmesi) and compensation for the use (ecrimisil).
- Neighbour disputes over noise, damage or building work.
Points to watch
The title record and its annotations (şerh) are the starting point of every case, and time limits can apply. Some property disputes, such as neighbour and condominium disputes, now go to mandatory mediation before court. An unauthorised building or a missing occupancy permit is a planning matter, see building permits and planning permission.
What a lawyer does
A property lawyer obtains the registry and cadastre records, finds the cause of the problem, negotiates, represents the owner in mediation and court, and can act for an owner abroad. Related pages: property purchase, co-ownership disputes and the property law area.
Questions and answers
What is a tapu iptal ve tescil case?
A lawsuit asking the court to cancel a registration at the land registry and register the property in the claimant's name. It is used after forgery, fraud or a sham transfer.
What rights does a foreign owner have?
A foreigner registered on the tapu holds ownership like a Turkish owner: to use, let, sell and leave the property to heirs, within the limits of the law.
Someone is using my land without permission. What can be done?
There is a court route to stop the interference and claim compensation, and an administrative route through the district governor that protects possession. The choice depends on the facts.
How is a boundary dispute resolved?
Usually by comparing the title, the cadastral map and a survey on site, often with an expert appointed by the court.
Can a lawyer handle the case while I live abroad?
Yes, with a power of attorney signed before a notary or a Turkish consulate.
5 lawyers who provide Property Rights & Disputes in Turkey
Sorted by experience in this service. Write to any of them — the reply comes from the lawyer, without obligation.
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Gamze
Lawyer · Bodrum, Turkey
- 123 cases handled · 1 in this service
- 14+ years in practice
- Speaks: Turkish, English
- Law, Yeditepe University
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4.94(4 reviews)
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Cansu
Lawyer · Izmir, Turkey
- 209 cases handled
- 13+ years in practice
- Speaks: English, Turkish
- Law, Yeditepe University
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4.96(9 reviews)
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Yasin
Lawyer · Istanbul, Turkey
- 187 cases handled
- 4+ years in practice
- Speaks: English, Turkish
- Law, Yeditepe University Faculty of Law
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5.00(6 reviews)
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Sadi Berk
Lawyer · Kusadasi, Turkey
- 80 cases handled
- 15+ years in practice
- Speaks: English, Turkish
- Law, Marmara University
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5.00(6 reviews)
Contact form · a chat with a lawyer
Talk to a lawyer about Property Rights & Disputes
5 registered lawyers provide this service in Turkey. Describe your situation in a short chat — what happened, where, and how to reach you. Your enquiry is reviewed and passed to a lawyer who handles exactly this kind of case, with no obligation.
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Enquiries are answered by lawyers of AdvocateAbroad. This site provides legal information, not legal advice.
What our clients say about our service in Turkey
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The advice was clear and informative, with legal justification for the recommended actions in the situation that needed legal advice.
— Robin12 Sep 2025Property Rights & Disputes -
The lawyer was very professional and responsive. On every matter we discussed she offered solutions drawn from her experience and expertise, and we found that very useful. We are very pleased with how she worked with us, and her English was perfect.
— Mohammed14 Feb 2022 -
The lawyer is great and guided me through the whole process. I am very happy with the help she gave, and her English was flawless. I would certainly recommend her to friends and to anyone who needs a professional with a problem-solving mindset.
— Fabio08 May 2021 -
In our first meeting the lawyer walked me through the whole process and the options open to us as her clients. She understood the goals I wanted to achieve, then presented her plans and recommendations along with the costs of the legal help, which shows how well she knows her field. As the proceedings went on, her assistants regularly gave me updates, which I think is the key to a good relationship between lawyer and client. Her English was flawless too. All in all, I am glad I found her through this service, and I recommend her to anyone who needs legal help with property disputes.
— Hashim26 Mar 2024 -
Caring, well prepared and very responsive, the lawyer is a committed professional, and working together was a delight.
— Sam16 Nov 2020 -
I found the team reliable and quick to respond, and I would recommend them.
— Abu29 Jun 2020 -
His service to me was very professional and prompt, and he went out of his way to keep me informed about what he was doing, all in perfect English.
— Alan16 Oct 2023 -
The lawyer went above and beyond in every possible way. Several steps had to be completed in a specific order, and she replied to everything within minutes, every time. She explained it all in perfect detail and advised us on what would give the best chance of success. She was kind and friendly yet professional. She gave us the legal help we needed and also eased our stress, because it felt like having a friend in the country who wanted to help, and we are very satisfied with the outcome.
— Brandon31 Jan 2023Residency Visa, Turkey -
A fast response and excellent advice.
— Elena03 Jan 2023 -
I experienced nothing but the highest level of professionalism and responsiveness from the lawyer. She was always extremely knowledgeable, calm and very responsive, with excellent communication skills in perfect English, and she got things done quickly. I am very grateful for all the help she gave me and would recommend her very highly.
— Michael08 Sep 2022 -
Excellent service. We needed to set up a company in Turkey and get legal support, and they quickly connected us with a lawyer there, with great results.
— Sergio27 Jun 2022 -
The lawyer knows Turkish law extremely well, including the options open to me as a dual Turkish and American citizen living abroad, and I was amazed at how fast she understood my situation. At each stage she laid out the possible next steps, and I never felt stuck or pushed in one direction. Costs were agreed in advance and were very reasonable for the work done. I truly felt she was on my side throughout, and I am completely satisfied with the result. She is extremely friendly and very professional, and I will certainly keep using her for any other legal matter I need handled in Turkey.
— Cheryl28 Apr 2022