Not every property buyer can travel to Turkey to choose and complete the purchase of a property in person. In such cases, the transaction can be completed through a Power of Attorney (POA), allowing an authorized representative to act on your behalf. This is a common and fully legal procedure widely used by international buyers purchasing apartments, villas, and investment properties in Turkey.
A properly prepared Power of Attorney allows your representative to carry out the necessary legal procedures, including signing documents, registering the title deed (TAPU), obtaining official documents, and arranging utility connections. However, it is essential that the POA is drafted correctly and meets the requirements of the Turkish authorities responsible for property transactions.
What Is a Power of Attorney for Buying Property?
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that authorizes one person (the representative or attorney-in-fact) to perform specific legal actions on behalf of another person (the principal).
When purchasing real estate in Turkey, a Power of Attorney may authorize your representative to:
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Sign purchase documents.
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Obtain a Turkish tax number.
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Open a bank account when required.
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Submit documents to government authorities.
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Register the title deed (TAPU).
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Arrange water, electricity, and other utility subscriptions.
It is important to understand that a Power of Attorney issued for purchasing property does not automatically grant the right to sell your property. Unless the authority to sell is specifically included in the document, your representative cannot sell your real estate.
Where Can You Issue a Power of Attorney?
There are two main ways to issue a Power of Attorney.
In Turkey
If you are already in Turkey, the POA can be prepared and notarized by a Turkish notary public with the assistance of a certified translator if required.
Outside Turkey
If you are in your home country, you may issue the Power of Attorney:
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at a Turkish Embassy or Consulate;
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through a local notary, followed by legalization or an Apostille where required under local regulations.
In many cases, issuing the POA through a Turkish Consulate is the most convenient option, as the document is prepared in accordance with Turkish legal requirements from the beginning.
Why the Wording of the Power of Attorney Matters
When buying property in Turkey through a Power of Attorney, the wording of the document is just as important as the document itself.
Standard POA templates do not always meet the requirements of the Turkish Land Registry and Cadastre Directorate (Tapu ve Kadastro). If the document does not contain all the necessary authorities, the title deed registration may be delayed, and a new Power of Attorney may have to be issued.
If your transaction is handled by a lawyer, preparing the POA is usually part of their legal service. Likewise, at Demirağ Property, we prepare Power of Attorney texts for our clients on a daily basis as part of our property transaction services. Drafting and coordinating the document in line with the requirements of the Turkish Land Registry is a standard part of our process.
How the Turkish Land Registry Verifies a Power of Attorney
During the title deed transfer, the Turkish Land Registry and Cadastre Directorate (Tapu ve Kadastro) verifies more than just the wording and authorities contained in the Power of Attorney.
Turkey operates an integrated electronic system connecting notaries with the Land Registry. Before completing the transaction, officials verify that the POA has been properly registered, is still valid, and grants all the authorities required to complete the specific property transaction.
For this reason, it is essential that the document is prepared correctly before it is issued. If the purchase is handled by a lawyer, this is usually included in their legal work. At Demirağ Property, we also prepare and review the Power of Attorney in advance to ensure that it complies with the requirements for registering property ownership. This helps prevent delays in issuing the TAPU and avoids the need to issue a new Power of Attorney.
Types of Power of Attorney Used When Buying Property
Depending on the circumstances, two types of Power of Attorney are commonly used.
General Power of Attorney for Property Purchase
This type of POA authorizes the representative to purchase any property within Turkey.
It generally:
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is not limited to a specific property;
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can be used throughout Turkey;
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may be issued without a fixed expiration date unless otherwise specified.
This option is particularly useful if you have not yet selected a specific property or are considering several options.
Power of Attorney for a Specific Property
A POA may also be issued for a specific property.
In this case, the document includes:
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the property's cadastral information;
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the information recorded in the TAPU;
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the validity period of the Power of Attorney.
It is important to note that the document refers to the official cadastral address recorded in the TAPU, not the property's postal address.
Is It Safe to Buy Property in Turkey Through a Power of Attorney?
Yes. Buying property in Turkey through a Power of Attorney is a legal and widely accepted procedure used by international buyers.
The security of the transaction depends on several important factors:
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a properly drafted Power of Attorney;
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clearly defined authorities;
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a reliable representative;
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a thorough legal review of the property;
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professional guidance throughout the transaction.
When the documentation is prepared correctly, the entire purchase process can be completed without the buyer being physically present in Turkey.
Buying Property in Turkey with Professional Assistance
Purchasing property through a Power of Attorney allows international buyers to complete a real estate transaction remotely while simplifying the entire process. A properly prepared document, professional legal support, and effective cooperation with Turkish authorities help ensure that the transaction is completed safely, efficiently, and without unnecessary delays.
The specialists at Demirağ Property assist clients throughout every stage of buying property in Turkey—from selecting the right property to registering the TAPU and arranging utility connections after the purchase.
