Ready-to-move apartments in Istanbul

Ready to move apartments in Istanbul: from offer to keys

Ready to move apartments in Istanbul can change hands quickly because the building, the title deed and the occupancy permit already exist. When documents are in order, the process from accepted offer to keys often takes a few weeks rather than months.

A typical timeline

After agreeing the price, you sign a reservation, obtain a tax number and open a Turkish bank account. The valuation report is ordered, the land registry appointment is booked, and payment and transfer happen on the same day. Utilities are moved into your name right after.

What can slow it down

Missing documents, an unresolved mortgage or annotation, or a power of attorney that needs translation. We check the title record in advance; the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre (TKGM) handles the appointment and transfer.

Pricing and who buys completed homes

Completed homes often cost more per square metre than off-plan units in the same area. In return, you see exactly what you buy and can use or let it at once. Resale homes in established areas may offer more space, while developer stock offers newer systems.

Buyers include families relocating on a fixed date, investors who want rental income from day one, and applicants who need a title deed quickly for a residence permit. Completed units also suit citizenship purchases, because the valuation is based on a finished property.

Next steps

Give us your move-in date and budget. We will shortlist homes with an occupancy permit, check the dues and arrange viewings. Our after-sales service can then set up utilities and furnishing.

Negotiating on a completed home

Completed homes leave less room for developer incentives, but resale sellers often negotiate. A clean title, a quick payment and flexible handover dates can all strengthen your offer. We prepare recent comparable sales so your offer rests on evidence.

Why buyers choose a completed home

A finished apartment removes the main uncertainties of buying off-plan. You see the actual unit, the view, the quality of finishes and how the complex is managed. The title deed can usually be transferred within days once checks and payments are complete, and the property can be lived in or let immediately. For buyers who need a residence permit or Turkish citizenship, a completed home with a registered title also makes the application timeline easier to plan.

Documents that show a building is truly complete

• Occupancy permit (iskan): confirms that the building was completed in line with its permit and can be connected to utilities on a permanent basis.
• Condominium title (kat mülkiyeti): the full form of apartment ownership. Some newer buildings still carry the earlier construction-servitude title (kat irtifakı); this can be acceptable, but it should be explained before you buy.
• Management and service charges: the current monthly fee, what it covers and whether there are arrears on the unit.

New from the developer or resale

Many ready-to-move apartments are sold directly by the developer after completion. Others are resales from earlier buyers. Developer stock can qualify for the VAT exemption available to non-resident foreign buyers on a first sale, subject to conditions such as bringing foreign currency into Turkey and keeping the property for a set period. Resales follow different tax rules. Our guide to costs and taxes when buying property in Turkey sets out the differences, and our comparison of new-build and resale property looks at the wider trade-offs.

Inspection before you sign

Even in a new building, a careful inspection is worth the time: water pressure, ventilation, windows, signs of damp, the condition of shared areas and the parking space allocated to the unit. If you cannot travel, we carry out a video viewing and record the condition of the apartment before completion.

Ready-to-move homes are available across many districts. Combine this filter with others in the property search, compare apartments near metro stations, or browse all property for sale in Istanbul.

Frequently asked questions