What Is the İskan? The Occupancy Permit Explained

When you look at a completed home in Istanbul, the first questions are usually about the view, the layout and the price. A quieter question deserves just as much attention: does the building have its İskan? This short guide explains what the İskan is, why it matters and how to ask about it, so that you can read the paperwork of a finished project with confidence.

What the İskan is

İskan is the Turkish word for the occupancy permit, the official document that confirms a building has been completed in line with its approved plans and may be lived in. It is issued by the municipality after construction is finished and the building has been inspected. In everyday conversation, a building that has received it is described as having its iskan. The İskan is different from the building permit. The building permit is issued before work begins and allows construction to start. The occupancy permit comes at the end and confirms that the finished building matches what was approved. One opens the process, the other closes it.

Why it matters for a completed property

For a building that is already finished, the İskan is the proof that it is complete and fit to be used as a home. Without it, a building may look ready but lack the official confirmation that it can be occupied, and that can create difficulties later, for example when connecting services or when you wish to sell. For this reason a serious project should be able to show it, and a buyer is entitled to ask for it. It also helps you compare. A project that is described as completed and ready to move in should be able to point to its occupancy permit, while a project still under construction naturally does not have one yet. Knowing which stage you are looking at tells you which documents to expect.

The İskan and the title deed

The title deed, known as the Tapu, records who owns the property. The İskan records that the building itself is complete and approved for use. They answer different questions, and a careful buyer checks both. In general, while a building is still being constructed the deed reflects that stage, and the deed for the individual home follows once the building is complete, so it is sensible to ask what type of title deed the home has and what remains to be done.

What to ask before you decide

For any completed home, ask for a copy of the occupancy permit, the title deed information, the building permit and the earthquake certificates, and check that they refer to the same building and address. Ask whether there is any mortgage or lien on the property. If you plan to apply for a residence permit, also confirm that the neighbourhood is open to new residence registrations for foreigners. Copies of documents can be requested from our team for the projects we market.

On this site, Marmara Haven Villa in Büyükçekmece shows these points on a Verified Project Card confirmed by the HADARA team: an independent title deed (Müstakil Tapu), a building permit issued by Büyükçekmece Municipality and an occupancy permit shown as issued. Completed projects such as Lotus Yalı and Cadde Ispartakule are ready to move in, and you can ask us for their documents before you decide. The conditions are per current law and may change, so always confirm the current requirements.

HADARA, your real estate partner in Istanbul, is happy to explain the documents of any project and to tell you which ones to request. Contact us or book a private video tour to choose the homes that interest you, then visit Istanbul to see them in person.