Title Deed and Ownership
Types of Title Deed: Sole, Shared, Construction-Servitude and Condominium-Ownership Deeds
The main forms of ownership found on title deed records and what they mean for a buyer: sole, shared, construction-servitude and condominium-ownership deeds, and the title allocation certificate.
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Documents popularly referred to by color, such as 'blue deed', 'pink deed' or 'green deed', actually refer to different forms of ownership. What matters is not the color, but the form of ownership shown in the record.
| Type | What it means | For the buyer |
|---|---|---|
| Sole title deed | The entire property belongs to a single owner | The simplest case; no co-owner risk |
| Shared title deed | The property belongs to more than one person by share | Risk of pre-emption claims and use disputes |
| Construction-servitude deed | A right, tied to land share, over a unit in a building to be built or under construction | Converts to condominium ownership after the occupancy permit |
| Condominium-ownership deed | Ownership of a unit in a completed building with an occupancy permit | The safest situation for a residential unit |
| Title allocation certificate (tapu tahsis belgesi) | A document issued under an informal-housing amnesty as the basis for a future deed | Not a title deed; depends on a zoning implementation |
The nature of the property
Alongside the form of ownership, the title deed also records the property's nature: building plot, field, garden, masonry house, residence, shop, storage unit, and so on. If a place you use as a residence is registered as a 'shop' or 'storage unit,' this can cause problems with financing, insurance, occupancy status and taxation.
Why do the colors differ?
The color and printed form of title deed documents has changed over the years, and color by itself does not confer any right. Transactions are now carried out through electronic records; what matters is the record, not the color of the document.
This content is for general information only and is not a substitute for legal, financial or tax advice. Rates, amounts and legislation can change over time. Confirm current information with the relevant authority or a professional before proceeding with a transaction.