Turkey to mandate safe payment system for real estate

Turkey's Ministry of Trade is set to mandate a ‘Safe Payment System’ for real estate transactions starting October 1, 2026. The regulation aims to synchronize the transfer of property ownership with the transfer of funds to prevent fraud, theft, and forgery.

Under the new system, the purchase price will be held securely and will not be transferred to the seller's account until the title deed transfer is officially completed at the land registry. This process will be facilitated through banks and land registry directorates. The regulation applies to both individuals and legal entities, covering houses, land, and other real estate.

Burak Arpacı, President of the Ankara All Real Estate Agents Professional Chamber (ATEM), noted that the system is designed to reduce the risks associated with carrying large amounts of cash and to combat unregistered economic activity. He emphasized that real estate agents will continue to play a role by assisting clients with the system, though he advised consumers to work with licensed real estate consultants to ensure legal compliance.