Seller’s Guide

Handing over the keys is the final practical stage of your sale. A clear record of the property’s condition, included items, meter readings and access arrangements helps both you and the buyer finish the process with fewer outstanding questions.

For a garden home in Gümüşlük, access to the garden gate, pool equipment and irrigation information may matter. In a managed development in Gündoğan, parking remotes and the management account may need attention. This is the final step in our seller’s guide.

Confirm the handover date and condition

Agree when and where the handover will take place. If it is later than title transfer, clarify continued occupation, expenses and access for that period in the written sale terms.

Walk through the property with the buyer or authorised representatives. Compare its condition with the agreed repairs and inventory. Record any outstanding work, who will complete it and by when.

Do not describe a tenanted property as vacant or mark unresolved work as completed. The record should reflect what is actually being handed over.

Prepare a clear handover record

Item What to record Property and parties Address, relevant property details, names, date and time Keys and access Number of keys, remotes and access cards Included items Inventory, quantities, agreed condition and any exceptions Meters Meter numbers and readings at handover Condition and work Observed issues, outstanding tasks and responsibilities Accounts and attachments Pending bills, agreed follow-up, photographs and supporting records

Keep a signed copy for each party. Have the scope checked before adding a general statement that neither party has any remaining claim, particularly if something is still unresolved.

Hand over access and useful operating information

Check keys for the home, garden, store and mailbox, together with site gates, parking remotes and access cards. Provide available manuals, warranty documents and relevant maintenance information.

For a private-pool villa in Yalıkavak, the equipment-area key and operating information can help the buyer. Describe known faults accurately rather than recording equipment as working without checking it.

For alarms, cameras or smart-home systems, arrange the transfer of appropriate access and removal of your own account with the provider. Do not hand over unrelated personal passwords.

Record meters and follow up utility accounts

Read electricity and water meters together. Photograph the meter numbers and readings and add them to the record. These help explain the handover position but do not replace the provider’s official reading or bill.

Coordinate the closure of accounts in your name with the buyer’s new arrangements. Confirm dates, possible service interruption, final bills and any security deposit refund. Check that applications have actually been completed.

Aydem’s e-Devlet service covers individual account termination applications. MUSKİ’s e-Devlet services include termination, meter readings and new account applications. Confirm the conditions for your own account, and contact other providers separately.

Settle and update management records

Ask the apartment or development management for an up-to-date account statement. Check ordinary charges, outstanding balances and any separately agreed maintenance contribution.

In Gündoğan, an upcoming maintenance payment may need discussion even if the latest monthly charge has been paid. Record the agreed allocation with the buyer and check its effect on obligations to the management.

Provide information needed to update ownership and contact records. Also ask the municipality about your property tax record and any necessary sale notification; do not assume that every account closes automatically.

Keep the documents and confirm your tax deadline

Store the sale documents, deposit and payment records, title transfer evidence, inventory, handover record and account closure confirmations together. Retain acquisition and expense records for any tax calculation.

Confirm the reporting deadline for your own tax status. Annual reporting of a taxable personal property gain generally follows the sale year, but relevant non-resident sellers not required to file annually may need a separate return within 15 days.Ask your Turkish tax adviser to confirm which timetable applies to you.

Any tax reserve should already be included in your net proceeds budget.

Close the file with a final check

• Have all agreed keys and items been handed over?
• Are meter readings and the inventory recorded?
• Have final bills and account applications been followed up?
• Are management and municipality checks complete?
• Does each outstanding task have an owner and deadline?
• Are registration and payment records retained?

Use our title transfer and payment guide for the financial and registry checks. Keep a short list of outstanding tasks and follow each one through to completion.