New Deadline: Turkey Postpones Secure Payment System to October 2026

The Turkish Ministry of Trade has confirmed a new development for anyone buying or selling property in Turkey: the mandatory Secure Payment System for real estate transactions did not come into effect as initially planned; the Ministry of Trade postponed the launch to October 1, 2026.

Additional Time for Technical Integration

According to the Ministry, the extension was introduced to ensure that every institution involved in the property transfer process can operate through a fully integrated digital system.

The Ministry of Trade is continuing its work with the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre, together with banks and other financial institutions, to complete the necessary technical connections. Once these integrations are finalized, the system is expected to function smoothly throughout every stage of a property transaction.

How the Secure Payment System Works

The Secure Payment System is designed to make property purchases safer by changing the way purchase funds are transferred. The system's purpose is to protect buyers and sellers from fraud, theft, and forgery during real estate deals.

Instead of paying the seller directly before the title deed transfer, the buyer's payment will first be deposited into a blocked bank account, where it remains held until the title deed registration is successfully completed. Once ownership officially changes hands, the funds are automatically released to the seller.

This mechanism removes the financial risks traditionally associated with large-sum property transactions, since money no longer changes hands informally before the tapu transfer is finalized.

What Buyers Should Expect Until October

The postponement does not affect the current purchasing process. Buyers and sellers can continue completing property transactions using the existing payment methods until October 1, when the new system becomes mandatory.

For international investors, following regulatory updates remains an essential part of purchasing property in Turkey. Staying informed about changes in legal procedures helps avoid unexpected complications and supports a more efficient buying process.

Get Expert Guidance for Your Property Purchase

At TERRA Real Estate, we help both local and international buyers navigate every stage of the property purchase process, from understanding current regulations to completing a secure title deed transfer. If you have questions about how this new system will affect your purchase, or if you'd like personalized guidance on buying property in Turkey, our team is ready to help.

Contact TERRA Real Estate today:

• +90 242 512 25 00
• [email protected]
• +90 532 341 67 54 (Whatsapp)

* Source: Turkish Ministry of Trade (Official Website)