The title deed transfer is the moment a property sale becomes legally complete. However carefully the negotiations, deposit and contracts are handled, ownership only changes hands through the official procedure at the Land Registry Office.
1. Application and appointment
The process starts with an appointment booked through the Land Registry's WEBTAPU system or the Alo 181 line. Either buyer or seller can apply; the system notifies the other party for confirmation.
Both parties (or their attorneys) must attend. If acting under a power of attorney, the document must expressly grant authority for "the sale of immovable property" — a general power of attorney is often not sufficient.
2. Documents required
- Identity document (ID card or passport) and a passport photograph taken within the last 6 months
- The title deed, or the block and parcel details of the property
- A current market value certificate from the municipality
- Compulsory Earthquake Insurance (DASK) policy
- An Energy Performance Certificate for buildings
- If a mortgage is involved, the bank's charge documents and valuation report
Foreign buyers additionally need a sworn translator and a translation of their passport.
3. Costs payable
The main item is the title deed fee, calculated on the declared sale price and, by law, shared equally between buyer and seller. In practice the parties may agree that one side pays it all — put that in writing.
There is also a revolving fund service charge, a mortgage registration fee if applicable, and the estate agency fee.
Important: Declaring a sale price below the true value is common but risky. It exposes you to tax penalties, increases your capital gains tax when you later sell, and works against you as evidence in any dispute. Declare the real figure.
4. Signature and registration
At the Land Registry the officer reads the deed of conveyance aloud to both parties. It sets out the property's attributes, the sale price and the parties' declarations. Once signed, registration takes place and the new title deed is issued to the buyer.
5. After the transfer
- Notify the municipality for property tax purposes (by the end of the year following the transfer)
- Transfer the electricity, water and gas accounts
- Notify the building management and update the service charge record
- Update the DASK policy in the new owner's name
Common mistakes
- Paying a deposit before reviewing the land registry record. Always check for liens, mortgages, annotations or usufruct rights.
- Confusing construction servitude with condominium ownership. These are different legal states and affect mortgage and occupancy processes.
- Not assessing the risk of a building without an occupancy permit.
- Leaving the payment schedule out of the contract. When, to which account and on what condition the price is paid must be in writing.
Fee rates and service charges are updated annually. We recommend confirming current figures via TKGM before your transaction.
