İskan (Occupancy Permit)

Without İskan, a new building cannot get a permanent electricity, water, or gas connection.

İskan is not the same as Tapu: Tapu proves ownership, İskan confirms the building is physically complete and approved for use. Until İskan is issued, a property legally remains in Kat İrtifakı status rather than full ownership (Kat Mülkiyeti).

Without İskan, water and electricity bills are calculated under construction-site rates (şantiye aboneliği), which run noticeably higher than standard residential rates.

How to check before buying

İskan status can be confirmed through the local municipality's Zoning and Urban Planning Department (İmar ve Şehircilik Müdürlüğü), or through an agent with system access. A missing document doesn't always signal a problem — a building can be physically finished while the İskan is simply still pending administratively — but it does raise risk and limit mortgage or rental options, so it's worth clarifying before the deal, not after.