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How can I check the earthquake stability level of a property I’m interested in purchasing in Turkey for citizenship by investment purposes?

Is there a governmental institution that determines how sturdy a building is? If I demand some sort of a certificate or document that proves the building complies with architectural regulations, is the seller obligated to present it to me? I am interested in Istanbul but I have heard of the expected Marmara region earthquake, so I want to make sure I’d be investing in an approved building. How can I do that?


Answers
  • April 27, 2023

    Applications can be submitted to the relevant municipalities and other institutions in this regard. After the application, the government officers come and check the building and direct them to specialist companies for a more detailed examination of the building. As a result of the examination, if there is a risky situation in the building, a report is prepared. These tests are done as the regulation changes. The 2018 earthquake code is currently in effect. Before that, there was the 2007 earthquake regulation, before that there was the 1999 regulation, and before that there was the 1975 regulation. After each earthquake, a new earthquake regulation comes out to make up for the deficiency of the previous one. Currently, the 2018 earthquake regulation is in effect and the buildings must be constructed according to this regulation. If you have a positive report for your building in previous earthquakes, after a new earthquake, you can talk to the specialist from whom you received that report. It is possible to find out whether the area you live in and your house are at risk of earthquakes through the e-government system.

  • ADMD Mavioglu & Alkan Law Office
    April 18, 2023

    There are a number of basic checks that can be done. One could check whether the building is constructed after 1999 subject to new building code, whether it has proper land inspection, construction and habitability permits, get information from the municipal authorities for confirmation, and also could obtain (only with the assistance of the owner) independent reports from experts regarding strength of the building against earthquakes.