19.01.2026 13:55
The "Secure Payment System," successfully implemented in second-hand vehicle sales, is being transferred to the real estate sector. With the new regulation prepared by the Ministry of Commerce, as of May 1, 2026, payments for the sale of residential properties, land, and all real estate will be mandatory to be made through the system. This will eliminate many risks such as theft, fraud, and counterfeit money.
A critical step has been taken to bury the risks of carrying cash and cases of fraud in real estate transactions. The Ministry of Commerce is launching a secure system that synchronizes payment with the transfer of title through a change in the "Regulation on Real Estate Trade." In the new period starting from May 1, 2026, the sale price will not be transferred to the seller's account until the ownership transfer is completed.
ELIMINATING THE RISK
In real estate sales, payments are often made directly between the parties. This situation can lead to unregistered transactions, fraud, and forgery incidents from the perspective of both the buyer and the seller. The application in question causes the parties to carry large amounts of cash, which can also pose risks such as theft.
The Ministry of Commerce is preparing to make the Secure Payment System, which is applied in second-hand vehicle sales, mandatory in real estate sales to prevent buyers and sellers from being exposed to fraud, theft, and forgery risks, reduce unregistered transactions, and ensure that money transfers are conducted in a secure environment. For this purpose, a change has been made in the Regulation on Real Estate Trade.
MANDATORY FROM MAY 1, 2026
With the amendment, starting from May 1, 2026, if the payment for real estate sales is made in cash, via wire transfer, or electronic funds transfer, it will need to be conducted through a system that ensures the simultaneous transfer of the price with the transfer of real estate ownership.
The draft of the regulation change has been opened for the opinions of relevant public institutions and organizations as well as sector representatives.
The aim is to finalize the draft based on the received opinions.
"THE SYSTEM WILL BE BENEFICIAL FOR BOTH SOCIETY AND US"
Taylan, the President of the Federation of Real Estate Consultants of Turkey, provided an assessment regarding the application to AA reporter.
Stating that serious regulations have been made recently regarding the automotive and real estate sectors, Taylan mentioned that the Secure Payment System had previously been implemented for vehicle sales.
Taylan pointed out that the system has become more organized over time in vehicle sales, saying:
"There was previously an Electronic Ad Verification System implemented in our sector. Our real estate agents are currently working in accordance with the system. The verification system application was previously valid for rental ads. As of February 1, the electronic verification system will be implemented for all sales ads. This will be a significant regulation in the sector."
Indicating that the Secure Payment System will start to be implemented as of May 1, Taylan stated that they welcomed the regulation positively. Taylan expressed that some regulations supporting the Secure Payment System need to be made and shared their views with the relevant ministries.
MONEY WILL BE PROTECTED
Emphasizing that large amounts of money are taken when going to the title deeds due to real estate prices, which can create risks, Taylan noted:
"The application will eliminate many risks such as theft, fraud, and counterfeit money. Therefore, the system will be beneficial and correct for both society and us. Accounts will be opened in designated banks, and the money will be blocked there. With a reference number obtained, our citizens will initiate transactions at the land registry office through an application via e-Government. When the transaction is completed, the money will be transferred to the seller's account with the permission of the land registry office. In case of any negative situations that may arise during the sale, the money will remain safe in the real estate owner's account and continue to be protected."
Taylan stated that they will carry out information and technical studies for real estate agents regarding the system, adding that the technical functionality and infrastructure of banks and land registry offices are very important.