Information from CEESS Global Real Estate: What is Occupancy Permit and Why is it Important?
Istanbul, May 25, 2024 - CEESS Global Real Estate provides information on an important issue for investors and real estate owners operating in the construction sector. The occupancy permit, also known as iskan, is an official document that is obtained at the end of the construction process and shows that the building is legally usable. CEESS Global Real Estate explains in detail why it is critical to obtain this document and the process of obtaining it.

In the construction industry, various procedures need to be completed in order for buildings to be safe and legally usable. Occupancy, one of the most important of these procedures, confirms that a building is safe, healthy and built in accordance with the legislation. This document plays a major role in preventing legal and practical problems that building owners and users may face.

What is Iskan (Certificate of Occupancy)?
Iskan is an official document showing that the construction of a building is complete and suitable for use. This document proves that the building was constructed in accordance with the project and complies with all legal requirements set by the municipality or relevant administration. The certificate of occupancy, which is mandatory for both residential and commercial buildings, verifies that the buildings comply with the basic standards required for safe use.

Who Gets a Certificate of Occupancy?
The certificate of occupancy is obtained by building owners or building contractors. Upon completion of construction, they apply to the relevant municipality or special provincial administration to obtain this document. If a building is being built by a cooperative, the cooperative management can also make this application.

Where to Apply for Housing?
The housing application is made to the municipality or special provincial administration where the building is located. During the application, documents showing that the building has been completed in accordance with the project and other necessary documents must be submitted. The following documents are usually requested during the application process:

Construction license and projects: The license obtained at the beginning of construction and the architectural, static, electrical and plumbing projects of the building.
Building inspection reports: Reports of inspections carried out during the construction process.
Certificate of no tax debt: A document from the municipality showing that the building does not owe real estate and environmental cleaning tax.
Electricity and water subscriptions: Documents showing that the electricity and water subscription procedures of the building have been completed.
What is the Legal Status of Unauthorized Structures?
The legal status of non-occupied buildings is complex and can lead to various problems. Living in or using a non-occupied building entails certain legal risks. These risks include the following:

Electricity, water and natural gas connection problems: Buildings without a certificate of occupancy may not be able to officially subscribe to electricity, water and natural gas.
Sale and mortgage transactions: Problems may arise when unoccupied buildings are officially sold or mortgaged. Banks may be reluctant to lend to uninsured buildings.
Risk of fines and demolition: Due to the illegality of unoccupied buildings, the municipality or relevant authorities may impose fines and the building may face the risk of demolition.
Insurance issues: Illegal structures may be excluded by insurance policies or insured at high premiums.
In order to regulate the legal status of an unoccupied building, the owner must apply for and obtain a certificate of occupancy. This is possible only if the owner fulfills his/her responsibilities and proves that the building was completed in accordance with the project.

Conclusion
CEESS Global Real Estate emphasizes the importance of the certificate of occupancy and states that this is a critical document that shows that a building is legally usable. Building owners or contractors must obtain the certificate of occupancy by applying to the relevant municipality or special provincial administration with the necessary documents. Since unoccupied buildings can lead to various legal and practical problems, it is imperative for every building to have a certificate of occupancy for safe and legal use.