What Is a Property Showing Contract in Türkiye?

Foreign nationals purchasing real estate in Türkiye are often unfamiliar with a document that is standard practice in the Turkish property market: the Property Showing Certificate, commonly referred to as the Yer Gösterme Belgesi.

Many foreign buyers sign this document without fully understanding its legal implications. Others refuse to sign it, assuming that it is merely an internal formality used by real estate agents.

Both approaches may lead to serious legal consequences.

This article explains what a Property Showing Certificate is under Turkish law, why it is legally binding, how it protects real estate professionals, and how it may also affect the rights and obligations of foreign buyers during the purchase process.

What Is a Property Showing Certificate?

A Property Showing Certificate is a written record confirming that:

• A real estate consultant has introduced a specific property to a prospective buyer

• The buyer has physically visited or reviewed the property through the consultant

• The consultant has performed brokerage services by facilitating the viewing

By signing this document, the buyer acknowledges that the consultant has introduced the relevant property and contributed to the purchasing process.

In practical terms, it serves as documented evidence that the real estate agent has performed a brokerage service.

Legal Basis Under Turkish Law

The legal foundation of Property Showing Certificates is primarily based on the Turkish Code of Obligations No. 6098, particularly the provisions governing mandate and brokerage relationships under Article 502 and subsequent articles.

When a real estate consultant introduces a property to a prospective buyer:

• A legal service relationship arises between the parties

• The consultant may become entitled to a brokerage commission

• This entitlement exists even if the final transaction is concluded directly with the seller

The consultant’s right to commission does not necessarily depend on signing a final brokerage agreement. It may arise from proof that the consultant introduced the buyer to the property.

The signed Property Showing Certificate often constitutes such proof.

Additionally, as real estate brokerage is a commercial activity, certain provisions of the Turkish Commercial Code indirectly apply to the transaction, particularly in relation to commercial practices and the professional obligations of brokers.

Why Is This Document Important for Foreign Buyers?

Foreign investors frequently assume that if they later purchase the same property through:

• Another agent

• The property owner directly

• A different consultancy firm

they can avoid paying commission to the original consultant.

Under Turkish law, this assumption may be incorrect.

If the original consultant can prove that:

• They introduced the property to the buyer, and

• Their introduction contributed to the eventual sale,

they may assert a legal claim for commission even if they were not involved in the final transaction.

The Property Showing Certificate is often used as documentary evidence in such claims.

Common Disputes Involving Property Showings

Disputes typically arise where:

• A buyer views a property through Agent A

• Later contacts the owner directly

• Concludes the purchase independently or through Agent B

In these cases, Agent A may initiate legal proceedings to recover their brokerage fee.

Turkish courts frequently evaluate:

• The existence of a signed Property Showing Certificate

• The causal connection between the showing and the final sale

• The consultant’s contribution to the transaction

Foreign buyers who are unaware of these rules may find themselves facing unexpected commission claims.

Jurisdiction of Turkish Courts

Any disputes arising from property showings conducted in Türkiye are generally subject to:

• Turkish substantive law

• The jurisdiction of courts of the Republic of Türkiye

Even if the buyer is a foreign national, Turkish courts may be competent to adjudicate disputes concerning brokerage services rendered within Türkiye.

How Bayraktar Attorneys Assists Foreign Clients

At Bayraktar Attorneys, we regularly advise foreign investors during real estate transactions in Türkiye.

Our services include:

• Reviewing Property Showing Certificates before signature

• Identifying potential commission risks

• Advising on brokerage liability

• Representing clients in commission disputes

• Ensuring compliance with Turkish property and contract law

Proper legal guidance at the early stages of a transaction may prevent costly disputes later.

Downloadable Sample Property Showing Agreement

For your convenience, we provide a sample Property Showing Agreement governed by the laws of the Republic of Türkiye.

This template:

• Designates Turkish courts as competent jurisdiction

• Reflects standard brokerage practices

• May be downloaded and customized with your personal details

Foreign buyers may:

• Complete and adapt the agreement independently, or

• Contact our office for legal review and assistance

The downloadable agreement is attached to this article for reference.

Conclusion

A Property Showing Certificate is not merely an administrative formality. It is a legally relevant document that may establish commission rights under Turkish law.

Foreign nationals engaging in real estate transactions in Türkiye should understand the implications of signing such documents and seek legal advice where necessary.

Preventive legal review is often the most effective way to avoid commission disputes.