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Property owner guide

Planning checks for a vacant Istanbul property from abroad

A practical way to record a vacant flat’s condition, sort findings and keep an editable review list while you are abroad.

A useful vacant-property check plan turns observations into a short record of what was checked, what needs a decision and what evidence is still missing. Work room by room, keep the plan focused on the property’s current condition, and do not treat a photograph as proof that a system is safe or compliant.

Editable owner checklist

Use this illustrative checklist alongside the guide.

Download the Word checklist

Illustrative review aid; adapt it to your records.

Last updated 2026-11-08 3 min read

01

Set the scope before checking

Choose the areas and everyday features you want to review, then record the date and whether each item was observed directly, shown on a live video walk-through or not checked. This helps separate what is known from what still needs attention.

Keep the purpose narrow: note the condition and any follow-up needed. If you are not at the property, a live walk-through can complement photographs; it does not replace a technical check where one is needed. For preparation guidance, see the rent-ready checklist.

02

Record the condition room by room

Use the same simple sequence for each room. Pair a wider view with close-ups of visible defects, and label notes and photographs with the room and date so you can find the same detail again.

  • Room or area: [room name]
  • Check observed: [item or feature]
  • Observation: [brief description]
  • Evidence: [record reference]
  • Not checked or unclear: [what remains unknown]

For everyday details such as windows, taps and lighting, record what you observed rather than making a safety or compliance conclusion from an image. If the flat is tenanted, arrange any visit or photography with the current tenant in advance.

03

Turn observations into decisions

Avoid collapsing different findings into a single general maintenance note. For each item, write its location, the observation and the next decision needed. Separate an issue that may affect use from an appearance preference, and mark when a qualified person should assess a technical concern.

Finding — Location and evidence — Next decision — Status
FindingLocation and evidenceNext decisionStatus
[observation][room and record reference][review, ask for assessment, or no action yet][open or resolved]

This is a way to organise your own review, not a diagnosis or a promise that a particular check has been carried out. Keep unresolved or unclear items visible instead of treating missing evidence as a completed check.

04

Close the review with a dated list

Before closing a review, scan for blank fields, unclear observations and items awaiting a decision. Add a date for the next review or follow-up you choose; do not mark an item complete until you have recorded the basis for that status.

  • Checked and recorded: [items]
  • Needs a decision or further assessment: [items]
  • Evidence still missing: [items]
  • Next review date: [date]
  • Record reference: [record reference]

Use the worksheet below to repeat the same process. For related reading, see the rent-ready checklist and package comparison.

Sources

Discuss your Istanbul property and the support you need. Discuss your property

This is not legal advice. The guides are for general information; legislation and amounts change. Consult a lawyer or a tax specialist for your own situation.