A New Era in Home and Land Sales: The Payment System Is Changing

Mandatory Secure Payment System Coming to Real Estate Transactions

The Ministry of Trade’s Secure Payment System, originally developed to make second-hand vehicle sales safer, is expected to become mandatory for real estate transactions as of 1 May 2026.

According to information obtained from the Ministry, payments in property sales are often carried out directly between buyers and sellers. This practice can lead to unregistered transactions, as well as fraud and forgery risks for both parties. It also frequently requires carrying large amounts of cash, creating additional security concerns such as theft.

A New Step Against Fraud in Property Sales

In order to protect buyers and sellers from fraud, theft, and forgery, reduce the informal economy, and ensure that money transfers are completed in a secure environment, the Ministry of Trade is preparing to extend the Secure Payment System—currently used in second-hand vehicle sales—to real estate transactions as well.

For this purpose, amendments have been drafted to the Regulation on Real Estate Trade. Under the proposed changes, starting from 1 May 2026, when payments in property sales are made in cash, by bank transfer, or via electronic funds transfer, the transaction will need to be completed through a system that ensures the payment and the transfer of property ownership take place simultaneously.

Draft Regulation Open for Consultation

The draft amendment has been opened for opinions from relevant public institutions, organizations, and sector representatives. Based on the feedback received, the regulation is expected to be finalized and officially implemented.

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