Attention landlords and real estate agents: A new era in real estate listings officially begins tomorrow... Here is the "verified listing" regulation in 10 questions

The "verified listing" regulation, which the Ministry of Trade will implement on listing platforms to protect consumer rights, prevent price manipulation faced by citizens due to fake listings, and curb unregistered activities in real estate trade, begins as of tomorrow.

Within the scope of the regulation, the Electronic Listing Verification System (EİDS), established by the Ministry, will be launched on this date and will become mandatory for real estate trade starting from the beginning of the year.

Thus, real estate listings on platforms will be able to be posted by the property owner, their first and second-degree relatives, or their spouse, or can be submitted by a real estate business authorized by the property owner.

Here are 10 frequently asked questions and answers regarding the regulation in question:

What is a verified listing, and for what purpose will it be implemented?

Citizens will select their own real estate via e-Devlet and authorize their real estate agent through the window that opens; real estate agents will then be able to post listings on real estate portals using the authorization they have received. These listings will be published as "verified listings." With the new practice, the process of posting real estate listings on websites will be formalized.

The regulation will be implemented to prevent consumer grievances and to stop price manipulations that citizens encounter through fake listings. Furthermore, by preventing real estate agents without an authorization certificate from posting listings, the practice will also combat unregistered real estate brokerage.

When will the verified listing regulation be implemented, and who will be responsible for its oversight?

Technical work regarding the authorization verification application by listing platforms will be completed by September 15, and the system will be activated from that date. The application will fully commence on January 1, 2025, and after this date, it will not be possible to post listings on real estate portals without authorization verification. The oversight of this regulation will be carried out by the Ministry of Trade.

What do real estate agents need to do during the compliance process for the regulation?

Following the implementation of authorization verification in the Electronic Listing Verification System (EİDS), real estate businesses will need to obtain an authorization certificate to avoid issues when posting listings and to prevent exposure to administrative sanctions.

What are EİDS and the real estate authorization certificate?

EİDS is a system where the identity information of the person marketing real estate via advertisements on electronic platforms, as well as whether they have the authorization to market the property in question, can be verified. The real estate authorization certificate is a document issued by provincial directorates of trade that officially enables individuals to engage in real estate trading. This document serves as proof that individuals possess the professional qualifications required to open a real estate office.

How many real estate agents can be authorized for the same property?

It will be possible to authorize more than one real estate business for the same property. In cases where there are other listings for the same property on listing platforms, shortcuts or links containing the price information of the other listing will be provided.

Will the verification of rental property listings also be mandatory?

The EİDS authorization verification application will be mandatory for both properties for sale and for rent. Daily rental properties, housing projects where floor easement has not yet been established, housing projects by the Housing Development Administration (TOKİ) and Emlak Konut Real Estate Investment Trust, and properties without a title deed for any reason, such as squatter houses, will not be included in the application.

Furthermore, listings for properties without a title deed may still appear on platforms; however, when entering these listings, a marking will be made indicating that the property does not have a title deed record, and this situation will also be stated in the listing.

Will citizens be able to publish their own listings on real estate portals without authorizing a real estate agent?

Individuals will be able to publish verified listings for real estate owned by themselves, their first-degree relatives, spouses, parents, and children.

Will it be possible to revoke the authorization after it has been granted?

It will be possible for the property owner to revoke the authorization granted on the e-Government authorization screen; however, the listing will not be automatically removed from publication if the authorization is revoked.

How long will the authorized real estate agent's authorization period for a property be?

The duration of the authorization granted by the property owner on the authorization screen will be a minimum of 3 months, and the period can be extended by the property owner through the same screen.

Will the verified listing requirement also apply to the automotive sector?

The regulation will initially be implemented for listings in the real estate sector. However, the verified listing regulation will be extended to automotive sales in the future.