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Expropriation Law

In expropriation, an owner can pursue two separate routes: if the public-interest decision is considered unlawful, an annulment action can be filed before the administrative court; if the price is disputed, the value of the property can be determined using comparables and the income method in the compensation and registration action before the civil court of first instance. If the administration has taken over a property without expropriating it, or has reserved it for public use in a zoning plan without expropriating it within five years, the owner can claim its value.

Last updated: November 2026This page was prepared by our lawyers registered with the Istanbul Bar Association.

Scope of our work

Expropriation and determination of compensation

Annulment actions against public-interest decisions taken for motorways, dams, power lines or green areas. In compensation and registration actions before civil courts, we work towards a valuation of the property based on comparables and the income method.

De facto expropriation

Where the administration builds a road or structure on a property without expropriating it, actions are brought to recover its value or to stop the interference.

Legal expropriation

Where a property reserved in a zoning plan for a school, park or place of worship is not expropriated within five years, an action is filed before the administrative courts to recover its value due to the restriction of ownership.

Urgent expropriation and easements

Annulment actions before the Council of State against urgent expropriation by Presidential decision (formerly by decision of the Council of Ministers), and proceedings to determine compensation for easements established in favour of energy companies.

How does the process work?

  1. We review the expropriation decision, notification and title records and decide on the appropriate route.
  2. We attend the administration’s purchase negotiation or assess the price offered.
  3. If there is no agreement, we follow the expert examination in the compensation action.
  4. If the public-interest decision is challenged, a separate annulment action is filed.

Deadlines to keep in mind

  • Annulment action against expropriation: 30 days from notification (Law No. 2942 art. 14).
  • Action against the price or for correction of material errors: 30 days from notification (art. 14).
  • In legal expropriation, the five-year period runs from the zoning plan’s entry into force (Zoning Law art. 10).

Frequently asked questions

The expropriation price is too low. What can I do?

You are not obliged to agree in the administration’s purchase negotiations. If there is no agreement, the administration files a compensation action before the civil court, where you can object to the expert report and ask for valuation based on comparables.

My land has shown as a park in the zoning plan for years. Can I claim its value?

If the property was reserved for public use in a zoning plan and not expropriated within five years of the plan’s entry into force, its value can be claimed under article 10 of Zoning Law No. 3194 by applying to the administration and, if necessary, suing in the administrative courts.

Relevant legislation

  • Expropriation Law No. 2942 (in particular arts. 10, 14, 27, provisional art. 6)
  • Zoning Law No. 3194, art. 10
  • Constitution, art. 46
  • Administrative Procedure Law No. 2577

The information on this page is general and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different, and legislation and practice may change.

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