Turkey straddles three tectonic plates. The 1999 Marmara earthquake (7.6 magnitude, 17,000+ fatalities) transformed both construction standards and the property insurance system. The 2023 Kahramanmaras earthquake (7.8) reinforced why earthquake protection is a practical necessity, not a formality. Risk is not uniform: Istanbul and the Marmara region carry very high seismic risk; Antalya and Alanya are significantly lower. See our appraisal report in Turkey: eksper raporu, what it is, cost and when it is required for a full regional breakdown.
DASK (Dogal Afet Sigortalari Kurumu) is Turkey's compulsory earthquake insurance, established after the 1999 earthquake. Every residential property with a TAPU (title deed) must hold an active policy — regardless of the owner's nationality. Without valid DASK you cannot: transfer property ownership; connect electricity, water, or gas; complete a mortgage application; or sell the property. The policy must be renewed annually. For an introduction to the full DASK system, see our guide: Property Insurance in Turkey: DASK and Home Coverage.
| DASK Covers | DASK Does NOT Cover |
|---|---|
| Structural damage to foundations, walls, ceilings, roof from earthquakes | Personal belongings: furniture, electronics, clothing |
| Fire, explosion, tsunami directly caused by seismic activity | Interior finishes: tiles, paint, fitted kitchens |
| Landslide damage directly caused by earthquake | Flood, storm, burst pipe, theft, vandalism |
| Partial or complete structural collapse | Rental income loss or temporary accommodation costs |
The maximum DASK guarantee amount is 1,913,059 TRY (2025). Premiums are calculated on reconstruction cost — not market value — based on seismic zone, construction type, gross floor area, and year of construction. Annual cost ranges from approximately €12–28 for a small apartment in Alanya to €82–188+ for a large Istanbul property.
DASK is available through licensed Turkish insurers, banks, or the official portal dask.gov.tr. Foreign buyers need: TAPU, valid passport, Turkish tax number (Vergi Numarasi), and property details. A new policy must be issued in the buyer's name at the time of TAPU transfer — the seller's policy does not transfer. Policies are valid 12 months and must be renewed annually.
DASK covers only the building's structural shell. Konut Sigortasi (voluntary home insurance) fills all remaining gaps: fire, water damage, theft, contents, third-party liability, and — critically for investors — rental income protection. Annual cost: €12–35 for basic coverage; €47–117 for comprehensive protection on a furnished apartment; €117–350+ for a villa with full contents and rental income coverage. Providers include AXA Sigorta, Allianz Sigorta, Anadolu Sigorta, and Aksigorta.
For property ownership costs more broadly, see our guide on is Turkey good for retirement: pros, cons and what expats need to know.
Turkey updated seismic construction codes in 1999, 2007, and 2018. Pre-1999 buildings carry the highest DASK premiums and greatest structural risk. Post-2018 buildings built to current standards attract the lowest premiums and provide the best earthquake resilience. Independent structural surveys are strongly recommended for any resale property built before 2000 — see our guide on property purchase in Turkey 2025: legal registration, taxes and citizenship guide.
Since 2023, short-term rentals in Turkey (under 30 days) require a municipal license. Standard Konut Sigortasi may include exclusions for commercial letting. If you operate short-term rentals, explicitly confirm with your insurer: coverage for guest damage, liability for tenant accidents, rental income protection applicability, and any use restrictions that could void the policy.
In Turkish apartment complexes, the building management holds a policy covering common areas — lobby, lifts, corridors, external structure, pool. This does not extend to individual units. Each owner is responsible for their own DASK and Konut Sigortasi. More on building management fees: beginner's guide to investing in Istanbul property.
The seller's DASK policy does not transfer at the point of TAPU transfer. A new policy in the buyer's name is required before or at Land Registry registration. Most notaries require sight of the new policy before completing the transfer. For the full picture of purchase taxes and ongoing obligations, see our article on taxes in Turkey: a complete guide for property buyers and investors.
| Property | Location | DASK | Konut Sigortasi | Total / year (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1+1 (60 m²) | Alanya | €12–23 | €12–35 | €24–58 |
| 2+1 apartment (100 m²) | Antalya / Bodrum | €28–58 | €35–70 | €63–128 |
| 3+1 apartment (140 m²) | Istanbul | €70–140 | €58–117 | €128–257 |
| Villa with pool (250 m²) | Bodrum / Antalya | €82–163 | €117–280+ | €198–443+ |
Is DASK required for foreign-owned properties?
Yes — DASK is mandatory for all residential properties regardless of the owner's nationality. Foreign buyers must obtain a Turkish tax number first, then purchase the policy in their own name.
Does DASK cover furniture and personal belongings?
No — DASK covers structural damage only. A separate Konut Sigortasi policy is required for contents and personal belongings.
What happens if DASK lapses?
A lapsed policy means the property cannot be sold, have its title transferred, or receive new utility connections until a valid policy is reinstated. There is no grace period.
Can DASK renewal be managed remotely?
Yes — renewal can be completed online via dask.gov.tr or through a licensed insurer's portal. Many foreign owners delegate this to their property management company.
Is insurance more expensive for older buildings?
Yes — pre-1999 buildings carry higher DASK premiums. Post-2018 new-builds attract the lowest rates. Structural surveys are recommended for any pre-2000 resale property in high-seismic zones.
The annual cost of comprehensive property insurance in Turkey is typically less than a single week of rental income for the same property. DASK provides mandatory baseline protection; Konut Sigortasi closes all remaining gaps. For foreign investors managing property remotely, the combination is the financial foundation that makes ownership viable. DDA Real Estate coordinates DASK procurement, Konut Sigortasi, and annual renewals on behalf of non-resident owners. For a comprehensive introduction to the full insurance system, visit: Property Insurance in Turkey: DASK, Home Coverage and How to Insure Your Home. Contact a DDA Real Estate advisor to ensure your property is protected from day one.
