One of the most preferred methods for landowners who wish to have a new building constructed is to evaluate their land through a construction contract in return for flats.
In this method, a detailed contract is prepared and signed between the parties before construction begins. This document legally secures that both the landowner and the contractor fulfill their respective obligations within the agreed period. However, there is an important legal point to note: having the contract merely notarized is not sufficient. Since a construction-for-flats agreement also serves as a promise of sale contract, it must be drawn up in official form by a notary, not merely approved. Otherwise, the contract may be considered legally invalid, which could result in significant loss of rights for both parties. Therefore, having such agreements professionally prepared is crucial to protect both parties’ rights and prevent future disputes.
A construction-for-flats contract is a legal document that imposes certain obligations on both the landowner and the contractor. It must clearly and comprehensively define all details that protect the rights of both parties. To prevent potential disputes during the construction process, the following elements should be explicitly stated in the contract:
The date when the construction permit will be obtained and the actual start date of construction,
The completion period and delivery date of the project,
Which party will be responsible for potential damages to third parties during construction,
The quality and technical standards of the materials to be used in the apartments,
Penalties applicable in the event of a breach of contract.
In addition, if changes in the zoning plan result in permission for additional floors or independent sections, the contract should clearly specify which party will own the newly added units. Properly detailing these matters helps prevent future conflicts and ensures a secure and transparent process for both sides.
The process of giving land in exchange for flats requires careful planning and meticulous contract management. To prevent loss of rights for both the landowner and the contractor, several crucial details must be addressed. The following are key points to consider during this process:
The rights, obligations, and responsibilities of both parties should be clearly defined. The delivery date, scope of the construction, materials to be used, compensation clauses, and penalties for delays should all be stated explicitly.
To ensure the agreement is legally valid and fair, both parties should seek professional legal counsel during its preparation. This step is essential for preventing potential disputes in the future.
The project design should be well-prepared, with architectural and engineering details reviewed in advance by both parties. The contractor should be experienced, licensed, and insured to minimize possible errors.
The contractor’s financial capacity to fund the project should be verified. The landowner should also include guarantee clauses to protect against possible payment or completion failures.
For the contract to be valid, it must comply with all current zoning and land registry laws. Both parties should conduct preliminary research regarding the land’s zoning status, title record, and any legal restrictions before finalizing the contract.
A construction-for-flats agreement may be terminated if one party fails to fulfill their obligations or if significant issues arise during the construction process. If the landowner identifies defective, incomplete, or contract-violating work during construction, they can give the contractor a specific period to correct these issues. If the problems are not resolved within the given time, the landowner may notify the contractor in writing that the project will be handed over to another contractor.
According to Article 473 of the Turkish Code of Obligations, if it becomes evident that the contractor will not be able to fulfill their obligations, the contract can be terminated through a court decision without waiting for the completion of the construction.
However, if the delay in completing the construction is caused by the landowner, the contract cannot be terminated. Also, if the building delivered by the contractor has only minor defects, the landowner has the right to request a price reduction instead of terminating the contract.
For this reason, both parties should carefully evaluate their rights and legal grounds before initiating a termination process for a construction-for-flats agreement.