5 Reasons For Looking At Homes In Turkey

The lure of living and working abroad is a strong one for many people. Most of them are not rich and can't afford to go and live wherever they choose, so they inevitable look around for somewhere that's affordable and safe with friendly people and easy living.

That's not always possible on a budget. However, there's always an exception to every rule, and Turkey is the exception in this case. In this article we will present 5 reasons for looking at homes in Turkey with a view to buying and living there.

1. The price is right! Turkey represents one the best investment chances there are in the Mediterranean basin right now. You can easily pick up an apartment in a beachside complex for approximately £25,000 to £30,000.

Yes, you read that right! A modest apartment that would suit a couple can be had at a price that will amaze you. The quality will be amazing throughout too. You will have access to a shared pool and parking area. The beach will be close by, as well as shops and other amenities. Homes in Turkey have certainly moved up in the world.

2. The cost of living is tiny compared to the UK. If your budget is not very expansive, Turkey is not very expensive and therefore ideal for you. Even if you can afford to splash out a bit, you'll still enjoy keeping more of your money than you expected to.

How much did a loaf of bread cost you recently? Expect to pay a tiny fraction of that in a Turkish market. How much did you pay for your pint of beer the other weekend? Expect to pay less than one third of the amount in Turkey. How much did you pay for that meal for two the other week? Cut that bill in half, and then in half again in Turkey!

3. The standard of living is very high. You can expect to have all the mod cons you might find in any part of the UK. Turkey is a modern country with a young population and they want what the rest of the first world countries have. This is a country that is taking its place at the forefront of modern society, and it intends to stay there too.

4. Modern homes in Turkey now conform to EU standards and regulations. Turkey is in the process of applying to join the European Union and is expected to complete the process in the next few years. For this reason they adopted European legislation as regards building from around the year 2000.

New homes in Turkey are now a lot more reliable than they ever have been. You can depend on the integrity of the structure, and there are regular checks as building progresses, just as in the UK and other European countries.

5. The weather. It has nothing whatsoever to do with homes in Turkey, but it certainly makes living a lot easier when the weather is nice. You can depend on the Turkish weather to be sunny and warm right throughout the summer. It rains in winter, but no more so than you might expect. The climate in Turkey is one of the finest you will find within easy reach of the UK.

5 Reasons To Buy Houses In Turkey

The Turkish property market is a growing one. It seems that it is like a last frontier, the final place in Europe where bargains can still be found, and some of the bargains will amaze you too.

There are many reasons to buy houses in Turkey, certainly more than five, but this article will deal with five good reasons only. Here's why we think you should consider taking the plunge and checking out Turkey as a serious property market with lots of excellent potential.

1. Let's start with prices. It all comes down to money in the end. If you can't afford it, you can't get it – it's as simple as that. But with houses in Turkey there's something for everyone. Expect prices to start as low as possibly £20,000.

Most sources state £25,000, and that's probably a more common starting price, but we have seen plenty of good properties going for less. Now, that's the kind of starting price that let's nearly everyone compete. Imagine the kind of houses in Turkey you could get if your budget is around £50,000, or £75,000, or even £100,000!

2. The cost of living is tied in with the cost of buying property. If you manage to secure a good home in Turkey, but then find that you can't afford to live in the country, it certainly will defeat the whole point of the exercise.

You need have no fears about the cost of living in Turkey, however. If you can afford to live in the UK or Ireland, then living in Turkey will come as a pleasant surprise. Expect your money to go further – a lot further. Expect to find bargains at prices that will remind you of your childhood. Yes, it really can be that good.

3. The weather has to come next as a good reason to buy houses in Turkey. It's a simple fact that people who are looking to buy homes in another country are swayed strongly by the weather. The north of Greenland, for example, may well be a wonderful place, but when it comes to holiday homes, southern Europe is where most people look.

Turkey has no problems whatsoever in the weather department. The whole country enjoys a near-perfect climate all year round. The coast facing the Aegean Sea around the Altinkum area is particularly good with a low humidity that has prompted the World Health Council to recommend it for asthma sufferers.

4. Cheap bargain flights to and from Turkey is a consideration high on most expats lists. You may have friends and family visiting you from the UK, or you may need to travel back for a family get together, or whatever.

Turkey has over 20 million people visiting the country every year. Numbers of that size help to keep travel costs down for the airlines. Not only will you find plenty of cheap flights to and from the UK, but there is also plenty of choice too.

5. For our final reason to buy houses in Turkey we could mention the fact that as Turkey is now a property hot spot you can expect your investment to grow in value, or we could mention that the country has some of the finest blue flag beaches to be found anywhere, or we could say that its history and archaeology is second to none. Perhaps we should simply say that the best final reason is that the people of Turkey are as friendly and welcoming as you could ever hope for. Welcome to Turkey!

7 Good Reasons For Buying Property In Turkey

Turkey, and especially the area around Altinkum and Didim, is being likened to the heady days of property buying throughout the Costas in Spain. The prices of property in Turkey have also been likened to the current prices on the Spanish Costas – though minus a zero on the end!

It's little wonder then that there is such a strong drive to buy Turkish property. For this reason, and if you might be wondering whether or not it's such a good idea, we've compiled 7 good reasons why we think buying property in Turkey is one of the best investments you can make.

1. You can buy a modest apartment with a bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom, terrace or balcony, shared pool facilities, as well as all the other resort facilities and amenities you will need for less than £25,000.

You can also expect to have stunning sea views, friendly neighbours, plenty of shops nearby and a beach within easy strolling distance. We could stop here, but we'll give you another 6 good reasons for buying property in Turkey.

2. Property dealers are falling over themselves to try and interest you in buying property in Turkey, and in places like Altinkum. This means that you can expect a good deal. Foreigners, once not allowed to buy property in the country unless they were paying in cash, can now buy property easily. They can also get Turkish mortgages easily too.

3. The cost of living in the UK is soaring, almost out of control. What used to be a reasonable wage for an average family is now barely enough to get by on. Turkey is often seen as a country of lower standards, a country that is almost third world, but nothing could be further from the truth!

Without putting an actually figure on the cost of living, let's just say that it's a mere fraction of the cost of living in the UK. A food bill of £50 a week should be ample for a couple, for example. The warm climate means that heating bills are all but unnecessary.

4. The standard of living is high in Turkey, and especially in Altinkum. You will find all the modern conveniences, facilities and amenities that you will ever need. Turkey is moving forward into the future with a determination. The country wants to be part of the European Union, and it will be too. Once that happens, things can only start to get even better.

5. The weather doesn't even start to compare with the weather in the UK. Where you used to get cold, rain, clouds and wind, Turkey offers warmth, blue skies, gentle cooling sea breezes, and a low humidity level that impressed the World Health Council so much that they declared in a positive health benefit!

6. We're not saying that people in the UK are not friendly, far from it, but the people in Turkey are especially friendly. Visitors to the country can expect a warmth and friendliness that may take them by surprise. And if you choose to relocate there, or even if you just buy a holiday home, expect to find the same warm friendliness from the local people.

7. Finally, buying property in Turkey is a very shrewd investment move these days. Anyone who buys into the economy can expect their property to increase considerably in value over the coming years. You may not be intending to sell it on anytime soon, but it's always comforting to know that your investment will soon be worth a lot more than you paid for it.

7 Good Reasons To Buy Turkey Houses

There are many good reasons to buy Turkey houses, and certainly more than seven. However, we decided to make a start at least and present what we believe to be seven of the best reasons why investing in Turkey houses now can constitute one of the best investments you could make today.

1. The number one good reason in most people's books is likely to be the affordability of the property in Turkey. And it's not just Turkey in general either; some of the finest resorts you will find on the country's Aegean coast have property on offer at prices that will amaze you.

2. Excellent buying conditions with low ongoing costs are likely to be a close second good reason to buying Turkey houses. Put simply, Turkey makes it easy for you as a foreigner to buy property in their country. They welcome inward investment and recognise that they have to smooth the way in order to encourage foreigners to buy property.

Turkey doesn't stop there though. The ongoing running costs of your property will be delightfully low too. Your electricity bill could be less that £10 a month, for example, council tax under £30 a year and the total annual bill might just barely scrape into four figures.

3. In third place you may consider that buying into Turkey houses and property is an excellent investment for the future. Figures vary, but some sources state that your Turkish investment could be gaining in value at a rate as high as 25% per annum. Even at much lower estimates of around 10%, it's still a good investment.

4. If you are buying in order to rent out, then again you are looking at an excellent investment. Rental yields of up to 10% are easily achievable. The country has some 14 million visitors a year and many of them are seeking rental accommodation in a beachside complex. Renting out a property in the right location will not pose a problem.

5. The weather can be high on some people's list of reasons to buy property. No one likes to live in a cold, rainy and windy place. That's not Turkey though! The country gets over 300 days of clear blue skies and solid sunshine every year. The warm weather in summer has a low humidity that has made the World Health Council list it as an almost perfect place to be in to help clear up asthma problems.

6. Turkey has applied to be a member of the European Union. If this should happen, and it is expected to be the case within the next few years, then Turkey will have the same European status as Britain. This will strengthen the country and its economy. It will also make the move from Britain and an application for residency a lot easier.

7. The country has a great climate, great food, some excellent infrastructure in the main resort areas, with golf courses and other sporting opportunities, great scenery, with stunning mountains inland and coastal scenery that rivals the best anywhere – what more can you want! When you make an investment in Turkey houses you get so much more than you bargained for.

Buying Property In Altinkum

We've prepared a short FAQ, or list of frequently asked questions, that clients typically have when it comes to buying property in Turkey in general, and buying property in Altinkum in particular.

Q. What kind of prices can I expect to pay for a modest property in Altinkum, Turkey?

A. It all depends on what you want and what you can afford. However, prices can start as low as £20,000 to £25,000 for a modest apartment. That kind of property will typically consist of one bedroom, a living room, a kitchen and a bathroom. You may also get a terrace or balcony and will probably have access to a shared pool as well as other amenities. Not bad at all for the money! And of course, the more you spend, the more you can expect to get.

Q. How easy is it for someone from the UK to buy property in Altimkum?

A. A lot easier than you may think, is the short answer. Turkey recently passed a law that allows foreigners to buy property in the country. They could buy property before, but only if paying in cash! Now foreigners can also take out Turkish mortgages as well, making the whole procedure of buying property in Altinkum, or any other part of Turkey, a fairly straightforward business.

Arguably, it's actually easier to buy property in Altinkum than anywhere else in the country. The area around Altinkum and Didim is among the most modern equipped of all. This area has all the infrastructure and necessary offices you might need to conduct property buying business. It just doesn't get any easier than in Altinkum.

Q. Will I be able to conduct all the business of buying property in Altinkum with people who fully understand English, or will I have to deal with Turkish people and need a translator?

A. You can easily buy property in Altinkum through English speaking agents. In fact, they probably will be English. You can even buy Altinkum property on eBay UK – really! Altinkum, and Turkey in general, is probably the easiest place to buy property at the moment. People will fall over themselves if you express a wish to see some potential properties in the area. You will be truly spoiled for choice.

Q. Is it safe to buy property in Altinkum? Is the country stable enough to be trusted?

A. Turkey used to be a fairly closed society to foreign investors, but all that has changed enormously. Turkey has applied for entry into the European Union and in order to be allowed in they have had to make some changes. All their building standards and regulations, for example, conform to European regulations now. The country wants European investors and is actively encouraging them.

Think of now and of the future. Forget the country's past. Turkey is looking to the future, a future within the EU where it will be governed by European law. That's safe and that's dependable, and that's certainly stable. If you are thinking about buying property in Altinkum, there will never be a better time.

Some Pitfalls To Avoid When Buying Property In Turkey

Buying property in Turkey today is a lot easier and safer than it was even just a year ago. The Turkish government have gone out of their way to encourage foreign investment, first by making it possible for foreigners to buy property, then by letting foreigners obtain Turkish mortgages on similar terms to that of the UK.

Here are a few of the pitfalls involved in buying property in Turkey that can easily be avoided with just a little thought and preparation:

1. Buy property that is new or fairly new. The Turkish government brought in new building standards and regulations governing the building of property in Turkey around the start of the new millennium. These standards and regulations comply with European Union standards as the country is trying to become part of the EU. For this reason, newer properties can be depended on more for structural integrity than older properties.

2. Make sure that any estate agent you may choose to use is properly registered and licensed. Not all of them are. Those that are not registered and licensed may be perfectly fine to deal with, but it is in your best interests to deal only with the agents that are fully complying with all the necessary legislation.

3. Use a lawyer for any property dealings you may engage in. This will protect your rights throughout the process. It is of course yet another expense to consider, but not using a lawyer could turn out to be much more expensive in the long run if things go wrong. Always think of how to best protect yourself, and using a lawyer is the first step.

4. Don't think you can just leave the country and re-enter again every three months to comply with immigration and visitor laws if you have bought property in Turkey. You can of course, but if you are serious about what you are doing it is safer for you and better all round to apply for a long term residency in the country. You will need to fill out and submit a Declaration of Intent form, which, once accepted, is valid for a maximum time of five years.

5. Don't go to Turkey and buy property on a whim. If you are very rich it may work out fine. However, all too often plans that are poorly thought out, if at all, end up in tears. It is far better to think everything through fully and get expert advice at every turn. Always go through the proper channels and never try to take a shortcut. If you conduct yourself squeaky clean at every turn, you should have no difficulties to worry about.

Buying property in Turkey is not really very different to buying property in any other country. It's really just a matter of understanding as much as possible about what you are doing. Do your research, or employ an expert to do it for you. Inform yourself a thoroughly as you possibly can at every step of the way and check, check, and check again.

The Most Expensive Real Estate In Turkey

More than likely if you are interested in purchasing the most expensive real estate in Turkey, and money is no problem, you could just have it purpose built at whatever price you choose to spend, making sure that you spend more than anyone else has previously.

Forbes magazine does list the Waterfront Estate in Istanbul, Turkey, situated on the edge of the Bosporus, as being the most expensive real estate in Turkey. It has 64 rooms and it's built to standards of opulence and luxury that most of us simply cannot imagine.

The mansion stands in grounds that take up a mere three-quarter of an acre. The property has some 30,000 square feet of living area in total. Needless to say, crystal chandeliers and gilded moldings proliferate throughout. The property also has its own pier and berthing facility that alone is around 200 feet long.

It is probably true that a Turkish Sultan from any bygone era would not feel out of place in this incredible mansion listed as being the fourth most expensive home in the world. The Waterfront Estate is on the market with an asking price of around $100 million. If you are seriously interested, the Luici Real Estate Agency might like to hear from you.

We all like to look at photographs of extremely expensive properties from time to time. We know that the price is one that we will probably never manage to accumulate, but it's good to dream occasionally and play the game of "what if" from time to time. Places like the Waterfront Estate in Turkey are interesting curiosities, but most of us don't have $1 million, let alone $100 million, to part company with.

However, most of us could probably find £25,000 to spend on quality property in Turkey. No, it certainly wouldn't be the most expensive real estate in Turkey, but it would be an excellent investment, nevertheless. And properties starting at that price range and going all the way up are available right now in Turkish resorts.

The property market in Turkey today has been likened to how things were on the Spanish Costas in the 1980s before it all became too expensive. That could happen to Turkey over the next 20 years too, which is why this is the magic time, the time to get in while real estate there is still delightfully affordable.

Who needs a mansion for $100 million when you can have a perfectly affordable apartment for say, £50,000 that will be as good as a property in the UK costing up to ten times that amount? That's the situation in this exciting country that stands poised to enter the European Union with all the benefits that development will bring.

An area such as Altinkum that faces Greece on the Aegean Sea is in great demand. It's no wonder either as the climate is near-perfect and the infrastructure is excellent. If you are looking for a retirement home, a holiday home, or perhaps an investment to rent out, then this area is ideal. Forget about the most expensive real estate in Turkey – opt instead for the best bargain. The choice available will simply amaze you.

The Property Market For Turkey New Key Homes

In Turkey, new key homes have become one of the biggest property markets lures in Europe. Turkey has hopes of joining the European Union, and they probably will within a few years. This Muslim country keeps its religion and its politics separate and encourages inward foreign investment.

In fact, they have recently made it a lot easier for foreigners to buy property and get local mortgages. Since the year 2000, all new buildings have had to conform to European regulations. This is why in Turkey new key homes are the safest bet. The buildings are regularly checked at every stage of building development, giving the buyer a peace of mind they didn't previously have.

The other important thing about Turkey new key homes is their sheer affordability. On the Aegean coast especially, in areas like Altinkum and Didim, the value for money that a new key home buyer can expect is the best currently available in Europe.

You can start with an apartment for less than £20,000, and that's not a typo either! You do get what you pay for of course, but even at that level you get a lot of value. The buyer at the bottom end of the scale can expect to receive an apartment with a bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom, and a balcony, or perhaps even a terrace.

The kitchen and bathroom will be fully fitted to a high standard with a good range of mod cons. The property will probably have a sea view through double glazed windows. The flooring will be tiled throughout, and the walls will be smoothly plastered.

Turkey new key homes that are at the bottom end of the scale will likely be part of a complex where each resident will have a share in the pool. They will also be likely to share some of the other amenities. The complex will be close to the sea, or at least no further away that a reasonably short walk. Shopping and other leisure facilities will also most likely be within easy reach.

Compare those features and those prices with other part of Europe. Other places just don't compare, do they? Turkey's Aegean coastal resorts are really so much better of a deal than you are likely to find anywhere in the world really. But it doesn't stop there either. There are other features that make it all very exciting.

We have to mention the weather on the Aegean coast of Turkey. It's very pleasantly warm for much of the year with low humidity. Winters too are mild and quite bearable. You can expect around 300 days of sunshine a year, which certainly puts the typical British weather to shame.

The property market for Turkey new key homes is indeed a booming market. This is the time to get in while the bargains can still be found, and while it's still not too crowded. Soon Turkey will be a part of the European Union and that will make the country even more accessible to foreigners with the EU, including British people.

Turkish Property – The Pros And Cons

The Turkish property market is booming. More and more people from Britain and elsewhere are discovering a country they may have not considered before. The Turkish economy, once in a slump, has recovered to an amazing degree. Now, as the country stands poised to enter the European Union, it may be a good time to look at Turkish property, the pros and cons of investing there.

For British people considering investing in Turkish property, one of the biggest plus points is the fact that the country will almost certainly become a part of Europe in the near future.

The EU is a strong alliance of countries that commands a lot of respect in the world. The euro, the currency adopted in most of the EU countries, is very strong. Whether or not Turkey will adopt the euro remains to be seen, however.

What can be said is that Turkey in the EU will make the country even more stable and reliable, and accountable too, meaning that your investment, while never really at risk, will become a much better and safer one overall.

One of the most obvious minus points to consider is that you will be dealing with people in a country where you most likely will not understand a word of the language. This can be a daunting prospect to consider, but there are many English-speaking Turkish people in the property market today, as well as people from Britain who are now working in the market.

Another plus point is that there are an ever increasing number of British people living in Turkey. They are buying property similar to the property you may be considering, and because of this there are a number of vibrant and lively expat British communities in all the popular resorts. Of course, it's always best to learn something of the language where you live, but this kind if situation does cushion the need a bit.

Possibly a plus point for some, though maybe not for others, and indeed of limited consequence to the property market, is the fact that there is no restriction on the use and on the sale of alcohol in Turkey. This means that you can open a bottle of champagne to celebrate your purchase of Turkish property when the time is right.

Turkey is a Muslim country, but not in the fundamental sense. They keep their religion and their politics reasonably well separated in much the same way that Spain, for example, is a Catholic country, but Catholicism does not determine how the country is ruled. Religion is important in the country, but very much a way of life for the people in a way that has become lost in Britain.

One other plus and minus point to consider, and one that may help you make up your mind faster, is the fact that Turkish property is increasing in value at the rate of between 12.5% and 25%. This means on the one hand that your initial purchasing costs are rising, but also that once you have made your investment its value will continue to increase at this rate. Turkish property is hot right now. This is certainly the time to get a foot in the door!

What Is The Average Cost Of Apartments In Turkey?

The short answer to what is the average cost of apartments in Turkey is, anything between £20,000 and £100,000, or even more. There will be a big difference, of course, in what you get between the lower end of the market and the upper end of the market.

Turkey today has been likened to the heady days of yesteryear when property in Spain was extremely affordable and very good too. Now an apartment on the Spanish Costas will set you back more than you may be prepared to pay.

If you have around £40,000 to £60,000 to invest in Turkey, a low sum compared to the UK, then things start to get much more interesting. For this kind of sum you can expect to get one or two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom or even two, a terrace, perhaps even a balcony, all lying within a short stroll to the beach.

This kind of property will be within a complex and will typically be close to a town or large village. You will also have access to a shared pool, and a shared parking facility as well as possibly other facilities and amenities.

The apartment can be expected to have double glazing throughout, which helps to keep the worst of the summer heat out. It will be fully decorated with all the necessary light fittings. The bathroom and kitchen will be fully fitted with all the essential items in full working order. The floors will be tiled and the walls will be smoothly plastered.

This is fairly typical for an apartment of around 100 square metres. This size is not overly spacious, but quite ample for a small family, or a retiring couple. It is certainly more than adequate for use as a holiday home when you are likely to be spending much of the time out and about, exploring the region or relaxing by the pool.

The average cost of apartments in Turkey at the lower end of the scale can be as low as £20,000, or even down to £16,000 or so. For this price you can expect a similarly equipped property to the mid-priced one, but it will likely be smaller. It will be part of a complex, but will probably be further inland and therefore further from the beach, shops and other amenities.

However, we are not talking about tens of miles further away. The lower end properties may be only 20 minutes or so from the beach and about the same into town. You have to weigh that up against the lower property price and decide if it's still worth it.

At the higher end of the average cost of apartments in Turkey at say, £100,000, you can expect to get whatever you want. The complex that the apartment is in will be fully serviced. The apartment itself will be spacious and fully fitted with everything you could think of, and probably a few things you didn't think of too.

Rather than there being an average cost of apartments in Turkey, you will find a whole range of apartments available that will suit every pocket. Coupled with the low cost of living, high standard of living, and the glorious weather, is there any reason to question further?