Turkey

ABOUT TURKEY

Turkey is a rapidly modernising country with one foot in Europe and one in Asia. The Turkish people have an unrivalled reputation for hospitality; the cuisine is wonderful, the coastline spectacular. It is a secular republic founded in 1920 by Mustafa Kemal ("Ataturk") the "Father of the Turks". Ataturk implemented dramatic changes within Turkish society, including banning the wearing of the fez, discouraging the wearing of the veil by Turkish women, instituting mandatory education for all children, the adoption of a new Latin-based alphabet and giving women the right to vote.

In the words of Heredotus, the Aegean coasts "have the most beautiful sky and the best climate in the world." The bays and peninsulas, coves and golden beaches stretch the length of these beautiful shores. In this region where the countless events of mythology took place, at almost every turn, you will encounter the theatres and temples of ancient cities. With more known Greek ruins than Greece and more Roman ruins than Italy, it's unsurprising that Turkey's Aegean coast is a dream come true. Turkey has some of the most stupendous unspoiled scenery you could ever set eyes on.

Turkey has glorious beaches and vibrant cities. There are an enormous variety of things to see and do ranging from water sports to mountain trekking, archaeology to night clubbing and river rafting. The summers are hot and dry and the winters are short, warm and mild, with most of the rainfall taking place only from November to February. Turkey has over 300 sunny days a year; it's the perfect place to enjoy long lazy days on the beach or on one of the small bays or private beaches. You can comfortably swim and sail in these turquoise coloured waters for nine months of the year, perfect for relaxing on sandy beaches or enjoying the tranquillity of mountains and lakes.

WHY TURKEY?

Turkey’s property market has now truly developed into a stable and thriving investment.  From the speculation of 2-3 years ago we now have a flourishing market.

• Exceptional property prices (prices have increased between 30-105% depending on area in last year)
• With 40,000 sales expected in Turkey over the next 12-18 months, Turkey is expected to be the next boom market
• Low cost of living
• Climate
• Value for money
• Very high interest on savings
• Welcoming people
• Beautiful scenery
• English widely spoken
• Rapidly growing market
• Warm, hospitable and friendly people
• One of the safest countries according to Interpol statistics
• Amazing coastlines and unsurpassed historical and archaeological wealth
• Turkey's foreign property market has been one of the fastest growing in Europe
• Turkey is attracting more buyers than ever since its move closer to EU membership
• Draft legislation currently before the Turkish Parliament will allow foreign nationals to obtain mortgages on Turkish property - this will give property prices yet another huge push. (The law is expected to be passed some time this year
• Globally influential real-estate sources have rated Turkey in the top 3 for property investment. Such prestigious European Banks as HSBC of the UK, RABO Bank of Holland and BNP of France have set the pace.
• Buying a property in Turkey is currently one of the soundest investments that someone who is looking to buy abroad can make. Prices in Turkey are on the up and it is advisable to get in there quick before they go through the roof.
• In 2005 alone, property prices rose by around 30 per cent and doubled in some areas, depending on the property and location, particularly in the coastal towns. Prices have increased but the build quality is of a higher standard and properties in Turkey are still sold at bargain prices. The situation now mirrors that of Southern Spain 15 to 20 years ago. There are areas in Bodrum where villa prices are exceeding those of similar places in the Costa del Sol. In 2006 investors should achieve capital growth of up to 30 per cent, with steep capital appreciation until 2010 before prices level off.
• An added incentive for would-be buyers is the introduction of "no-frills" airlines servicing Turkey from UK airports, a development that, if history tells us anything, will see house prices increase dramatically in a short period of time. The accessibility and reduced costs of travel will certainly increase Turkey's appeal and consequently the value of good property in these locations.
• A liberal banking system combined with generally low costs for most goods and services equates to an excellent standard of living.
• Early economic indications for 2006 suggest that Turkey is set for record numbers of tourists and British second-home buyers look set to follow suit.

In 2005 property prices increased by about 30%, depending on the location but mainly in the coastal areas.   Prices have increased but in so doing the build quality is of a higher standard.  At the moment it is possible to get a 2 bed/2 bath penthouse in one of the best locations with spectacular views, private marina and private beaches for the price of a studio flat in the UK.  On the other hand there are areas in Bodrum where villa prices are exceeding those of similar places in the Costa del Sol.   In 2006 it is expected investors should achieve capital growth of up to 30 per cent with steep capital appreciation until 2010. 

Another plus is the introduction of  ‘no-frills’ airlines.  Bodrum now has winter flights from Manchester and London.  Dalaman airport has been extended and now has several winter flights from

UK airports.  With accessibility and reduced costs of travel Turkey’s appeal still has a long way to go.

Education

The Education system, all children between the ages of three and five can go to pre-school, with primary school education being given to all children between the ages of six and 14. All education is compulsory and free of charge in state schools. All children who have completed primary school can then apply for secondary education which takes a further three years. After this, some 1.5 million students apply to enter Turkish universities every year and around 250,000 of them pass the demanding examinations. To cater for the needs of the many foreign residents who are now living in Turkey, a number of international schools have opened where English is spoken.

Health

No specific vaccinations are required before entering Turkey although hepatitis vaccinations and anti malarial tablets are recommended for travel to eastern Turkey. Foreign visitors are also advised to drink bottled water. Health insurance is also recommended as there are no reciprocal healthcare agreements between Turkey and the UK. While private healthcare and dental facilities are very good, state run public facilities are more basic.

Turkey's healthcare system is, in the main, not as advanced as those in many western European countries and we advise to take out private medical insurance. If you are to reside in Turkey we recommend you contact (info@expatriate-insurance.com).

Foreign residents with chronic ailments requiring medication are advised to keep a six-month supply of medication on hand. There are however, well qualified, multi-lingual, foreign-trained physicians in the larger cities.

Leisure

Turkey is awash with leisure activities including Fishing, Golf, Air sports, mountaineering, trekking/hiking, thermal resorts, horse rising, plateau hiking, hunting, various winter sports, ornithology, numerous National Parks, yachting, underwater diving, rafting, water sports, terrific food, world class entertainment, intriguing historical sites.