Turkeys Economy Powers on Price Comparables

Pricewaterhouse Coopers regard Turkey as a faster-growing market than China, India and the rest of the so-called  E7 Countries

There has been much press coverage in recent months about Turkey's slow road to EU accession.Several issues have delayed their progress in negotiations but the good news is that these hold-ups have NO negative effect on Turkey's economy or its housing market.

An article in the international Herald Tribune entitled 'Turkey's economic future looks bright', stated:....'regardless of the outcome, most analysts believe that the underlying strength of the Turkish economy will help the country pull through, even though its pride may be battered a bit'

Turkey is the 16th largest economy in the world with an expected GDP of $382 Billion, which put the Turkish economy ahead of Belgium,Switzerland and Sweden in 2006. Bear in mind that 45% of the Turkish economy is unrecorded too,meaning it is actually much larger than publicly stated.

Turkey is also among the top 7 emerging markets, with one of the most open, dynamic and internationally integrated economies in the region.Indeed, research for PricewaterhouseCooper regards Turkey as a faster-growing market than China,India and the rest of the so-called E7 Countries.As economic growth translates into increased spending power, there will be a strong upward pressure on property prices.

The economic transformation in turkey has been dramatic, especially the lowering of inflation, the country is now more stable economically and politically than ever before. Turkey has been a member of United Nations since 1945 and a member of NATO since 1952. It has also been a secular state since 1923 where religion and the state are seperate.

Turkey has always had very close ties with the EU.In 1996, a customs Union came into effect between Turkey and the EU,creatin the closest economic and political relationship between the EI and any non-member country.

% Property Price Rise in 2007
Spain 4.7 %
Egypt 6.1 %
Croatia 7 %
Morocco 11%
Turkey  20.9%

Property Price Rise in 2008 first half
Spain -18 %
Egypt 3.02 %
Croatia 2.5 %
Morocco 3.5%
Turkey 13 %

Comparing Costs in Turkey, UK,Spain,France,Italy,Bulg.Cyprus,Germany

Cost of Purchase -Cost of Running Property- Cost of Resale in Turkey

A little bit about Fethiye

• 40 minutes from Dalaman Airport
• Direct flights all year round
• Average 3.5 hr flight time from UK
• Several UK airports fly to Dalaman throughtout the winter
• Daily internal flights to Istanbul
• Daily coaches to IStanbul & other major cities
• Close to Oludeniz lagoon and resort of Calis and Hisaronu
• Close to many sites of archaelogical interest: for example: Kaya Ghost Village,Tlos.Xanthos and Cadianda

Amenities include: shops,cinema, pharmacies, state and privae schools 2 private hospitals clinics restaurants cafes night clubs bars supermarkets footbal stadium weekly open-air market dentists opticians

Local Sports and Activities

• Horse riding 
• Diving
• Sailing 
• Microlighting,paragliding,parasailing
• Windsurfing and kite surfing
• Trekking (lycian Way)
• Golf-2.5 hours Antalya, 40 min to course under construction

Tourist Arrivals to Turkey rise 5.2 pct

Despite the global downturn some great news for all those involved in the tourism industry, a fair price for a fair product seems to "the trick".....

The number of tourist arrivals to Turkey rose 5.2 percent year-on-year in September to 3.14 million with the global recovery showing signs of recovery, Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry announced on Friday. In the first nine months of the year the number of foreign visitors rose 1.47 percent to 21.83 million, %, much slower than the 13.29% growth seen in the same period of last year.



A total of 26.336 million tourists visited Turkey in 2008, and 21.830 million in the first nine months of this year, making it one of the top destinations in the Mediterranean.
The data showed Germany, Russia and Britain remained as Turkey's top three tourism markets.
In August, the number of foreign tourists visiting Turkey fell by a slight 0.05 percent.


personal note:
Well it seems that the Master Plan Tourism development drawn up a few years ago by the ministery is well ahead and on schedule...With the opening of Didims new luxury Marina operated by the Dogan Group Turkey hopes to attract more tourists and yachting public.

what is iskan?

I have come up with lots of people are asking about Iskan: I am going to explain what ISKAN is:

Iskan means residence permit to be able to live in that particular house apartment or villa.
There are two types of iskan: General Iskan and Personal Iskan

General Iskan: It is the approval taken from municipality after the construction is completed. The construction company who completed the construction apply to the municipality that is looking after the area that the construction is built. Municipality sends the fire department to the construction to check if the construction is built following the fire project.They check if the fire equipment is object to legal forms and complete. After fire department gives the approval, city defence department goes to the construction and checks if the building is built obeying the defence regulation.After that the construction company needs to take the approval of the social security department.After that architects and engineers of the municipality come and checks the building.If everything is ok then the construction company earns the right to have ISKAN for the building.

So if one wants to buy the property, then he should ask if the iskan of the property is ready..DON'T BUY A PROPERTY WITHOUT ITS ISKAN.






Personal Iskan: After one buys the property, he or she applies to the municipality.The owner,according to the metersquares and the class of the property, pays the fees.After the type of title deed (TAPU) is changed,
the owner gets its tapu and personal iskan.

I hope this helps..If you have any questions please write a comment...

property in turkey -FAQ

Will the property in Turkey be freehold?

All the properties we sell in Turkey are freehold, which will be verified by a solicitor. The buyers should be aware that a large amount of properties in Southern Turkey are sold without Title Deeds, as they were built without planning permission. Also, there are different types of Title deeds in Turkey the foreign buyer should be aware of, especially when he buys from a small developer or re-sale property in particular. Do not let the above put you off from buying a property in Turkey! We carefully select our developments and the construction companies we work with. We also recommend to always using a solicitor when buying property in Turkey! We can recommend several UK based solicitors who specialise in this specific area.


What are the restrictions for foreigners buying a property in Turkey?

There are areas in Turkey where a foreign national cannot buy a property, especially if it is near the military zones or in the rural areas. A good solicitor would be able to advise you on this issue. All our off plan or brand new developments are suitable for foreign purchases, as most of our buyers are British.


What are the additional costs of buying a property in Turkey?

The buyer will be paying for legal fees, including solicitor's fees which are variable; wealth tax (depending upon the area), stamp duty and purchase tax of 3%, half of is normally paid by the Turkish property developer, but varies. The latter amount is based on the title deeds. Furnishing of the new property up to a high show room standard would be in the region of £5,000 to £10,000, but can be done significantly cheaper if you buy goods on the market


What are the costs of living in Turkey?

The cost of living in Turkey is significantly cheaper compared to UK and other Western European countries. Your bills would be at least 50% cheaper than in UK. The annual ongoing taxes would be approximately 0.3% for land and 0.1% for property, depending upon the location of your property in Turkey. It is significantly higher in inner city areas. The solicitor involved in the purchase process would be able to verify this for you.


What are the standard of healthcare and its costs?

The standard is quite high, although all foreigners have to pay for their medical treatment. Reciprocal private health cover is available from the UK, which will be accepted in the private hospitals. Enquire about this before you receive the treatment.


Can a foreign national work in Turkey? Yes, providing the relevant permissions is obtained.


What are the standards of education in Turkey?

 The standards are high as well as a wide choice of schools and colleges are on offer - both private and statutory free schools. International schools are private. There is a wide choice of universities in Turkey. Our colleges on the ground would be able to answer your questions relating to the nearest schools during your viewing trip to Turkey.


Are there any restrictions to repatriate income or proceeds out of Turkey?

No, you can take the proceeds of the property sale or rental income out of the country without a problem. Restrictions apply to the commercial property.


What are the advantages of buying an off-plan property in Turkey?
The off-plan or a newly built property in Turkey from a reputable developer comes with guarantees. In the recent years the standards of the construction in Turkey have improved dramatically and the property will be given quality assurance. You will not require a surveyor, but they are a must when you consider buying a pre-owned property in Turkey. The property normally goes up in value during the period of construction. You would have good capital growth by investing in a newly built property in Turkey. The prices in Mediterranean Turkey have gone up by nearly 50% in the past two years.


How long does the whole process of buying a property in Turkey take?

As a general rule, the whole process takes not more than 2-3 months. By Turkish law you would be required to be present at the Registry (Tapu) on exchange of the Title Deeds. Alternatively, you can issue your solicitor with a Power of Attorney and he will do it on your behalf.


What is the buying process in Turkey?

Normally a reservation fee is left with the estate agent to take the property in Turkey off the market, whilst the solicitor is checking the Title Deeds. At this stage the contract is drawn between he seller and the purchaser, which determines the payment terms, the date of completion and terms and conditions of sale. When the solicitor is satisfied with the documents produced and is checked, both parties sign the contract and the deposit is paid. You would also need to apply for the permission to buy from the government and several security checks will be done. This is normally done by a developer or a solicitor. It is a pure formality. The rest is done a by a solicitor.


What documents are required to purchase a property Turkey? Passports of the buyers will be required, which will be translated and its translated copy will be notarised in the Notary public. The translated copy will be checked by the army to ensure that the buyer has not got a criminal record or was not involved in activities against Turkey.


What are the costs of buying a property Turkey?

The main costs of buying a property in Turkey are:
Estate agency commission charged to the buyer is 3%.
3% of the purchase tax (similar tax to UK stamp duty)
Land registration costs (approximately £120)
Annual property taxes at the rate of 0.1% and 3% for land developments.
New properties or when buying a property off-plan in Turkey are exempt from annual property tax for 5 years following their construction
There are also administrative costs that depend upon the complexity of the buyers requirements. Solicitor's fees vary in different parts of Turkey.
As a rule, the costs of buying a property in Turkey should amount to about 10% of the purchase price; however they will be lower on newly built property as it is exempt from the Stamp duty.
What are the most popular locations for buying a property Turkey? The most popular locations to buy a property in Turkey are concentrated around the costal areas, just like in Spain. Properties for sale in Cesme, Bodrum and Kusadasi are very popular due to their proximity to Adnan Menderes and Bodrum Airports. Mediterranean areas of Turkey -

What taxes are payable if you decide to sell your property in Turkey at a later date?

Property sales are not subject to any VAT. When it comes to selling your Turkish property, there is a transfer tax of 3%. It is based on the declared value of the property in Turkey. Unusually it is significantly lower than the actual sales price. In practice the sales tax is shared between the buyer and seller, but it is up to both parties to agree on that.


What is Tapu?
A Tapu is a Title Deed for a property in Turkey.

Overseas Houses for Sale -5 min to Sea starting from 36.000 euro

Take the opportunity and share with us the mystery lifestyle of the mediterranean....
Located 1,5 km from the famous coastline Konyaalti and a step away from the breathless
Taurus mountains - Gardenia Houses - invites you to a complete change from the stress and
routine of everyday life. A truely paradise of 240 different style and different sizes studios,
apartments and penthouses.

For investment or for a stunning holiday home;
Own your dream house overseas with bargain prices, installment paymentplans and rental guarantee. We offer you professional free
inspection service and free airport transfers.

With the complex comes a large shared swimmingpool, poolbar, fitness facilities with a shared jacuzzi and sauna. All the materials used will be of best quality.

Distance to Kemer: 35 km
Distance to the airport: 28 km
Distance to Antalya centre: 7 km
Distance to the ski centre Tahtali: 45 km
Distance to the biggest animal park of Turkey: 10 km
Distance to 5M Migros shopping centre: 5 km
Nearest medical centre: 1 km
Banks: 500 m
THERE WİLL BE A SHUTTLE SERVİCE FROM THE COMPLEX TO THE CENTRE OF ANTALYA FREE OF CHARGE.

Common Areas
• Swimming Pool, 
• Swimmingpool for children, 
• Poolbar
• Aqua squash,
• billiard, 
• sauna
• fitness center,
• Private car park,
• Security, 
• Reception

Indoor Details
• American type kitchen
• Marble kitchen workbench
• Satin plastered walls
• Panel type indoors
• Kitchen cupboards
• PVC double glazed slide open windows
• First class ceramics in the kitchen and in the bathrooms
• Aircondition installation in all rooms
• Individual electric water heating system per apartment
• Steel security outdoor

Technical Details
• Foundation and construction - regular inspections of the materials and the construction products by  the building and housing authorities.
• In construction we are using thick reinforced concrete. The building will be installed with sound insulation.
• The walls will be constructed with hollow bricks which exclude sound and heat.
• The pipes for hot and cold water  will be made of synthetic material. Gutters and rain-water pipes - PVC.
• Interior doors - american panel doors
• PVC with double glazing  


For more information

denizgul@gmail.com
00905497184950

Buying a Property and how Process in Turkey

Why buy property in Turkey?

Turkey has a truly stunning coastline, great weather, fabulous food and the high standard of service that British buyers have come to expect from a second home destination. A wide choice of property, both new-build and resale, is available – and at a very affordable price compared to other, more established, European destinations.

The country also has a feel of the exotic, and the reception from the Turks is never anything less than welcoming. Infrastructure is also good, with good quality roads and a wide choice of airports. In addition, the range of facilities and amenities, from water sports to Ikea, is nothing less than phenomenal. Perhaps the only type of buyer that Turkey won’t appeal to is the golfer, as there is a considerable lack of courses in the south – with the exception of Belek which is building golf resorts at an unprecedented rate.

The cost of living in Turkey is also very reasonable – perhaps 30 to 50 per cent cheaper than the UK. All in all, Turkey has a great deal to offer the British property buyer – be it for investment, retirement or just a holiday home.

Popular buying locations

People looking to buy a property in Turkey tend to look in three main areas: Istanbul, the Aegean coast and the Mediterranean coast. While not the capital, Istanbul is the cultural heart of Turkey and offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle. Having said that, not many foreigners tend to buy here compared to the coastal resorts, but it does offer a better buy-to-let opportunity as the population is huge and the city isn’t suffering from the over-supply that is currently affecting the coast.

The Aegean coast comprises Ceşme, Kuşadasi, Altinkum and Bodrum. The diversity in just this region is overwhelming – no matter what you are after you will find it on the Aegean. From quaint fishing villages to busting towns, this is an area that has something for everyone, with beaches, history and a huge selection of bars and restaurants.

Meanwhile, the Mediterranean coast ranges from Maramis in the east to Alanya in the west. This huge stretch of coastline, serviced by Antayla airport, boasts long hot summers and the promise of snow in the mountains behind during the winter. Golf courses are starting to appear here, making for a truly modern destination.

The property buying process

When you have chosen the Turkish property you want to buy, a verbal agreement is made. However, the property won’t be taken off the market until you have signed a reservation contract and paid a reservation fee (this is usually around £2,000). Your solicitor will then request a copy of the title deeds (TAPU), and check that the house/apartment has planning permission.

Providing the title and the other searches are successful, you should then open a local bank account and register with the local tax office. A preliminary contract is then drawn up, committing you to the purchase, and you will be required to pay a deposit, which could range from ten to 30 per cent.

The TAPU office will need to see proof of identification and a copy of the deeds. They will then make an application on your behalf, which includes a check of your suitability and ensures that the property is not in a military sensitive zone or prohibited area.

Once clearance has been given, both the property buyer and seller sign a final contract, the balance is paid and your title is registered.

Legal issues

The biggest issues facing the Turkish property market are problems securing title and undervaluing (see new-build versus resale). Buyers whose purchase was taking place between June 2005 and January 2006 may also have had some problems while a newly drafted property law was sent back to Parliament for redrafting. During this time all sales to foreigners were frozen, and as a result there is a backlog of applications which are waiting for military approval – which could ultimately delay your buying process by anything up to six months.

There is light at the end of the tunnel however, as experts believe that the need for military approval will be removed sooner rather than later – as that will be a clause for successful EU entry. This would simplify, not to mention speed up, the entire buying process.

As well as getting your lawyer to check the title thoroughly, also ensure that they examine the location of your property. Land surrounding your home could be subject to a change of use, or even have planning permission, which may alter your views and the general outlook of the property altogether.

Financing property purchases

The easiest, and most cost effective, way to buy property in Turkey is with cash. If this is not an option then seriously consider raising the finance by releasing equity in your own home, as this also saves time and hassle. UK banks do currently not lend on Turkish property, so if you can’t raise the capital in the UK by any other means then your only other option will be to get a Turkish mortgage.

However, in order to be eligible for a Turkish mortgage, you must be resident in Turkey. All Turkish mortgages are arranged on a repayment basis – there is no such thing as an interest-only loan. You will also need a 30 per cent deposit, as the maximum loan-to-value lent by Turkish banks in 70 per cent. Also be aware that the term of a local mortgage will be over 15 years, 25-year loans are unheard of, and that there is likely to be a minimum loan amount of around £20,000. The good news is that you will probably be able to secure a fixed-rate deal for the entire length of the loan.

Turkish property: Fees and taxes

When buying property in Turkey, allow roughly ten per cent of the purchase price for associated costs. This breaks down into estate agents fees of around three per cent, stamp duty of 1.5 per cent and legal fees of up to five per cent. If you are buying from another individual, you may also be liable for property transfer tax at 1.5 per cent. In addition, you must budget for land registration fees, notary fees and any translation services.

When you have completed, you will also need to arrange earthquake insurance in addition to buildings and contents. There is also an annual property tax and local environmental tax. Bear in mind that if you are planning to rent your property out you will have to pay income tax on any profits.

If you are selling a Turkish property that you have owned for less than five years then you will be liable for capital gains tax. If, however, you sell it after this period then you will be exempt. Inheritance tax ranges from one to 30 per cent, depending on the size of gift left.

Visas, residency and work permits

British citizens need a visa to enter Turkey. You can buy this once you have landed for a fee of £10, and it is then valid for multiple entries for a period of up to three months. Many people who want to stay for longer than three months simply leave Turkey and then re-enter on a new visa. This is particularly easy if you live in a coastal resort such as Bodrum, as you can simply go on a day trip to one of the Greek islands.

If you are wishing to reside on a more permanent basis however, it may be worth applying for a residence permit. You can do this at the foreigners section of your local police station, and it will take anything from two to eight weeks.

If you wish to work in Turkey, your employer will have to apply for a work permit which can be a lengthy process. If you are thinking of working for yourself once out there, then you must set up a Turkish Limited Company which can only be done through a local solicitor.

New-build versus resale properties in Turkey

There is a great deal of new-build property in Turkey, from one-bedroom apartments to six-bedroom villas. However, as tends to be the nature of new-builds today, most of this will be sold off plan. It is important that you buy off a reputable developer, as estate agents are a dime a dozen in Turkey, and there are many horror stories of people buying a property that has also been sold to someone else. There are enough good firms around though, and buying off plan may enable you to secure a home at a competitive price.

If you are buying a resale property, get an independent lawyer to check out the title deeds before signing anything – or handing over a deposit. There has been much confusion over title in Turkey, so you can never be too careful. Also, make sure that the agreed price is mentioned in all official documentation, as sellers may try to list a lower selling price to avoid tax. Do not agree to this – not only are there legal ramifications, but when the time comes to sell, if you can’t find a buyer willing to do the same thing, you may be hit with a tax bill on an amount that is larger than the profit you have actually made.

Property in Turkey: Investment potential

Buying in any country purely for investment always comes with its risks, and Turkey is certainly no exception. There are, however, some factors which may contribute to higher capital growth than other destinations.

The prospect of Turkey joining the European Union is an issue which always arises when discussing Turkish investment potential. The truth is that, while Turkey has been an official candidate for EU membership since 1999, there is no sign on the immediate horizon of this becoming a reality. That’s not to say that it won’t come to fruition – but experts who are willing to put their predictions on the line state that the earliest this is likely to happen is 2015.

The other factor affecting house prices is flights. Turkey is not on any cheap air routes, and currently there are no direct flights to southern Turkey during the winter. Many British owners are currently campaigning against this, as it limits their rental season – as well as their own enjoyment. It is possible to change at Istanbul, but this can considerably lengthen the average three and a half hour flight time.

Health and education

While you don’t need to have any particular vaccinations before you enter Turkey, it is absolutely essential that you have private health insurance as there is currently no reciprocal agreement with the UK. Most cities and tourist resorts have private hospitals in which the standard of care is believed to be very good. Do, however, be aware that the Turkish ambulance system doesn’t have such a positive reputation, and taxi is often believed to be the quickest route to the hospital.

Much like in the UK, the Turkish education system is divided into preschool, primary and secondary schools. British children are entitled to enter the state system, but facilities do tend to be much better at either international or private schools. Unfortunately, international schools can only be found in large cities. A child entering the Turkish education system will need a student visa unless they are the legal dependent of someone with a work visa.

Transport

British Airways and Turkish Airlines are among a number of carriers that offer direct flights to Turkey’s major airports on a frequent basis. During the summer months several charter airlines such as Cosmos and Thomas Cook Airlines fly to the southern tourist destinations, but these tend to be limited to fixed term return dates.

Once in Turkey, be aware that public transport is pretty thin on the ground – although there are more buses in busy tourist resorts than elsewhere. Taxi’s however tend to be reasonably priced and in plentiful supply. If you are planning to do a fair amount of sightseeing then your best bet is probably to hire a car – which can be an economical decision, especially when travelling with a group.

And finally…

As with any property investment you should think clearly before investing in a Turkish home. There are things to consider carefully before parting with any money: is the title clear? Is the property built to earthquake specifications? Is the estate agent registered?

Generally these are questions that only your solicitor can answer, so make sure that you get an independent lawyer who is acting solely on your behalf. The same should be said for financial advice as, despite low property prices, this is still a large investment. A small outgoing now could save you thousands in the future. Ultimately, do your research before committing to any property purchase.

Taken from http://www.rightmove.co.uk/overseas-property/in-Turkey.html

Let's see what you can do in Antalya,Turkey before buying a property in here..

You wake up at your home and breath the fresh air outside.Because the weather in Antalya is not polluted by big indusrty centers. Because Antalya is a city where the economy is provided by tourism and agriculture. So you get up and grab your hormon free apple and go jogging by the sea seen in the picture.

 Then you can go to your home and have a fresh breakfast that includes all the hormone free and completely fresh cheese,onions,green vegetables and fruits..Then you can call your friends and enjoy the sun laying on the beach seen in the picture.

  Maybe you like playing golf and gather with other golf players and enjoy the sun shining weather in the golf clubs in Belek..

In the evening you would like to eat a good delicious meal in the elite restaurants in Antalya and then you can enjoy the night in the clubs where elite people are hanging..There are various kinds of clubs and pubs that plays pop music,r n b music or slow music in the background...

That is all for the first day :) In my next posts I will give you the links where to go and where to hang

Purchasing property in Turkey; is it safe? How can one minimize risks before purchasing an overseas property in Turkey

Suggestions before purchasing a property in Turkey:
Purchasing property in Turkey is easier than UK,where there are some complex tax implications and forms of ownership (freehold,leasehold etc).



Most Turkish properties are bought as freehold. The property you purchase should be either completed and ready for occupatior or an offplan nearing completion.

Whatever the stage of the construction , you should make sure that you have an enforceable consideration for any funds transferred. Or you should only accept minimum exposure without a reciprocal consideration. This should always be at the back of a legally notarized and witnessed contract.

Moreover, you need to ensure that the person (or company) selling you the property in Turkey indeed has legal title to the property you are purchasing and parting with funds for.

You should ensure that the property you are purchasing has habitation licence and appropriately built in line with local by-laws and planning regulations in force in that particular property region of Turkey.

Provided the above have been checked and necessary assurances are obtained, including a legal charge on the property after having paid significant part of your purchase consideration but prior to obtaining your legal title deed, which is usually the case due to foreign nationals military clearance protocol before your title deed relevant to your property in Turkey can be registered on your name, risks of fraud or undesirable consequences will be extremely low.

Antalya- Would like to buy a Property in Antalya, Turkey? Don't buy before reading this

While surfing on the real estate websites on internet, I have found this short and useful article about Antalya and property investment in Antalya,Turkey. Maybe you have already visited Antalya and thought about buying a property in Turkey,Antalya, then you should read this article that demonstrates the advantages and disadvantages of Antalya in terms of investment. I have taken this article from www.rightmove.co.uk which is (don't need to mention) very professional in real estate arena.

Introduction

Located on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, Antalya, the chief resort of what has become known as the Turkish Riviera, gives its name to the surrounding area. Like several other cities in Turkey, it blends history with contemporary amenities to create a 21st-century destination that is attracting growing numbers of holidaymakers, second home purchasers and investors.

Antalya dates back to the second century BC. Its well-preserved Old Town, Kaleiçi, is a place of narrow streets, wooden houses and ancient fortified walls, with the minaret of the 13th-century Yivli mosque towering over it. In contrast, wide, palm-fringed boulevards lined with luxury hotels and smart shops give the newer parts of the city centre a cosmopolitan feel.

Kaleiçi Old Town 

During the summer, Antalya’s yacht marina draws visitors from around the world. Its prize-winning archaeological museum is one of Turkey’s finest.

Antalya Region

Since the 1970s, when Turkey’s tourist industry took off, Antalya Province has benefited from generous investment in such facilities as hotels, international-class golf courses, watersports centres and, more recently, ski resorts.

This is a region of astonishing natural beauty and diversity. Along the coast, sandy beaches fringe the implausibly turquoise sea. Further inland, the rugged Taurus Mountains soar majestically. Vegetation varies from tropical species to oaks and pines.

The area’s numerous historical attractions include the ancient cities of Aspendos, Perge and Side, situated on the coastal plain to the east of Antalya. This is also one of Turkey’s most fertile agricultural districts, rich in citrus groves and banana plantations.

Climate

On the coast, the climate is typically Mediterranean: summers are dry and hot, and winters mild and wet. Temperatures inland are more extreme.

Getting there (Airports and flights)

Antalya has its own international airport. Currently, no low-cost airlines operate direct flights between the UK and southern Turkey. However, reasonably priced charter flights are available to Antalya from Gatwick, Stansted and most major UK regional airports, especially during the summer.

At present, the number of flights on offer between the end of October and the end of April is limited, but the situation has improved recently, and looks set to improve further.

Property (in terms of Overseas Property Investment)

Demand from foreign buyers has caused prices to rise at a rate of 30 per cent or so per annum in recent years, but it seems unlikely that such steep increases can be sustained in the more developed areas.

Antalya’s popularity as a holiday resort means that rental returns of up to 8 per cent are achievable for the right property in the right area. Infrastructure improvements, continuing government investment and the increasing availability of year-round flights combine to make it a good bet for both capital growth and rental yields.

The areas of Antalya most popular with foreign purchasers are Lara (to the east) and Konyaalti (to the west), both popular beach resorts. Villas and apartments are available. Expect to pay around £130,000 for a detached three-bedroom villa with pool, and from £85,000 for a two-bedroom villa, depending on location and condition. In Lara, a two-bedroom apartment with communal pool costs around £50,000.

Belek, half an hour east of Antalya, is also worth considering. As well as having outstanding beaches, it is establishing a reputation as Turkey’s premier golf resort, with several courses built to date and more under construction. Prices there represent good value but, as the area is attracting interest from foreign investors, they look set to rise.

Local life

Despite being an international destination, Antalya retains a characteristically Turkish flavour. Traditional shops, bazaars and outdoor markets coexist happily with cosmopolitan stores. Carpets, gold and leather goods are popular buys with visitors.

The many excellent restaurants serve a variety of cuisines. One of the region’s best-known dishes is piyaz, made from tahini, garlic, walnuts and dried beans.

Antalya’s nightlife is rich and varied, encompassing everything from bars, clubs and discos to traditional belly-dancing shows. A popular pastime for locals and tourists alike is to stroll along the seafront admiring the spectacular sunsets.

Numerous festivals take place between May and December, including the Golden Orange Film Festival.

Conclusion

If you’re seeking a second home or investment property in an area where the climate is similar to that of Spain but property prices are considerably lower, Antalya deserves serious consideration.

Good luck!

Are you thinking to buy a property in Turkey? Haven't chosen your second home under sun? Then here is some popular buying locations

People  looking to buy a property in Turkey tend to look in three main areas: Istanbul, the Aegean coast and the Mediterranean coast. While not the capital, Istanbul is the cultural heart of Turkey and offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle. Having said that, not many foreigners tend to buy here compared to the coastal resorts, but it does offer a better buy-to-let opportunity as the population is huge and the city isn’t suffering from the over-supply that is currently affecting the coast.

The Aegean coast comprises Ceşme, Kuşadasi, Altinkum and Bodrum. The diversity in just this region is overwhelming – no matter what you are after you will find it on the Aegean. From quaint fishing villages to busting towns, this is an area that has something for everyone, with beaches, history and a huge selection of bars and restaurants.

Meanwhile, the Mediterranean coast ranges from Marmaris in the east to Alanya in the west. This huge stretch of coastline, serviced by Antalya airport, boasts long hot summers and the promise of snow in the mountains behind during the winter. Golf courses are starting to appear here (Belek), making for a truly modern destination.