Why Turkey

Turkey has always been a popular holiday destination for tourists, not surprisingly tourism is the leading source of income with over 20 million visitors in 2005 attracted to its warm climate, sandy beaches, character towns and villages, a wealth of history and most hospitable people.

In the last few years, Turkey has become increasingly popular for British people buying homes... either as holiday homes or for investment or both, primarily along the Mediterranean & Aegean coasts.

The economy is dynamic and growing and with Turkey now negotiating to join the European Union, (expected around 2012/2015), the potential for significant property price growth and thus good investment returns is high - some areas are returning 20% to 30% growth per year. Importantly the Turkish authorities have started to set agreements in place with many countries to minimize tax implications.
Property prices have increased substantially over the past 5 years but are still good value with 2 bedroom apartments often available for under 50000GBP. Build quality is good and apartments and villas are generally pretty well proportioned. Buyers can find a vast assortment of freehold apartments and villas along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts

Mainstream Turkey is thoroughly westernised with all the facilities and amenities one would expect. Whilst Ankara is the capital, probably the most well known city is Istanbul, which is indeed a dynamic city, the true gateway between Europe and Asia... one side of the city is in Europe... cross the Bosphorus on the ferry and you are on the other side of the city... and in Asia!

Walk down the pedestrianised Istiklal Street in the centre from Taksim Square and you pass designer shops, cafes, restaurants, rubbing shoulders with embassies from around the world and yet a few minutes away is history and religion personified in the stunning Blue Mosque.

Turkey is only 3 hours away by plane; people sometimes think that Turkey is a long way away, but it is closer to the UK than Cyprus, and where thousands of holidaymakers think nothing of having their holidays in the Greek islands...most of these are nearer to Turkey than to Greece, just off the Turkish coast: it is easier to hop on the ferry from Bodrum to Kos than to get there from mainland Greece!

The Mediterranean coast of Turkey has long sandy beaches, numerous sandy coves where rocks and pine forests cascade down to crystal clear waters. The climate is mild in winter, warm in summer and sea breezes cool the hottest summer days. This is a region steeped in history and mythology, and you will find the theatres and temples of ancient civilisations at every turn.