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Turkey
Although
more than 3 times larger than the UK, Turkey has only a slightly larger
population and has a dramatic landscape of lakes, rivers, forested hills and
fertile valleys. The coastline is stunningly beautiful in many parts, with
hundreds of bays, inlets and islands of all shapes and sizes. A cradle of
civilisation, this is where the oldest known human settlement is located
(6,500 BC), the first coins were minted and two of the seven ancient wonders
of the world stood (just a small part of a huge treasure trove of
architecture and archaeology).
Modern Turkey is a lively and progressive place, with strong economic
growth, a 30-year low in the inflation rate, falling interest rates and
rapidly increasing investment (public and private). The Turks are warm and
friendly, just as keen to practise their English as you might be your
Turkish. Year-round the climate is superb, with just enough rain in the
winter to keep things green and fertile, whilst 9 out of 10 days are warm
and sunny. The overall cost of living is noticeably lower than either the UK
or even the established overseas destinations such as Spain, France or
Portugal.
Turkey is the clear leader of the ‘Emerging Markets’ in overseas property,
with the advantages of a much better climate than most of the other options,
easier access than many, a modern economy and a government that is
determined to encourage a growing market in property, especially with
overseas buyers. Property experts are almost universally agreed that Turkey
is an excellent place to buy now, with prices currently very low compared to
other Mediterranean countries, but many factors fuelling growth. These
include the drive towards Turkish membership of the EU, the likely arrival
of ‘low cost’ flight operators, heavy investment in roads and other public
facilities, strong expansion of the leisure sector (including golf, marina
and other sporting facilities), and the drive to introduce a formal mortgage
system. Of special interest to investors will be the exceptionally low rate
of Capital Gains Tax (often zero), and the low costs of purchase / annual
running costs.
As with any country, and especially in the case of an emerging market where
overseas buyers are just starting to make their mark, very careful research
is needed, a service we devote hundreds of hours to. A great deal of digging
and local knowledge is needed to pick out the gems and avoid the lemons, as
well as to negotiate the right prices. Whilst ultimately the security on
your purchase will come through the services of a good, independent lawyer,
an awful lot of disappointment can be saved by using a professional
negotiator as well. This is where our unique combination of over 30 years
experience in overseas property, adherence to the FOPDAC code of conduct,
and professional English-Turkish team make us worthy of your trust.
The Turquoise Coast Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye
It seems obvious when pointed out, but the word ‘Turquoise’ is derived from
‘Turk’ and was first used to describe the stunning shade of clear blue that
the waters along this coast have.
The contrast with the deep green of the pine forests, light shades of the
beaches and rocks, bright flowers and golden orange sunsets is striking.
Around 4 to 5 hours drive in length, with three airports and the widest
possible range of location and lifestyle choices, this is the natural region
to focus on. It also benefits from being well away from the earthquake risk
zone in the far north of the country, and a peaceful and harmonious
community spirit.
Lassos / Kiyikislacik
Property in Iassos / Kiyikislacik duplex, townhouse or villa typically
will mainly be individual, with just a few small complexes, and very
reasonably priced. 25 miles north-east of Bodrum, in fact closer to Bodrum
airport than the city itself, is a large sheltered bay of great beauty and
history, in the Gulf of Güllük. On its shores sit the remains of the town
founded as Iassos (or Iassus, or Iasos) in the 9th Century BC and now known
as Kiyikislacik. As well as impressive historical remains excavated over
decades, visitors will find sea-side restaurants, quiet beaches and lush
green hills, with an almost completely unspoilt and natural lifestyle. In
contrast to the more developed resorts, here a superb meal will still cost a
few pounds.
Bodrum
Property in Bodrum apartment, duplex, townhouse or villa is available in
a wide variety of locations and qualities, although local regulations tend
to favour a consistent style. Restricted supply means prices are rising
quickly, but there are still many bargains to be had. Whilst all of Turkey,
especially the coast, is awash with history and archaeology, Bodrum (founded
as Halikarnassos) is a unique combination of ancient and modern; traditional
yet warm and friendly. Highlights in Bodrum itself include the Mausoleum,
the amphitheatre and the massive and beautifully preserved Castle of St.
Peter in the bay. On the surrounding peninsula, coastal resorts or villages
such as Torba, Gümbet and Gümüslük each have a unique character, and whilst
Bodrum’s beach is fairly narrow there are many more to choose from. Since
early last century Bodrum has been a favourite of artists and other lovers
of culture, generating a relaxed, warm and romantic atmosphere. Whilst
visitors will be glad of the modern facilities and Aladdin’s Cave of
shopping opportunities, the vibrant community spirit and strict planning
controls ensure a quality of life that is hard to beat. There are a growing
number of flights direct to Bodrum, alternatively either Izmir or even
Dalaman airports (2 3 hours) can be used. A one hour ferry hop takes you
to the Greek island of Kos.
Marmaris, Armutalan & Içmeler
Property in Marmaris apartment, duplex, townhouse or villa comes in a
very wide variety of styles and layouts, from old residential units with
minimal facilities to serviced complexes of impressive quality. In Armutalan
and Içmeler more open spacing and larger floor areas are widespread. Founded
some time before the 6th Century BC as Physkos, Marmaris sits at the centre
of a huge and spectacular natural harbour and so has been a sought-after
location for centuries. Içmeler, just along the bay, is quieter and more
relaxed, whilst Armutalan is in the foothills backing onto Marmaris itself,
with views over the town and a fresh cooling breeze. Many civilisations have
left their mark on the town and the surrounding countryside, which consists
of a coastline of dozens of pretty bays and islands, backed by scented,
pine-clad hills and valleys. Although it is a lively holiday resort,
Marmaris itself is surrounded by steep hills and so expansion of the town
will be naturally limited, which will both preserve the quality of life and
boost property values.
Every modern amenity is available and English-speaking visitors are made
very welcome indeed. As you would expect, Marmaris has one of the largest
marinas in on the coast, with enough boat trips and water sports to satisfy
anyone. The long waterfront and quayside are especially attractive, where a
huge variety of bars and restaurants occupy well-preserved original
buildings. The surrounding bay and peninsula has literally dozens of quiet
beaches and villages (Turunç, Turgut and Hisarönü being best known), every
corner on the road seems to reveal a prettier one than the last.
A little further along the peninsula is the fascinating boat-building
village of Selimiye, where traditional Turkish wooden ‘Gulet’ yachts are
still built by hand and available to rent all along the coast for pleasure
cruises. Also of interest is the lovely little village of Bozburun, which
looks out over a bay dotted with islands to the larger, Greek island of Symi
and has a fine little marina flanked by restaurants offering excellent
value.
The area can be reached in just over an hour from Dalaman airport, or a bit
longer from Bodrum, but a new tunnel being dug will cut a good chunk off the
journey. A ferry to Rhodes takes 3 hours.
Göcek Bay Dalaman & Göcek
Dalaman itself, whilst a nice enough place, is really only of interest to
the buyer for its airport, which is well served with charter flights in the
summer and scheduled flights year-round, although demand for more flights is
growing so strongly that they will have to come, which is good news.
However, only 20 minutes down the road it’s a different story, where in
Göcek you will see one of the best marinas on the coast, backed by a
friendly village and surrounded by a collar of green hills offering stunning
views over the bays and islands. Property in Göcek mainly villa styles in
traditional materials, with few apartments tends to be luxurious and well
appointed, yet amazingly good value compared to the western Mediterranean.
Mooring fees and other costs of living are also impressively low.
Fethiye & Çalis Beach
Property in Fethiye & Çalis Beach apartment, duplex, townhouse or villa
is very attractively priced, even by Turkish standards. Nevertheless, it is
still necessary to carefully research what is on offer, which we spend many
hours doing on your behalf. Founded in the 5th Century BC as Telmessos,
Fethiye is a fun, friendly, up and coming resort town with a great selection
of shops and restaurants, plus a very large market packed with bargains.
Fronted by a long quayside and marina, it is a perfect holiday destination
for all ages and in common with most towns on the coast has a strict height
restriction that guards against over-development. On its shoulder is Çalis
Beach, a long strip of lovely clean beach with crystal clear waters and
backed by a variety of good bars and restaurants.
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Related Links
Property for sale Turkey >>
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Map of the Turkey >>
Just over an hour from Bodrum airport and only 20 minutes from the lively
resorts of Didim and Altinkum
lies a tranquil paradise on the shores of Akbük Bay.

There beside the village is a beautiful sandy beach used
only by the nearby villagers and a few tourists who have ‘discovered’ it.
In reality this is the perfect location for a varied yet
relaxing holiday, an idyllic permanent residence or an investment of
exceptional potential. A short walk away, Akbük is a charming unspoilt
fishing village with a weekly market and a good range of restaurants
supplied fresh from the quayside every morning. A shuttle runs to Altinkum
every 20 minutes, where any need outside the scope of the village can be
met. Both have good medical facilities for their size.
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