FAQ's

Q. What is the time difference?

A. Turkey is two hours ahead of British GMT

Q. What is the climate like?

A. The warm climate is undoubtedly one of the main attractions for sun starved Northern Europeans in general, and British people in particular, looking to buy a property in Turkey. Like Greece and Cyprus, Mediterranean Turkey has over 300 days of sunshine a year with over 1,500 kilometres of coastline on the Mediterranean. In the Mediterranean and Aegean Sea areas, the average temperature in the summer is around 86 -105°F (30 - 40°C), in the winter it is normally above 50°F (10°C). Winters are normally short and mild. It can rain between November and February. Imagine swimming or sailing 9 months a year in the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Q. Is Turkey in the EU?

A. Turkey has applied to become a full member of the EU. If membership is granted it is expected that, property prices will rise significantly. This will be a key factor in attracting more foreign investors.

Q. What is the infrastruction like?

A. Turkey is investing heavily in transport links and communications.

Q. Is the economy good?

A. Over the last few years the economy has stabilized steadily. Turkey is now one of the 20 most dynamic countries in world trade. In 2005 Turkey's economy grew by 9.6%

Q. Is it safe?

A. Most travelers comment on the friendliness and hospitality of the Turkish people. It really is exceptional. Turkey is not only friendly, it's as safe as Europe and North America, although no place is completely safe.

Q. What are the day to day costs like?

A. Prices for food and local services are very low compared to the rest of Europe. Eating out is inexpensive and the food is superb. You will realize that your pounds go for much more in Turkey than in the UK or any other place in Europe.

Q. Are the Turkish people friendly?

A. Turkish people are the friendliest and most hospitable people in the world. You will feel very comfortable when interacting with them.

Q. Is property in Turkey a good investment?

A. Turkey is one of the most attractive emerging markets in Europe. Properties for sale in Turkey offer a good investment opportunity and are excellent value for money.

Q. Is Turkey an emerging market?

A. Turkey is already a NATO member and as everyone knows, there is a possibility of Turkey joining the EU. It all means that the prices for the property in Turkey will be going up until they are levelled out with the other Mediterranean countries, already members of EU. If Turkey is successful in their bid to join the EU, it seems unlikely that it would happen before 2015, although it is more realistic to be 2020. This timescale offers longer prospects of capital growth for property buyers in Turkey. Properties for sale in Turkey are attracting the attention of many Northern European nationals.

Q. Can I rent my property out?

A. Turkey is now a major European holiday destination, which gives an excellent opportunity to obtain very good rental returns on properties, most of the year. Holiday resorts attract tourists as well as people seeking sun in the winter. The holiday season is very long in Turkey from April until November. Although the rental market in Turkey is in its early stages, the low prices of properties allow you to get very high returns. Location of the property (villa or apartment) is extremely important. The cheapest properties for sale in Turkey do not always represent the best investment, as everywhere else; you would have to pay slightly more for prime locations and better built properties to assure you get the most out of your Turkish property.

Q. What kind of growth can I expect from my property?

A. The property market in Turkey is very buoyant and in the past few years has seen a steady growth of 15-20% or even more in some parts. Any property owned by a non resident for 4 years is C.G.T. exempt when sold. The UK and Turkey enjoy a double taxation agreement.

Q. Are there many British people over there?

A. English is widely spoken in Turkey, you will not feel being cut off from the life back in the UK - 52 channels are available through the local service provider, including BBC World service and Eurosport. There is a National Turkish newspaper also available in English. Social events are organised regularly by British local residents, as well as other Europeans living in Turkey.

Q. What is the currency?

A. The national currency of Turkey is the New Turkish Lira. However, most transactions nowadays can be done in either Lira or Euros.