Buy property in Turkey - freehold Turkish property

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 Aegean and Mediterranean 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 Aegean and Mediterranean 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 have 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 Aegean 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.        

One of the most popular tourist towns, Bodrum, is a uniquely diverse holiday resort. combining ancient and modern, offering beautiful beaches, watersports, a brand new marina, excellent shopping, traditional bazaars, dining and nightlife, alongside its proud cultural and historical heritage.

Popular with both Turkish people and international visitors it is a cosmopolitan town, centred on a magnificent port. The waters around Bodrum offer a superb diving  with  reefs, caves and teeming sea life.

In the city centre, is the Tomb of King Mausolus, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, along with Bodrum Castle, jutting out into the harbour, and  a good example of architecture from the period of the Crusades. Bodrum has a new international airport with several flights from Istanbul arriving daily and in the summer season direct flights from the UK.

Bodrum sits at the base of the Bodrum peninsula which boasts a number of popular secondary resorts.

The second largest town on the peninsula is Turgutreis which offers a glimpse of real Turkish life combined with many sport and leisure activities.

The town has a newly-built marina, numerous of cafes and bars, and popular restaurants around the harbour serving typical Turkish specialities. Nightlife is lively too, with beachside bars and clubs all with a uniquely Turkish style. Turgutreis is well known for its long stretch of sandy beaches and safe, shallow waters, making it ideal for families with young children.

In Yalikavak, white-washed houses with cascading bougainvillaea line the narrow streets, and the many small cafes and shops, create a truly authentic Turkish ambience. Yalikavak has a thriving fishing industry and visiting yachts often are moored together with working fishing boats in the picturesque harbour. Harbourside restaurants offer a wide selection of fresh fish every day. There is  a traffic-free centre, with many shops and every week the town has one of the biggest fruit, vegetable and clothing markets in the area. It has a small beach area but it is the waterside culture that attracts here.

Gumusluk is a pretty fishing village straddling two small coves bay, with a seafront full of some of the best seafood restaurants and there are craft and antique shops offering leather goods, silver & gold, and the local blue glass beads. There is a blue flag beach. One of the main attractions is Rabbit Island which separates the two and is accessible by a causeway and offering magnificent panoramic views. Gumusluk is the site of ancient Myndos, and you can clearly see some of the ruins underwater.

  The Aegean Coast offers something for everyone.