If you are wondering if you should buy a holiday home in Turkey, you have already been introduced to the country's delights. Putting the real estate market aside for a minute, Turkey is a top tourism destination; every year, millions of people arrive from European countries and other countries like Asia, America and more. They come to explore historical sites, lay on sandy beaches, and make friends with Turks in attractive destinations scattered from East to West.
Turkey is currently the fourth most visited country in the world, a vast achievement that speaks volumes. Easily matching Spain, France, and Portugal, this ideal destination for holiday home ownership also attracts second-home buyers looking to further their love for Turkey into bricks and mortar. From the capital city of Ankara to lesser-known destinations, Turkey is ideal for investing abroad.
Before discussing why owning a holiday home is an excellent financial destination, let's discuss location and geography. Turkey, a vast country, has a strategic location, but most tourism happens in the Aegean and Mediterranean locations and Istanbul. The tourists who go East do so for cultural reasons because the landlocked area lacks beaches.
Likewise, the northern coastline has much to offer. Still, lower temperature climates don't provide exceptional beaches like the famous south and west coastline. For this reason, we will focus on ideal locations in those areas in this article. So, let's start by explaining why this country is an excellent place for foreign buyers to own a second holiday home.
Should I Buy a Holiday Home in Turkey?
1: Affordable Prices - Purchasing and Maintenance
Money talks, with the spotlight on Turkey's property prices. The number one reason most foreign buyers like Turkey is attractive prices, attracting budget buyers. With average prices proving more appealing than other places for holiday home ownership, like Portugal, prospective buyers get more for their money.
Whether looking at apartments for sale or purely for investment purposes, when gauging value for money, the country of Turkey is an excellent bet to make. Due to current exchange rates, many foreign buyers enjoy reasonable prices for running and maintaining a property. Regular household bills are low, especially for electricity, water and gas. Also, British buyers often remark on the exceptionally low council tax and lack of TV licenses. Alongside this, maintaining homes is cheap compared to other countries.
2: Easy Buying Process Compared to European Countries
Of course, there are many legal requirements to fulfil. Still, British buyers are often pleasantly surprised at how quick and easy they can buy property. Military clearance is no longer needed, and if all legal paperwork and finances are in place, buyers become homeowners in as little as a week. Yes, this quick process is an added bonus over other countries like Spain, which have a long, drawn-out process. So, what does this mean for first-time buyers? Take your time! Research ideal locations, view many properties, and take the time to build relationships with estate agents, who will be your go-to point when looking at houses for sale.
3: Low Entry Turkish Citizenship by Investment Scheme
This reason won't apply to every buyer. Still, citizenship through a real estate scheme will interest those looking to Turkey for a long-term investment or to join expat communities. Currently, to use a holiday home for more than 90 days out of 180 days, buyers must apply for a residence permit. Residence requirements are straightforward: just prove you have financial means to support yourself.
However, for permanent residence, some foreigners go the route of obtaining Turkish citizenship. The program allows dual citizenship; so, people can come and go without restrictions. The citizenship residence permit grants the right to live, work, and study in Turkey indefinitely, like a Turkish citizen. All buyers need to do is fulfil the minimum investment of $400,000 and pledge to keep the property, for 3 years.
4: Quality Architectural Trends and Standards
Don't think attractive prices mean construction companies are cutting corners and complying with standards. In fact, Turkish developers are going far in making sure their home designs stand out on the global platform. For construction purposes, they must adhere to government building regulations. Licenses are given at each stage of construction so buyers can quickly check whether their investment is solid quality.
Much thought also goes into lifestyle amenities and green living for construction. Contemporary amenities include spas, hamams and steam rooms, while modern amenities focus on easy living. From quaint fishing villages to large cities, modern living dominates daily Turkish life, and many expatriate communities enjoy contemporary trends.
5: Long-term Property Investment
Let's put aside holiday vibes to discuss how this can be an excellent real estate investment. All across the world, foreign investments often focus on real estate options in solid, time-honoured niches. So, we advise looking at your holiday purchase, as an investment property as well. Keep the property for at least ten years and maximise the potential for capital appreciation.
Whether you want to build generational wealth or somewhere with high liquidity, should you need to convert your direct investment back into cash quickly, the investment hotspots of Turkey have much to offer. Additionally, many expatriate communities have sprung up from people who originally bought them for holiday purposes but, in later years, transitioned to living in Turkey permanently. The bonus is that sellers don't have to pay capital gains tax after at least five years.
6: The Best Beachside Lifestyle and Hot Summers
Turkey ranks so highly for holiday homes and tourism because of the 7,000-kilometre coastline, which promotes seaside cultural heritage and luxury living. The southern part focuses on Mediterranean lifestyles and boasts of Turkey's best beaches, including Cleopatra, Konyaalti, and Lara. From coastal villages like Kas and Kalkan to Turkey's large city of Antalya, all places are easily accessed via Gazipasa airport, Antalya or Dalaman.
Aside from beaches, people also flock to ancient ruins and Lycian rock tombs that sit on the Lycian way walking route. Looking at the Aegean coast, Modern amenities reign supreme, from the wide variety of shopping malls and entertainment options to international shops, culinary scenes, and adventure sports. Add 300 days of sunshine yearly to understand why the golden sands beckon global holidaymakers.
7: Award Winning International Airports
One big draw is that all prime and outskirt districts are easily reached via the prominent award-winning airports. Coastal towns and cities of Turkey's med are serviced by Antalya and Dalaman airports. In contrast, the Aegean is serviced by Izmir and Bodrum airport. The latter is just 40 minutes from Bodrum town centre, a popular destination for luxury property thanks to fabulous land that elevates away from the sea. Then, of course, the award-winning new Istanbul airport dominates Turkey and sets the bar higher for global aviation industries. Whether you buy a villa or apartment, getting to your property is quickly done all year round.
8: English Speaking Locals
One big fear of foreigners is Turkey's language barrier, whether they are just on holiday or looking at homes for sale. With a lack of knowledge, they wonder how their days will go, whether lounging about the pool, contacting property agents, or seeking fun and relaxation opportunities. The good news is that the language barrier is easily navigated. Real estate buyers will find many English-speaking agents, and the multilingual atmosphere stems from bars, restaurants, hotels, and shops around the country.
9: Holiday Activities and Things to Do
No matter what you consider fun, there are many places to go and fun activities to enjoy while on holiday. Antalya has Mediterranean shopping and nightlife galore. However, it also earns fame for attractions like the Old Quarter, museums, aquariums, and gorgeous beaches. The Fethiye region attracts fame for prime districts like Butterfly Valley and Calais Beach, while the holiday destination of Datca is where to find rustic and quaint charm.
Bodrum ranks as one of Turkey's top coastal cities for luxury holidays, where sailing takes front-row seats in society. All places have swimming pools, but also indulge in adventure sports or touring attractions like Pamukkale and Dalyan mud baths. This beautiful country and exploration opens up more attractions and places than ever imagined.
Popular Destinations in Turkey for Buying Holiday Property
Antalya City on the Mediterranean coastline
Antalya, the largest city on Turkey's Med coast, is also a top performer. Modern apartments and stylish villas attract buyers worldwide, who flock to Turkey's warmest climate; hence, they can even use their holiday property in winter. Of course, Antalya is home to two of Turkey's famous beaches, Konyaalti and Lara Beach. However, buyers also like the cosmopolitan vibes because Antalya attracts Russians, Germans, Brits, and other nationalities. Homes for sale in the Konyaalti area are scarce thanks to high demand and low supply. Still, the location features a fantastic promenade area, the pinnacle of daily life.
The Turkish Property Market in Alanya
Properties for sale in Alanya are slightly cheaper than in Antalya City, but buyers don't have to compromise. Turkish properties range from millionaire villas for sale in the city centre to affordable properties in outskirt districts like Mahmutlar. Rental yields in Alanya are high, given the holiday and touristic vibes. Of course, the range of stunning beaches includes Cleopatra. Foreign property buyers love Alanya because while it belongs to Turkey's Antalya region, it is a top-notch resort with good daily amenities.
Golfing Homes in Belek
Residential properties in Belek attract hard-core golfing fans. Belek, the golfing capital of Turkey, has a stellar reputation that has overtaken Spain and Portugal for golfing communities. Courses designed by world-class professionals showcase the prominence of this sport in the area. Given the vibes, international property buyers include wannabe ex-pats attracted by the immaculate town and facilities.
Calis Beach in Fethiye
Our professional advice is to head to Calis Beach for natural beauty and seafront location. This small town attracts many people from foreign countries who like the small-town vibes and personality. Detached villas are popular, especially those with front-facing sea views, and property acquisition records show that this is a beloved area for British buyers. Calis Beach has some of the med's lowest prices, and the benefits of city life are just a short bus ride away.
Fethiye Town Centre
Budget and expensive districts sit aside the vast range of amenities, including a central bus station with frequent routes to other major cities in Turkey. The city vibes of Fethiye are remarkably friendly and lack the doom and gloom that often blights other cities of Turkey. Many budget apartments have amazing views, and with the backing Taurus Mountain range, Fethiye is just a magical place with beautiful beaches, international restaurants and excellent shopping facilities. The bonus for holiday homeowners is the short transfer time from Dalaman Airport.
Yalikavak on the Bodrum Peninsula
From budget apartments to luxury villas, Yalikavak is all about stylish living on another level. Luxury residences sitting among contemporary amenities lead to Yalikavak's billionaire marina attracting super-rich and wealthy people. Luxury holiday houses are entirely different here. Many feature bespoke decor, design and architecture in a central location on Turkey's western coast.
Elevated land rising away from the sea means holiday home buyers are also treated to amazing views when they wake up. Yalikavak, with its bespoke villas and private pools, is all about high-end investment opportunities because this niche of the Turkish property market operates in a league of its own.
Gumusluk for Rustic Vibes
House buyers looking for a more off-the-grid location with low-key living in Bodrum would do well to look at one of our favourite resorts, Gumusluk. Sitting next to Yalikavak, the vibes couldn't be more different. Although the resort lacks blue flag beaches, it has a discreet vibe with exclusivity. Still, it offers affordable house prices compared to other upmarket destinations in Bodrum. Villas with private pools are popular in some places, and apartments occasionally come up for sale. Gumusluk earns fame for the summer for the seafront restaurants selling fresh seafood, and it is also a short bus ride away from Bodrum town centre.
See the Full Portfolio of Homes for Sale in Turkey
We hope we have given enough suggestions of ideal places when buying holiday property, but to see more, see our portfolio of attractive apartments and villas for sale. Foreigners can buy up to 30 hectares of property, which is more than enough, thanks to excellent property prices.
From affordable holiday homes to luxury villas, each listing contains all the information about the property. To speak to an agent, receive more information via email or book viewing appointments, and use the contact details. Alternatively, we hope we have answered your question of whether you should buy a holiday home in Turkey, but contact us here to speak directly with an agent, discuss the topic more, or have questions you are seeking expert answers to.
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