Turkey is a vast country, over three times the size of the UK and some 25% larger than France. Straddling between Europe and Asia, with almost 7,000 kilometres of Mediterranean, Aegean and Black Sea, Turkey is home to a unique mosaic of cultures, diverse landscape and dynamic social make up. If you are looking for property overseas, wish to buy a holiday home in the sun, a place to retire or purely real estate investment in an upwardly mobile country, then no search is complete without having a good look at Turkish real estate for sale.
Where to buy a holiday home in Turkey?
With so many lovely resorts and towns to choose from, it is a task in itself to decide where to buy that special villa in Turkey or that sea view apartment, which will be your new home in Turkey and double up for some rental income. According to statistics published by the Turkish real estate agents association, Antalya, Fethiye, Bodrum and Side are the most popular holiday home destinations in Turkey. Properties in Antalya enjoy the proximity of a bustling seaside city with lovely beaches and excellent golf courses of Belek, whereas Kalkan properties provide some of the most dramatic sea views experienced in the entire Mediterranean, not to mention Kalkan's elegant setting and fine dining. Side holiday homes for sale are ideal for families with children, where shallow waters gently touch sandy shores. Real estate in Bodrum on the other hand is your key to Turkey's most sophisticated resort with plenty of sailing and seafront homes in lovely Yalikavak, Turkbuku or Gumusluk. Then we have sun-soaked Fethiye with most affordable villas and flats for sale in Turkey near the most pictured Oludeniz beach.
Looking to retire overseas - where should you buy your retirement home in Turkey?
When considering a permanent move abroad and buying a property for year round living, there are some important factors to take into account. Proximity of amenities, hospitals, schools and a stable local community are some of the elements one would naturally look at. In our dealings with over 10,000 people from all over the world looking at Turkish real estate with a view to permanent living in Turkey, we find that properties in Fethiye, Bodrum and Antalya (including Side and Kemer) are natural favourites for year round living. They all have excellent climates with over 300 days of sunshine, mild winters and the right level of facilities to sustain year round living.
Where to invest in Turkish real estate?
With an average annual GDP growth in excess of 8% for 2010 - 2012 period, Turkey has posted exceptional economic performance compared to the EU zone and indeed to BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India, China). In 2011 and 2012 Turkey's economic expansion was only second to China. IMF estimates that Turkey will yet again outperform most BRICs countries and certainly the entire Euro zone in 2013 - 2017 period with an average annual expansion of 5%+ projected. Turkish real estate industry is currently one of the major growth sectors within Turkey. With a youth population of over 60% of entire 76 million and increasing wealth in the country, domestic demand for the Turkish real estate industry is fast climbing. Turkish real estate agents association estimates that by year 2015 there will be a shortage of around 2 million quality housing in Turkey just to accommodate domestic demand, this is not even counting the booming tourism sector, 6th most visited country in the world in 2011, which also puts a heavy demand on coastal hotel, villa and apartment projects. In 2011, property market in Turkey grew by some 18% compared to year before. Considering that at the same period Greece, Spain and Portugal came close to announcing bankruptcy underlines the viability of owning property in Turkey.
Prime location Istanbul or better to look at prospering Antalya?
From a purely investment viewpoint property for sale in Istanbul deserves a close look, however, one needs to be very selective. There are many offers on the market and not all are viable. We recommend real estate in Istanbul prime locations as opposed to heavily marketed bargain apartments on the outskirts of the city. Naturally, prime locations of Istanbul are expensive, therefore we suggest investors should have a good look at Antalya property market as a viable and exceptional alternative to prime location real estate of Istanbul.
How about rental returns and capital growth?
On the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts of Turkey, your holiday home in Antalya, Fethiye, Kalkan and Bodrum could easily deliver in excess of 6% rental returns after all expenses paid. Considering that the average rental yield in the UK is 4.8%, this is quite a strong return. Coupled with steep capital growth in several years, you could build your very own nest egg in Turkish real estate. Another interesting profile to underline is the beachfront Turkey property segment.
Can you suggest a niche segment of Turkish real estate to keep an eye on?
Keen investors and of course keen sailors alike should keep a solid eye on waterfront properties in Turkey. This is an incredibly lucrative segment of the Turkish real estate market. Compared to France, Spain and Italy, beachfront properties in Turkey come at one third the price tag for comparable villas and apartments. Luxury villas for sale at the seafront in Bodrum, Kalkan, Kas and Fethiye could be purchased from as little as Euro 400,000, whereas a comparable villa in Spain or France would cost no less than Euro 1.3m. This is a huge price gap and we suggest that it is an artificial one. We do not expect prices of beach front properties in France to come down for these are highly desirable homes, however, as more and more people discover the stunning coastline of Turkey, we expect waterfront homes in Turkey to appreciate quite significantly over the next 3-5 years. The number of foreign registered boats and yachts entering Turkish waters have tripled since 2005, clearly indicating that Turkey is becoming a desirable boating destination. Considering the breathtaking beauty of the bays and coves in the Aegean and Mediterranean waters of Turkey, this is not surprising at all.
This is an excellent opportunity to live within the peaceful Dosemealti area of Antalya – these luxury villas have their own swimming pools and landscaped gardens and can be used in applications for Turkish Citizenship.
This is an absolute must see in Buyukcekmece, one of the top projects in the entire area and one that is located on the coastline with lots of family orientated facilities including a Marina Bazaar and Performance Square – do not miss this opportunity.
Available in sizes ranging up to six bedrooms, these new apartments are situated in the highly residential neighbourhood of Cengelkoy in Uskudar and have beautiful views stretching out over the Bosphorus Sea.
Close to West Marina with striking nature views, this brand new villa forms part of a private estate in the Beylikduzu area of Istanbul and is ideal for those seeking a life of luxury within easy commuting distances to the centre.
Tucked away in a private area of Beylikduzu, these contemporary villas are perfect for families that are looking to live in Turkey on a permanent basis with easy access to local amenities, schools, and much more.
Close to schools, shopping malls, hospitals, and everything else needed for family living in Istanbul are these fantastic Beylikduzu villas for sale – complete with beautiful views out towards the sea and natural settings.
Elevated apartments for sale in Camlica area of Uskudar with views heading out towards the Bosphorus Sea and surrounding natural environment – suitable for those wanting to live in Turkey with options available up to six bedrooms.
With eight bedrooms inside, this property has enough space for the largest of families to live comfortably in Kemerburgaz area of Gokturk in Istanbul – complete with beautiful views out towards the Belgrade Forest.
Designed to luxury standards is this peaceful villa located in the area of Karagedik in Calis, surrounded by a mature garden with private swimming pool and incredible interior design featuring unique ceilings and lots more.
In the middle between a bustling working city, and a serene sandy beach is where you will find this beautiful villa found in a complex of villas designed specifically for family life in the utmost exquisite settings taking care of everything you could think of when it comes to luxury living abroad.
One of our top picks in Dosemealti area of Antalya, this fantastic project offers luxury villas for sale with private gardens and large swimming pools – enquire today to ensure availability and to arrange your visit at the earliest.
350 metres away from the world famous Istiklal Avenue, this boutique hotel is a must see for those looking to invest and run their own business in Turkey – enquire today as this one will not be available for long.
Designed to elite standards and surrounded by nature at every corner, these completely private villas are located in Arnavutkoy and are just 30 minutes away from the city centre of Istanbul for commuting and raising a family in Turkey.
A three bedroom villa in Istanbul well located offering a great option for those seeking peaceful districts to live in, yet with good access to historic districts. A great price for a home of this quality and one that should be take seriously by those looking to purchase in the near future.
You will struggle to find a better property in Faralya than this outstanding five bedroom deluxe villa shrouded in privacy with panoramic sea views from all levels and a spacious garden with large infinity swimming pool to enjoy.
Located on the marina side of Kas, the home has access to a shared jetty and sea platform – perfect for sea lovers or people who own boats or yachts. The marina itself is only a few minutes away and is one of the best along the coastline.
Built using locally sourced stone of the highest quality is this charming detached villa for sale in the Kas Peninsula of Turkey - overlooking the sea with wonderful views form a private garden and swimming pool to enjoy.
Looking out towards Buyukcekmece Lake with fantastic views, these spacious villas are nestled within an elite neighbourhood in Istanbul and enjoy their own private landscaped gardens and stunning swimming pools.
With panoramic views of the sea from infinity swimming pools, these luxury villas are for sale in Yalikavak area of Bodrum Peninsula and are perfect for families and those looking to move to Turkey permanently.
This 5-star panoramic sea and Castle view villa forms part of one of the most sought after exclusive estates in the heart of Bodrum Centre and is for sale today as completely furnished and ready to move in immediately.
Located at the seafront in Istanbul, these Zeytinburnu villas form part of an Ottoman Palace with access to a full range of social facilities and on-site areas including a stone square with restaurants and daily shops to enjoy.