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 private beach apartment is located within a residential area of Yalikavak in Bodrum and has three bedrooms for a family to live together in Turkey – just a few minutes away from daily amenities and the centre.
In Besiktas with a beautiful view of the sea is this duplex apartment for sale – suitable for someone looking to live in central Istanbul permanently with everything accessible within a matter of a few minutes.
Built to premium standards by a top developer in Istanbul, this exciting project offers apartments for sale within the desired Bahcelievler area and is just a few minutes away from shopping malls, schools, and more.
Perfect for use as either a permanent home in the sun or a tranquil retirement spot, this is a rare bungalow for sale in Ovacik and is just a short distance away from local amenities including restaurants, daily shops, and necessities.
100 metres away from the nearest beach and restaurants, this beautiful apartment is for sale in Yalikavak area of Bodrum Peninsula and has three bedrooms inside for a family of up to six people to live together.
Suitable for families who want to live on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, this extensive project rises in a residential area and has sea views – all just a one minute walk away from a Metro for commuting and moving around.
With a long term tenant in place, this is a fantastic opportunity to invest in a shop for sale in the iconic area of Galata in Istanbul, in front of the square and famous Tower just a few metres walking distance away.
Overlooking the sea of Marmara is this luxury designed complete project of apartments with all facilities and amenities that you would expect to find in any top quality project in the city today. Well placed for year round living needs in Istanbul with access to a beach and marina close by.
This is an incredible opportunity to own a piece of history in Istanbul when you invest in one of these designer apartments overlooking the sea in Fatih, just moments away from some of the most important landmarks and tourist spots in the city.
These world class properties form part of a 5-star development within the Kizilburun area of Gundogan and have access to a private Blue Flag beach amongst many other social and shared facilities to enjoy daily.
Located within a 5-star development, this property is suitable for year round living in the highly desired area of Calis within the Fethiye region and has access to a full range of social facilities and shared spaces to use.
Big Life near Little Bosphorus by Rams, an exciting opportunity not to miss out on – this luxury project offers spacious apartments for sale in Halic area of Istanbul and enjoys sea views of the Golden Horn as part of a superb complex in Turkey.
Built by one of the most prestigious developers in the entire city, these incredible homes are found in the heart of Nisantasi in central Istanbul and are just minutes away from everything needed on a daily basis.
5-star Ottoman Palace homes situated just metres away from the sea with outstanding views across the ocean and beyond, located in a desired area of Istanbul within easy commuting distances to the centre of the city – a must see.
One of the standout developments in Maslak area of Istanbul, this iconic project offers luxury-designed apartments for sale in various sizes and has access to an on-site shopping mall and plethora of social facilities within.
Title Deed ready and completed for buyers to move in today, these apartments rise within the central heart of Istanbul in Cihangir area of Beyoglu and are just minutes away from everything needed on a daily basis.
In the city centre of Istanbul, these Taksim apartments are just a short walking distance away from Istiklal Avenue and are a must see for those looking to buy within an area of historical and cultural significance that is undergoing regeneration.
Renovated and designed to luxury standards, this beautiful apartment is found in Cihangir area of Istanbul within the cultural city centre and is just a short walk away from local shops, restaurants, and transportation.
Just two minutes away from Mall Of Istanbul, this extensive project has won awards for design quality and offers all kinds of social and communal facilities to enjoy – this is one of the most impressive projects in Kucukcekmece today.