Turkish Real Estate News
Property Market Trends and Reviews

Turkey is becoming a very popular area for holiday home seekers and overseas property investments, Statistics from search engine giant Google have revealed.

Worldbulletin.net has reported that Turkey's official tourism portal is currently ranked as one of Google's most-visited websites, receiving a rating of 8 out of 10 in terms of importance and international popularity. A Turkish Tourism official explained that the website was designed to reach international markets and appeals to the various tastes and expectations of people from across the world. The website can be viewed in four languages, with English, French and German available in addition to Turkish.

The Turkish Daily News has reported that Ismet Yilmaz, undersecretary from the culture and tourism ministry, said the tourism industry is a vital part of the country's future. However, he added that further growth in the Turkish holiday industry could be achieved if efforts are made to broaden its appeal. Property author Dominic Whiting said the government is investing funds in tourism industry in order to make them more desirable and enhancing their appeal to prospective holidaymakers. This is also making it more attractive to foreign property buyers, as house prices are being pushed upwards.

In related news, Turkey attracted more than 23 million international tourists last year, reports TurkishPress.com, which makes it the ninth-most visited country in the world in 2007.

Labels: Holiday-property, Travel

The Turkish city of Istanbul is one of the best places to invest in property in spite of high prices, it has been reported.

Described as being on its way to becoming "one of the most important cultural centers in Europe", Istanbul is Turkey's largest city and is the only metropolis in the world which is situated on two continents. Ozgul Ozkan Yavuz, director of events and organisations for Istanbul 2010, has said that the European Capital of Culture status will be valuable in creating more interest in property in the city much like Liverpool and London. He added that Istanbul can offer something for everyone from luxury and glamour parts to cheaper properties.

Foreign Property Buyer highlighted the Turkish city offered a number of attributes to tourists and property investors, such as culture and a good transport infrastructure. Istanbul's accessibility from the UK and other European countries was cited as another factor in its favor, as it is serviced by many low-cost airlines.

This comes after the news that city mayor Kadir Topbas said the city is ideal for foreign buyers and authorities are working to eliminate bureaucratic hindrances to the property-buying process in order to make purchases quicker and simpler.

Labels: Istanbul, Property-buyers

Tourist authorities in Turkey have announced plans to increase the amount of visitors is pushing the country forward as the latest cruise and yachting destination.

Tourism expert Dominic Whiting, editor of the Buying in Turkey guide, has described the country as "one of the premier cruise tourism destinations in Europe". The annual average number of those from Europe is about three million while from USA to Turkey is about 11 million. Istanbul, Bodrum, Marmaris and Antalya already boast modern marinas, while Turkish government has planned for the construction of four more marinas in the near future.

Turkey is expected to attract a record number of tourists by the end of 2008. This will be a positive development for rental accommodation investors in the country, as it means their services are likely to be in strong demand.

Turkey's geographical position has mae it highly important in cruise tourism in black sea and eastern mediteranean. Artun Çağlayan, secretary general of the Turkish Maritime Tourism Association, has stated that many prominent cruise companies in the world have chosen Istanbul as a homeport. Their target in cruise tourism is mostly middle-aged tourists from upper income groups and ports can also be built in İzmir and in the popular Aegean resort towns Kuşadası and Didim, he added.

In related news, The Turkish Daily News reports that that Turkey is a hotspot for diving enthusiasts, with up to 30 metres visibility being possible, making it possible to see the coast's marine life, reefs and caverns.

Labels: Tourism

The Turkish city of Istanbul has been name as one of the property hotspots for international buyers to invest in property, according to Istanbul2010.

Ozgul Ozkan Yavuz, director of events and organisations for Istanbul 2010 has said that the title will significantly raise its international profile particularly among property investors, tourists and also international artists. The European Capital of Culture status gives cities the chance to present the attractiveness, cultural diversity and characteristics of its history for one year.

Culture and tourism minister Ertugrul Gunay revealed that the plans to preserve and restore many historic locations were already underway. He also added that the number of international arrivals in the country has increased to13.29 per cent since last year. The region of Antalya came first as 34 per cent of visitors visited the city, with Istanbul coming in second place with 25 per cent.

Amberlamb commented: Istanbul's culture, good infrastructure and easy accessibility make it a "prime location" for overseas investors and it supports many investment approaches.

Labels: Istanbul

Those looking for property in Greece may be able to purchase a similar home with comparatively lesser cost if they take a look at Turkey, it has been reported.

Shelter Offshore Cited research conducted by leading consumer group stated that the hidden costs of Greek properties in the guise of transfer taxes, land registry and other notary fees makes the purchase of a £100,000 property can see £10,000 added to the bill. The research suggested that when all other expenditure is considered, this sum can rise to £17,500.

Purchasing a property in Turkey may set you back as little as £19,000 for a holiday home, a bargain compared with Greece and other charges are comparatively low at around £7,000.

The Telegraph stated that first-time buyers from the UK are increasingly snapping up properties in Turkey. This is because they can enter the market at a price which compares very favourably with those in Britain. Besides, the potential for capital growth means such a purchase could prove to be highly lucrative.

Labels: Life-style, Property-prices

Kusadasi, Dalaman and Side are named as the best resorts in Turkey by a UK publication, which could encourage holiday makers to head to the nation this winter.

According to the Liverpool Echo, Kusadasi combines great beaches, culture, water parks and for a more educational day out, the ruins of Roman Ephesus, Didyma, Priene, and Miletos are close by. Kusadasi has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, providing a long tourism season and it is situated on the west coast of Turkey- 90km south of Izmir.

Dalaman is rapidly becoming a popular tourist spot rather than just a stop over destination. The Recent investments to Airport and road ways make it more accessible. There is also a tunnel underway to connect the town of Gocek and Dalaman, reducing the journey to only 5 or 10 minutes drive. Dalaman is now rapidly becoming an investment area for many foreign investors as plans for new marinas and a golf course are also underway.

The pretty resort town of Side has an extensive range of tourist accommodation, shops selling typical Turkish handicrafts, late-night bars and restaurants mixed in among the ruins of the ancient city. The wonderful 2nd-century theatre with beautiful sea views in the center of the town and the remains of the Roman Baths houses an impressive collection of artifacts.

The Turkish Daily News reported that Turkey plans to spend $320 million (£165 million) on improving tourism in the coming years, which could be good news for owners of rental accommodations.

Labels: Resorts, Tourism