Istanbul named as one of the best places to invest in 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
According to Today's Zaman, many foreign property buyers in Turkey want to "wake up to views of the Bosporus and live in a city half as old as time", as well as making a good investment. Istanbul offers a number of attractive inducements for overseas property buyers, including a strong tourist trade that is driving rental demand. There are many bargain properties available in the city now due to the various global economic problems have triggered a downturn in the housing market. This means that overseas property buyers could find now a good time to snap up a residence which may previously have been unaffordable.
The city has seen a "massive boom" in its economic prosperity following the currency collapse in 2001. Hotproperty.co.uk cited a recent report by PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Urban Land Institute and reported that investors in the region have seen a 42 per cent growth on their properties since February 2007. Despite the falling prices now, ready financing available for would-be property buyers and bargain properties has increased its attractiveness to buyers. However, The Times has adviced buyers to choose their areas carefully in the huge city. The publication added that Beyoglu and Galata will attract those looking for "an exotic, lively city bolt-hole" and villas on the banks of the Bosphorus would be suitable For those with a substantial amount to invest.
This comes after Australian newspaper the Sunday Times described wide range of attractions and "vibrant" culture has made it very popular with leisure travellers.
Labels: Istanbul, Life-style
Turkish tourism tipped for 10% rise in 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
According to Tourism minister Ertugrul Gunay, Turkey's visitor numbers and revenues should rise significantly this year, Reuters reports. Mr Gunay said that the tourism sector generated $20.5 billion in 2008 and it is higher than the $18.5 billion (£12.4 billion) recorded in 2007.
Turkey was highlighted as one of the main hotspots for Britons this year, with many people choosing it as an alternative to countries within the eurozone, where holidays are now more expensive.This is likely to push overall annual visitor numbers over the 27 million mark this year. Turkey is also planning to target the high end of the tourism marketing by investing in new hotels.
Propertywire has reported that the appeal of the country among holidaymakers is having a knock-on effect on its housing market, as many people from the UK are buying holiday homes in certain areas. The website added that more than 20,000 British-owned properties are located along the Turkish coastline and places such as Altinkum, Fethiye,Bodrum and Kusadasi were also flagged up as popular areas among British buyers.
According to the Association of British Travel Agents (Abta), Turkey offers much better value against the pound for holidaymakers and demand for travel to Turkey was up 32 per cent last year and travel experts have said they expect this pattern to continue in 2009.
Labels: Tourism
Help for expats in Turkey makes migration easy
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
According to Voices, Turkish professionals in Didim have launched one of the first Citizens Advice Bureau-style helpdesks in Turkey for Brits looking for migration. The 27-year old Fulya Onder is the person behind this idea who spent 10 years working in Shropshire and included two years working at the Telford branch of the Citizens' Advice Bureau.
The publication added that the expat helpdesk services include help regarding issues affecting all aspects of living in Turkey including property purchase, legal aspects, getting the necessary visas, schools, hospitals and other bodies. The association will also indulge in promotional activities and raise awareness of British peoples; problems in Didim within Government departments and draw attention to the Press and other media.
Meanwhile, ShelterOffshore.com has advices Brits to seek professional advice before buying to ensure their moves go smoothly. The website adviced the purchasers to pay out and seek independent advice instead of using their agent or developer's lawyers, even though financial incentives may be offered.
Julian Walker, managing director at Turkish property specialist Spot Blue has said that Turkey is the number one choice for those who want to live a fantastic quality of affordable life in an accessible, stable and rapidly advancing nation.
Labels: Didim, Life-style, Turkish-property
Brits opt for Turkey than Spain
Sunday, January 18, 2009
According to the research from the Co-Operative Travel, Turkey is closing the gap with Spain regarding holiday stakes.
Turkey has seen bookings rise by eight per cent in the last 12 months. The research revealed that Dalaman now holds the number one spot, with Majorca second, Crete third and Bodrum in fourth place. It is the first time since the birth of the package holiday that Spain has failed to top the tables.
Trevor Davies, Head of retail at Co-operative Travel said that as prices have increased in Spain, Turkey has become popular in recent years as holidaymakers believe it offers better value for money.
Investors thinking of purchasing a rental property in Turkey may be able to look forward to healthy yields as research by Travelsupermarket.com found that 1.8 million Brits are planning to travel abroad in 2009, compared to 1.5 million in 2008. With its year round good climate, beautiful beaches and increasing interest from European travelers looking to make the most of their currency, homeowners leasing out their houses can look forward to substantial returns.
Meanwhile, Liam Bailey, global markets expert at Property Wire, commented: "booming tourism means that eight per cent average rental returns can easily be exceeded on good units in the most popular areas in Turkey."
Labels: British, Tourism, Turkish-property
The Turkish government is keen to tap into the golfing market
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Golf is becoming an increasingly important driver in attracting tourists, and indeed property purchasers, to Turkey. The International Association of Golf Tour Operators has named Turkey as the best destination for golf holiday destination despite the fact it has only 17 completed courses in the country, reports Simpli Group Property.
Many golf courses are planned to be built around property resorts, allowing investors to take advantage of the country's increased demand for golf tourism. The Golf Federation of Turkey has announced ambitious plans for 100 golf courses to be built over the next 15 years; these new courses will join established ones which have already been developed by famous faces such as Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie.
The 18-hole course on a 170-acre site in Altinkum, Turkey has been given the go-ahead by planning officials. Altinkum has already attracted British property buyers due to low prices and the new golf course is expected to open up a higher-end market in the area. A new golf development is to be built in the resort of Bodrum, which is located along the Aegean coastline. NuBricks.com reported that This new golf project is sure to see increase in the property prices in the Bodrum area .
Dominic Whiting, editor of the Buying in Turkey guide, described the plans for new golf courses as "a major boost " and added that it will have a good effect on the property market in the area.
Labels: Altinkum, Golf-property, Tourism
26 million tourists visited Turkey in 2008
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Ismet Yilmaz, the Ministry for Culture and Tourism has said that Turkey's income from tourism topped $21 billion (£14.4 billion) last year. The publication stated that the growth rate in the Mediterranean country was 13 per cent last year, compared with two per cent globally.
Mr Yilmaz explained: "Turkey's economy is continuing to benefit from growth in the tourism industry and Turkey's tourism income is almost equal to the tourism income of the whole African continent". The Turkish Statistical Institute stated that tourist spending was found to behind much of the revenue, in particular spending from foreign consumers.
Meanwhile, The Mediterranean province of Antalya welcomed its ninth million tourist last month. The minister said that the number of tourists visiting Antalya is equal to those visiting Egypt which is famous for its pyramids.
Kerim Cavusoglu, president of the Turkish Association of Travel Agents (TURSAB) said that Turkey is adventurous in many areas compared to its rivals in the tourism sector. Most important of all, the foreign tourists can find services with cheaper prices in Turkey.
Labels: Tourism
Bodrum has become Turkish Monaco
Monday, January 5, 2009
Commenting on the area, Mr. Eames said: "Bodrum is increasingly popular with year-round tourists, it has its own airport and has become the Turkish Monaco with extensive nightlife, designer retailing and ever-increasing numbers of up-market hotels."
The Sun newspaper has reported that the region offers both financial and lifestyle benefits to overseas buyers, such as its good climate and growing tourist market. As a result of the increased visitor numbers, property values are going up recently as the peninsula has realized its potential for tourism. The publication suggested that the area could provide a lifetime investment, especially for people who own rental accommodation in Bodrum, as the demand for temporary lodgings is growing significantly.
Dominic Whiting, editor of the Buying in Turkey property guide has recently recommended Bodrum to investors by, who said it was a "mecca" for holidaymakers from across Europe.
Labels: Bodrum, Life-style











