Turkey

'Turkey is an attractive country for those seeking culture, holiday homes, investment and sun'

Buying & Selling:  The first rule when buying in abroad is to find an English speaking lawyer. The process is not unduly difficult especially as turkey is now applying to join the E.U. foreigners are treated in the same way as Turkish nationals. A visitors visa is needed to visit Turkey, costing around £10-£15 and payable on entry in cash. A residence permit is required if you intend to stay and must be applied for within one month of arrival. It is fairly straightforward to buy a Property in Turkey which is generally easier than in many other European countries. Non-natives of Turkey can buy properties and land in their names and the property may be resold or rented.

The Tapu (or Deeds) are sent to a military department to approve the purchase by a non-national. They will copy your passport and translate it into Turkish for legal purposes. This will be completed by a sworn translator. You will also need 4 Passport photos for your title deed and utility services bills. Official approval to buy will take about 8 weeks.

How Much?  There are a number of costs when buying a property in Turkey. The largest single cost is 3% Purchase tax and 3% Agents fee payable on completion of the sale. Other costs consist of Public Notary Translator (All official documents by law have to be translated either verbally or in writing before the purchaser is allowed to sign), Government Deed office taxes and Fees, photographs and administration.

Once permission is granted and the deeds received by the deed office, your agent, through your power of attorney, can complete the paperwork and access your utilities. You will then be sent a copy of your Tapu (title deed) or they will hold it for your personal collection.

Currency: Turkish Lira (ytl)

Getting to and through:  Getting there by air is quite easy and affordable thanks to the tourism industry. Travel within turkey is good by road with a cheap and regular bus service to many parts but the railways are not anywhere near as good with a poorly run service.

Culture: The capital Ankara is very European but there are touches of the mystic east , with a huge university the bars Sakarya are very lively. For most of the year. The culture is varied  as through history the involvement back to Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Greeks, and Ottomans have all had some effect on Turkish culture.

Geography: Situated at a point where Europe and Asia meet and thought to be the birthplace of many great civilisations. It is one of the most up and coming areas to invest in. Property, with cheap prices and high growth. The climate is temperate with significant variations between regions. Being a natural bridge between Asia . Africa and Europe there is a wide variation in regions with mountain ranges , rivers and forested areas . Some of the beeches are spectacular which attract thousands of tourists every year .

Seasonal Climate: Coastal regions are mild in winter and can be hot in summer. The inland mountainous regions can be very cold in winter.

Population: 69 million approx

Capital City:  Ankara

Language: Turkish

Religion: Mainly Muslim

General: Low cost of living, together with a good climate and high growth in property prices make Turkey a top property hotspot.