| Turkey
Turkish property for investment and holidays and residence - Bodrum, Marmaris, Fetihye, Turkey. Although more than 3 times larger than the UK, Turkey has only a slightly larger population and has a dramatic landscape of lakes, rivers, forested hills and fertile valleys. The coastline is stunningly beautiful in many parts, with hundreds of bays, inlets and islands of all shapes and sizes. A cradle of civilisation, this is where the oldest known human settlement is located (6,500 BC), the first coins were minted and two of the seven ancient wonders of the world stood (just a small part of a huge treasure trove of architecture and archaeology). Modern Turkey is a lively and progressive place, with strong economic growth, a 30-year low in the inflation rate, falling interest rates and rapidly increasing investment (public and private). The Turks are warm and friendly, just as keen to practise their English as you might be your Turkish. Year-round the climate is superb, with just enough rain in the winter to keep things green and fertile, whilst 9 out of 10 days are warm and sunny. The overall cost of living is noticeably lower than either the UK or even the established overseas destinations such as Spain, France or Portugal. Turkey is the clear leader of the ‘Emerging Markets’ in overseas property, with the advantages of a much better climate than most of the other options, easier access than many, a modern economy and a government that is determined to encourage a growing market in property, especially with overseas buyers. Property experts are almost universally agreed that Turkey is an excellent place to buy now, with prices currently very low compared to other Mediterranean countries, but many factors fuelling growth. These include the drive towards Turkish membership of the EU, the likely arrival of ‘low cost’ flight operators, heavy investment in roads and other public facilities, strong expansion of the leisure sector (including golf, marina and other sporting facilities), and the drive to introduce a formal mortgage system. Of special interest to investors will be the exceptionally low rate of Capital Gains Tax (often zero), and the low costs of purchase / annual running costs. As with any country, and especially in the case of an emerging market where overseas buyers are just starting to make their mark, very careful research is needed, a service we devote hundreds of hours to. A great deal of digging and local knowledge is needed to pick out the gems and avoid the lemons, as well as to negotiate the right prices. Whilst ultimately the security on your purchase will come through the services of a good, independent lawyer, an awful lot of disappointment can be saved by using a professional negotiator as well. This is where our unique combination of over 30 years experience in overseas property, adherence to the FOPDAC code of conduct, and professional English-Turkish team make us worthy of your trust. The Turquoise Coast Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye 
It seems obvious when pointed out, but the word ‘Turquoise’ is derived from ‘Turk’ and was first used to describe the stunning shade of clear blue that the waters along this coast have. The contrast with the deep green of the pine forests, light shades of the beaches and rocks, bright flowers and golden orange sunsets is striking. Around 4 to 5 hours drive in length, with three airports and the widest possible range of location and lifestyle choices, this is the natural region to focus on. It also benefits from being well away from the earthquake risk zone in the far north of the country, and a peaceful and harmonious community spirit. Iassos / Kiyikislacik
Property in Iassos / Kiyikislacik duplex, townhouse or villa typically will mainly be individual, with just a few small complexes, and very reasonably priced. 25 miles north-east of Bodrum, in fact closer to Bodrum airport than the city itself, is a large sheltered bay of great beauty and history, in the Gulf of Güllük. On its shores sit the remains of the town founded as Iassos (or Iassus, or Iasos) in the 9th Century BC and now known as Kiyikislacik. As well as impressive historical remains excavated over decades, visitors will find sea-side restaurants, quiet beaches and lush green hills, with an almost completely unspoilt and natural lifestyle. In contrast to the more developed resorts, here a superb meal will still cost a few pounds. Bodrum 
Property in Bodrum apartment, duplex, townhouse or villa is available in a wide variety of locations and qualities, although local regulations tend to favour a consistent style. Restricted supply means prices are rising quickly, but there are still many bargains to be had. Whilst all of Turkey, especially the coast, is awash with history and archaeology, Bodrum (founded as Halikarnassos) is a unique combination of ancient and modern; traditional yet warm and friendly. Highlights in Bodrum itself include the Mausoleum, the amphitheatre and the massive and beautifully preserved Castle of St. Peter in the bay. On the surrounding peninsula, coastal resorts or villages such as Torba, Gümbet and Gümüslük each have a unique character, and whilst Bodrum’s beach is fairly narrow there are many more to choose from. Since early last century Bodrum has been a favourite of artists and other lovers of culture, generating a relaxed, warm and romantic atmosphere. Whilst visitors will be glad of the modern facilities and Aladdin’s Cave of shopping opportunities, the vibrant community spirit and strict planning controls ensure a quality of life that is hard to beat. There are a growing number of flights direct to Bodrum, alternatively either Izmir or even Dalaman airports (2 3 hours) can be used. A one hour ferry hop takes you to the Greek island of Kos. Marmaris, Armutalan & Içmeler
Property in Marmaris apartment, duplex, townhouse or villa comes in a very wide variety of styles and layouts, from old residential units with minimal facilities to serviced complexes of impressive quality. In Armutalan and Içmeler more open spacing and larger floor areas are widespread. Founded some time before the 6th Century BC as Physkos, Marmaris sits at the centre of a huge and spectacular natural harbour and so has been a sought-after location for centuries. Içmeler, just along the bay, is quieter and more relaxed, whilst Armutalan is in the foothills backing onto Marmaris itself, with views over the town and a fresh cooling breeze. Many civilisations have left their mark on the town and the surrounding countryside, which consists of a coastline of dozens of pretty bays and islands, backed by scented, pine-clad hills and valleys. Although it is a lively holiday resort, Marmaris itself is surrounded by steep hills and so expansion of the town will be naturally limited, which will both preserve the quality of life and boost property values.  Every modern amenity is available and English-speaking visitors are made very welcome indeed. As you would expect, Marmaris has one of the largest marinas in on the coast, with enough boat trips and water sports to satisfy anyone. The long waterfront and quayside are especially attractive, where a huge variety of bars and restaurants occupy well-preserved original buildings. The surrounding bay and peninsula has literally dozens of quiet beaches and villages (Turunç, Turgut and Hisarönü being best known), every corner on the road seems to reveal a prettier one than the last. A little further along the peninsula is the fascinating boat-building village of Selimiye, where traditional Turkish wooden ‘Gulet’ yachts are still built by hand and available to rent all along the coast for pleasure cruises. Also of interest is the lovely little village of Bozburun, which looks out over a bay dotted with islands to the larger, Greek island of Symi and has a fine little marina flanked by restaurants offering excellent value.
The area can be reached in just over an hour from Dalaman airport, or a bit longer from Bodrum, but a new tunnel being dug will cut a good chunk off the journey. A ferry to Rhodes takes 3 hours. Göcek Bay Dalaman & Göcek 
Dalaman itself, whilst a nice enough place, is really only of interest to the buyer for its airport, which is well served with charter flights in the summer and scheduled flights year-round, although demand for more flights is growing so strongly that they will have to come, which is good news. However, only 20 minutes down the road it’s a different story, where in Göcek you will see one of the best marinas on the coast, backed by a friendly village and surrounded by a collar of green hills offering stunning views over the bays and islands. Property in Göcek mainly villa styles in traditional materials, with few apartments tends to be luxurious and well appointed, yet amazingly good value compared to the western Mediterranean. Mooring fees and other costs of living are also impressively low.  Fethiye & Çalis Beach
Property in Fethiye & Çalis Beach apartment, duplex, townhouse or villa is very attractively priced, even by Turkish standards. Nevertheless, it is still necessary to carefully research what is on offer, which we spend many hours doing on your behalf. Founded in the 5th Century BC as Telmessos, Fethiye is a fun, friendly, up and coming resort town with a great selection of shops and restaurants, plus a very large market packed with bargains. Fronted by a long quayside and marina, it is a perfect holiday destination for all ages and in common with most towns on the coast has a strict height restriction that guards against over-development. On its shoulder is Çalis Beach, a long strip of lovely clean beach with crystal clear waters and backed by a variety of good bars and restaurants.
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