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Turkey: Location, location, location - Suleyman Akbay

'Location, location, location' applies when you are buying overseas too

A little homework now will ensure you know the difference between Blackpool and Bournemouth, when you make your investment in Turkey

Choosing the right location when looking to buy a property is as important when you buy abroad as when you buy in the UK.

Look at the difference between Blackpool and Bournemouth. Something for everyone in each, but you will know instinctively which one is your favourite, which is why you need to truly understand what type of residential area you are looking for whether for a holiday break, retirement or rental potential.

Turkey is a vast country with an unbelievably beautiful Mediterranean coastline sometimes referred to as the Turquoise coast; such is the brilliance of the clear waters along its pristine beaches.

Most holiday visitors to Turkey are aware of the Oludeniz resort. It is famous for its beauty and is frequently featured in brochures. Let me explain simply what each has to offer as the famous resort of Oludeniz is made up of three separate areas : Oludeniz ( at sea level), Hisarönü ( the lively resort in the mountains ) & Ovacik ( a quiet area near Hisarönü ). Each offers something different.

OLUDENIZ
Home to one of the most famous beaches in the world, with clear, still waters the lagoon is perfect for families.There are many cafes, bars , restaurants and shops with waterskiing, parascending and paragliding. It will be up to 5 °C hotter than Hisarönü, which is 10 mins ride away.

HISARONU
This is the liveliest area of the whole resort with a wide choice of bars, cafes and restaurants. A plethora of shops add to a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Hisarönü is popular with all ages and can get quite busy.

OVACIK
Situated some 3000ft above sea level, Ovacik covers a 2 mile stretch leading to Hisarönü There are a few cafes en route and it is popular with those who want to be close enough to the nightlife to enjoy it but wish to retire to quieter surroundings to sleep. Buses run every 15 mins and nowhere is more than 10 mins from Hisarönü centre by bus or 20 mins from the beach.

This region is just 60 minutes from Dalaman international airport with regular local buses to beaches and Fethiyewhich is just 15 minutes distant.

The region offers great views of the surrounding mountains, many sites of archaeological interest, amenities include shops, chemists, private doctors clinics, opticians, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, supermarkets and weekly open market. It should be noted that it can be very quiet out of season.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR RENTAL POTENTIAL?
If you are looking for a rental return on your investment then the above three locations are ideal as the area swarms with visitors in the summer months, many of whom are keen to rent an apartment or villa close to amenities.

In these areas you can purchase a two bedroom, modern apartment for around £69,000.and can expect a return of around £ 450 per week in the high season.

A detached four bedroom villa would cost around £140,000 which is considerably less than anything you can secure in many other Mediterranean countries and it would come with private pool and probably have been built within the last 10 years.

INCOMING TOURISM
According to Expedia, Turkey has seen a 615% increase in the last five years. Expedia officials said 2010 was a successful year for Turkish tourism and the world’s interest in Turkey was growing.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR RETIREMENT STYLE LIVING?
For retirement you ought to consider the importance of a location which is operative year round. You need to know amenities are available, that the town feels “alive” and that you can enjoy all the seasons without anything too drastic infringing on your life style.

FETHIYE
Fethiye is a resort and a working town. It attracts not only a great deal of UK retirees but also the Turkish older generation who come to the pretty coastal town to retire often from as far away as Istanbul.

It has good bus services, a wide range of shops, bars and restaurants, a pretty brand new promenade and cycle and running paths and a good infrastructure including medical care.

Fethiye is within easy reach of the much photographed, Olu Deniz, a beauty spot protected by the Government. You cannot buy property in this location but you can in Fethiye and prices are amazingly low! You can buy a far bigger property than you can in Spain even though many Spanish homes are distressed sales. It is far better to invest in a property market that is rising. In the last 12 months alone properties in the region have risen by around 7 %

Fethiye is within about an hours drive from Dalaman International airport which has a wide choice of frequent flights from the UK.

Not only does Fethiye offer a relaxed location in the winter you can even ski in the nearby mountains!

A two bedroom apartment here would cost in the region of £50,000 with a rental return should you wish it, of around £ 350 in the high season.

TURKEY A COUNTRY IN WHICH TO SAFELY INVEST
If you are seriously considering buying a home abroad then the Turkish Mediterranean coastal towns and villages offer superb summers and mild winters. There is very little crime, the people are friendly and many speak English. Turkey is a democratically run country with a stable Government. What more could you ask?

Suleman Akbay

Suleyman Akbay is Managing Director of Oceanwide Properties, Member of National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) and Institute of Directors. Offices in UK and Turkey.

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