Below are a few questions that we get asked regularly, however if there is something that you would like to ask that is not listed below please do not hesitate to contact us. Our friendly staff are always willing to help.
I WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE A PROPERTY IN TURKEY SO WHAT SHOULD I DO?
It is primarily important that you find the right company and obtain the correct advice. When buying property in Turkey you will find many companies who will be more than happy to help you but you should always ensure that your chosen agent is licensed and that they have the appropriate certificate and documents to prove this. You will find that these agents will give you honest, accurate and reliable advice and as a result you will not end up paying out more money than is necessary.
HOW MANY TIMES WILL I HAVE TO COME TO TURKEY IF I DECIDE TO PURCHASE A PROPERTY THERE?
It is possible to purchase a property in Turkey without having to visit many times as we can manage the sale for you and keep in contact via e-mail or telephone. You can buy property over the internet and we can advise you on our ‘FLY AND BUY’ service which would enable you to visit Altinkum and view any properties that you are interested in and find the right property for you. You would need to return to Turkey when your Title Deeds (Tapu) are ready so that the property can be signed over to you. During the buying process in Turkey it is entirely up to you whether you decide to visit many or few times.
ARE THE PROPERTIES FREEHOLD OR LEASEHOLD?
You will find that the majority of the properties in Turkey are freehold.
WILL IT BE A GOOD INVESTMENT?
Potentially, buying a property in Turkey is a great investment opportunity as you will find the prices far cheaper than anywhere in Europe and once Turkey joins the E.U. we anticipate that the property prices will increase considerably.
IF I BUY A PROPERTY DOES THIS GIVE ME ACCESS TO ANY KIND OF CITIZENSHIP?
Buying property in Turkey does not give you any automatic right to citizenship or residency. If you decide to come to Turkey for long periods of time then the usual visa requirements apply. If you decide to reside in Turkey for longer than the 3 months obtained at your port of entry then you must apply for a 1 year or 5 year residents visa.
I CAN’T SPEAK TURKISH SO HOW WILL I UNDERSTAND THE PROCESS OF BUYING
We have both Turkish and English speaking staff available to help you through each stage of the buying process. If you do decide to buy a property from us we will ensure you have a fully qualified and certified translator. When a contract is drawn up will be with a solicitor and translator who will provide a copy in Turkish and a copy in English so you will understand everything.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF BUYING A PROPERTY IN TURKEY RATHER THAN IN A EUROPEAN COUNTRY?
The prices of property in Turkey are far cheaper than any European country and therefore it is a great opportunity for investment as we anticipate prices will increase in the future. The cost of living in Turkey is extremely cheap and therefore you will find that your money will go much further.
IF I BUY A PROPERTY IN A COMPLEX DO I HAVE TO PAY ANY MONEY?
Yes there is an annual charge if you buy a property on a complex. This charge covers maintenance for the pool, security and regular upkeep. Charges vary depending on the size of the property, pool and services provided.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AND DOES IT GET BUSY ALL YEAR ROUND?
In the holiday resorts the season begins in May and ends in November. These are the busiest times of the year when you see the best of the weather. In the winter there is a change in the weather and the holiday resorts are far quieter. You will find that the climate in the winter time is still far warmer than in Europe.
WHAT ARE THE MEDICAL SERVICES LIKE?
There are both government and privately owned hospitals in Turkey but there is no NHS. It is possible to obtain private health insurance and the private hospitals are considerably cheaper than the ones in Europe.
WHAT CURRENCY IS ACCEPTED IN TURKEY?
The currency is Turkish Lire, however, you will find that the UK pound, the US dollar and the Euro are widely accepted and can be exchanged for local currency in many shops, restaurants and travel agents.
CAN I OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT IN TURKEY?
Yes it is possible to open a bank account in Turkey but you will need your passport in order to do so. You can use cash machines with either an English or a Turkish bank card although you will be charged for transactions on an English card. You should always inform your bank in England before you come to Turkey or else you may have problems when trying to use your card.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO BRING FURNITURE FROM ENGLAND?
This is possible and there are many international removal companies. However, this can prove to be a long and stressful process. Furniture can be bought in Turkey at a very cheap cost and in a very efficient way; therefore we would recommend this option.
CAN YOU DRINK THE TAP WATER?
We would not recommend you drink the tap water. We would suggest that you buy bottled water which is available everywhere and is not expensive.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET SATELLITE TV?
The majority of people in Turkey do have satellite TV and there are several providers. You can pay a one-off payment for the box and the dish installation or you can pay a monthly subscription to a provider. Both options allow you to access a wide range of channels, some of which are British.
CAN YOU HAVE A LAND LINE CONNECTED?
Yes it is possible to have a land line connected and to receive monthly bills for this. It is also possible to arrange to have an internet connection once your land line is connected.
WHAT ABOUT A MOBILE PHONE?
You can buy either a pay-as-you-go mobile phone or a monthly contact mobile phone like in the UK. If you are residing in Turkey for long periods of time or permanently then we would advise you buy a Turkish mobile as using your English mobile in this country can result in being very expensive.