Istanbul, which is to be the European Capital of Culture in 2010, is currently a property hotspot for international buyers, according to a media outlet.

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

Turkey is considered as "the only logical choice" for those wishing to move abroad, according to a media outlet which says that the country now offers expat helpdesks for smooth migration.

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

Accrording to the Daily Express travel writer Andrew Eames went on to highlight many of the attractions of Bodrum, such as its restaurants and nightlife. He said that visitors would also be able to enjoy a range of leisure activities such as water sports and it has a fabulous harbour.

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

Gastro-tourists are said to be heading to the Cappadocia region in order to sample its well-known local delicacies, according to an expert.

Mustafa Durmaz, chairman of Goreme Tourism Development Centre, told AA that tourists cometo the region to visit the famous chimney rocks are also interested in learning about the traditional and regional flavors of Turkish food, reports Worldbulletin.net. Mr Durmaz said that the tourists most interested in local cuisine were from Japan, Spain, Germany and the US.

Cappadocia now boasts some excellent year-round restaurants serving the tourists. Seafood is naturally one speciality that tourists should not miss in the town. In fact Turkish cuisine is among the most flavorful Turkey has to offer. Eating out is very popular in the region and is much cheaper than the UK and Ireland.

Travel experts say that in the past, consumers have been unfairly branded as unadventurous with their culinary choices abroad, so the research findings underline that tourists are adventurous when traveling.

Meanwhile, Official figures reveal that 14 per cent rise in the number of tourist arrivals in 2008, rttnews.com reports. Further analysis revealed that 61.8 per cent of Turkey's overall tourist arrivals arrived from OECD countries, while 22.87 per cent visited from eastern European locations.

Labels: Life-style, Tourism

Second home-seekers looking for affordability, culture and relaxation should check out Turkey, according to a property expert.

Andrew Hawkins, head of Chesterton International estate agents said that Turkey is the number one choice for home seekers who want to live a fantastic quality of affordable life in an accessible, stable and rapidly advancing nation. Turkey has undergone a period of sustained growth while the housing markets in many other European countries have wobbled in recent times.

According to Aston Lloyd, house prices in Turkey are going up at a rate of about seven per cent per annum. People who are thinking of buying a foreign property have been advised that investing in Turkey could be highly profitable and investors who buy early could benefit from capital appreciation.

Turkey has received strong praise from a Gloria Duffy, British property buyer who has recently bought a two-bedroom apartment in Altinkum. Speaking to the Sunday Mail, she said that she had a number of preconceived ideas about Turkey. However, she was proved wrong and now they holiday in Turkey many times and they use their apartment as holiday accommodation at various times of the year.

Turkey is also highlighted as a particularly popular destination for retirees from UK as the cost of traveling to the country is also fairly low, which means expats can still be in easy reach of friends and relatives at home.

In related news, the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) has revealed that the number of bookings for trips to the country is 20 per cent up on last year.

Labels: Investment-property, Life-style

Those looking for property in Greece may be able to purchase a similar home with comparatively lesser cost if they take a look at Turkey, it has been reported.

Shelter Offshore Cited research conducted by leading consumer group stated that the hidden costs of Greek properties in the guise of transfer taxes, land registry and other notary fees makes the purchase of a £100,000 property can see £10,000 added to the bill. The research suggested that when all other expenditure is considered, this sum can rise to £17,500.

Purchasing a property in Turkey may set you back as little as £19,000 for a holiday home, a bargain compared with Greece and other charges are comparatively low at around £7,000.

The Telegraph stated that first-time buyers from the UK are increasingly snapping up properties in Turkey. This is because they can enter the market at a price which compares very favourably with those in Britain. Besides, the potential for capital growth means such a purchase could prove to be highly lucrative.

Labels: Life-style, Property-prices

Overseas property investors have been advised to pay close attention to the Dalaman region in Turkey over the next few years.

Dalaman is a work-a-day market town spread across a flat plain and offers a slice of real Turkish life. Dominic Whiting, the industry analyst has said that the authorities have been improving the town and the government-led development plans for Dalaman have caused intense interest from property investors. The plans include a new golf course which is due for completion this year, a marina, spa centre and 30,000 new hotel beds. Dalaman airport has already been modernized which possess an award-winning international terminal, capable of handling 10 million passengers a year. The road tunnel work which brings the stylish yachting resort of Gocek within a 20 minute drive is already completed.

The town provides visitors with a unique holiday experience as it is surrounded by green and unspoiled mountains, the clear waters of the beautiful Dalaman River and a long beach at Sarigerme, 12 km south of the town, which is also the site of the new golf course. Dalyan which is nearby to Dalaman have ancient ruins and tourists would be able to enjoy numerous sites of historical interest, mud-baths and hot-springs.

The Dalaman region is said to offer both lifestyle benefits and investment opportunities. There is a wide variety of new and off-plan property in and around the town. The government led plans has increased the land and property values and annual increases of 10-20% are likely but entry prices are still well below neighboring resorts.

A report in Today's Zaman stated that Mugla province, in which Dalaman is located, is the second-most popular investment spot in the country after Antalya, overall in terms of the number of properties people own. Lutfi Yigenoglu, governor of Mugla province, stated that the government has implemented strict planning restrictions across the area to stop it becoming overdeveloped and to maintain the 'Turkish character' that makes Dalaman so attractive. The authorities also have pledged to increase direct winter flights between the UK and Dalaman.

Labels: Dalaman, Life-style