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FAQ for first time buyers in Turkey

We’ve listed some basic pointers for you to think about and ask when considering buying property in Turkey.

The first section deals with frequently asked questions in general. The second considers more pertinent questions when actually buying.

Section 1.
Budget

Before looking at things like location, house type etc, consider your budget. This is going to have an impact on what and where you will buy. If you have a budget under £30,000 it's not much use saying I want a 4 bedroom villa with pool in Marmaris because you simply won't get it.
When working out your budget you need to account for things like flight costs, agents fees, hotels and meals while viewing, travel insurance and the long list of goodies you're sure to have been asked to bring back!

Investment or retirement?

What is your prime purpose for buying property in Turkey? An investment property is not always what you would choose to spend out your days and a retirement home may not appeal to renters if you are looking to make some income.
If investment are you prepared for the hard work that goes with it? You don't simply buy and slap a web site up. You need to market your property to the fullest. This means getting it listed on the best rentals site, ie Turkey Villa. Local and national advertising may be needed. You'll need to find reliable property management, not just for the rental periods but throughout the year. You'll need insurances not just for buildings and contents, but earthquake also. Public liability insurance is extremely difficult to get and is a factor that needs considering. If your property is on a site you can add site fees for things like swimming pools, electrics, maintenance.
This isn't aimed at putting you off but you have to be aware that investments in property need investment.

If you are looking for a retirement home your agenda will be a lot different. It could be that the last thing you want is to retire surrounded by tourists; yet you still need the amenities for day to day living. It may be that you are seeking peace and tranquility, in which case a large site could give you that out of season, but be prepared for bedlam in the summer months!
You might find a dream home buried deep in the mountains but it's so isolated you have to travel 50 miles just to shop.

Location

Of utmost importance whether you want to live in Turkey or simply invest. Different areas appeal to different people for a multitude of reasons. Some people will land in one place and never move, others will explore and find what is most suitable for them.
There are obviously the tourist areas which are by far the most popular. The investors paradise! Pick the right one and you can see your investment shoot off the graph. Fine, but that has repercussions. The area becomes too expensive and may fail to attract the market you seek. What pleased you so much at the outset, things like the cost of living suddenly becomes unsustainable. This applies to the resident as well as the investor. Before you know it you are looking to relocate. This is happening now and in areas that are predominantly British. Our advise? Look far and wide. Don't just settle with the first thing you see, take your time and really get to know the lay of the land and your neighbours. Whatever your investment it's going to be long term, so think long term.

Culture

Be prepared for a culture shock. You are not looking to buy a home from home, you're looking outside of the UK model so expect differences. Time moves fast, driving is very fast but life is incredibly slow. Don't expect a plumber to turn up within the hour, it just isn't going to happen. Don't expect a UK build here. If you want a UK build buy your land and bring a UK team over.
Check out National and Muslim holidays. It's no good trying to arrange a completion to your schedule if it falls in the middle of Bayram because you won't find a bank or government office open.

If you want to recreate Little England here in Turkey you might just as well stay in England!

Click here for section 2.