FACTS ABOUT LIVING IN TURKEY

Is buying property in Turkey a good investment?
Turkey is considered a good investment opportunity as there has been around a 30% value increase over the last two years and there is a large demand for residential property ensuring a good resale market. Significant numbers of people are moving from property in the eurozone as that market seems to have peaked, whereas Turkey is still very good value for money.

Is it safe and secure both living and buying property in Turkey?
Buying a property is very straightforward and the Government guarantees legal title when the title deeds (TAPU) are transferred and the title is similar to freehold tenure in UK. Turkey is very safe with a low crime rate and its people are very friendly and hospitable to foreigners. Since 2006 foreigners can purchase between 2.5 and 30 hectares in any municipal area.

If a property is sold can the proceeds be exported?
You can take all the proceeds from a sale out of the country in sterling without any problems, though you should transfer through a bank for money laundering reasons. Turkey is signatory to a treaty between many countries, including the UK, to prevent double taxation.

What are the inheritance laws?
As long as you have a legal UK Will, as a foreigner your inheritance will be bound by your own nationality and laws. If intestate then Turkish law defines the inheritance as being shared between the surviving spouse and the children.

What are the visa and residency requirements?
UK residents must obtain a visa to stay in Turkey for up to 3 months and a visa costs £10 at the point of entry. The visa is valid for any number of entries within the 3 month period and you can enter Turkey any number of times in any year by renewing the visa every 3 months. Owning a property does not give any residency rights but you can apply for a residency permit if you wish to stay for longer periods. A permit can be granted for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 5 years which then costs about £230/year - click for more information.

What is the climate in Turkey like?
The mediterranean coast of Turkey has a wonderful climate with more than 300 days of sun every year and the summers are long, hot and dry with the temperature above 30C. The winter period is short, mild and wet with temperatures above 12C and the sea temperature is seldom below 17C.

What is the quality and standard of healthcare?
The standard of healthcare is normally very good and relatively cheap being about 30% less than in the UK, all foreigners have to pay for medical treatment but UK health plans are accepted. Health insurance plans are available in Turkey and the cost is dependant upon your age and state of health. No special vaccinations are required but it is always sensible when travelling abroad to make sure that your tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis A jabs are up to date. Dentistry is excellent and has produced a Dental Tourism business in the area to benefit from prices at 25% of UK levels.

Can I open a bank account?
You can open a bank account with any of the Turkish or International banks and most people open a sterling and a Turkish YTL account, at present interest paid on a YTL account is much higher than in the UK. The banks offer internet banking and credit cards are available when you have a formal address.

How does the cost of living compare with the UK?
It is much cheaper to live in Turkey, probably overall about 40% less than in the UK, with fresh fruit and food being particularly cheap. Utilities and council taxes are also very much lower probably costing only 30% of the cost for a house in the UK. Vehicles and petrol however are more expensive than in the UK.

Can I take pets into Turkey?
Yes you can, you will require a pet passport and veterinary documents and Turkey has excellent veterinary clinics. You will be subject to UK quarantine laws on your return and you can get more details from the Pets Travel Scheme.

What about the utility services?
The electricity is supplied at 220 Volts 50Hz, in some areas there can be large fluctuations and it might be sensible to use surge controllers on delicate electrical equipment. There is no national gas supply so gas appliances are run from gas bottles which are widely available and inexpensive. Generally the water supply quality is good and drinkable but all the shops and supermarkets retail bottled water very cheaply if you prefer this.

Can we ship furniture from the UK?
You can and there are many companies offering removal services. The average cost is around £5000 for a large container to be delivered to your new house in Turkey. You will find that there is no tax on legitimate household items other than electrical items which are subject to high levels of tax. Should you need any assistance with furnishing your new home we will gladly help.