FAQS

Although buying a property in Turkey is a relatively simple process in comparison to other European countries, we recognise that sometimes you will need a friendly helping hand to guide you along.

As customer satisfaction is paramount, we want our clients to feel that they have been fully informed about any negatives as well as all the positives when it comes to choosing their home in Turkey. We will always endeavour to answer your questions honestly, even if it's not the answer you were wanting to hear. As we recognise word of mouth is important in this business we have always found that absoute honesty is the best and only policy.

Here below you will find a list of the most frequently asked questions by our clients. You will, happily find the answers too!

Q. Is it easy for a foreigner to buy a property in Turkey?
A. Yes. Foreigners may purchase land and property in Turkey in their own names provided that properties are located in areas with an official municipality (council) and the property must be situated within the boundaries of that municipality or borough. The replacement law allowing foreigners to buy in Turkey has now been ratified by parliament which dispels any confusion.

Q. How do I get started?
A. Talk to us, of course! We can log all your details and desires, chat them over with you and come to a conclusion about which properties will be just right for you. You can then take a leisurely look at them either in hard copy or digitally. Alternatively browse through our website, make a shortlist of the kind of thing you are looking for and then send us an enquiry form. Remember that we will always have more to see than is on our website, as new and exciting opportunities come up on a daily basis.

Q. What's the next step?
A. When you have a portfolio of potential properties you will want to come to Turkey to view them or the developments if the property is off plan. On arrival in Turkey, you will be met at the airport by one of our team from the Turkish offices and taken to your hotel. They will help organise an itinerary for your stay, arrange viewings for the properties you are interested in and answer any questions you may have. For the duration of your visit, our team will be on hand to make your stay as enjoyable and informative as possible. At the end of your stay, you will be taken back to your departure airport.

Q. Do I have to buy a property on a viewing trip?
A. Absolutely not! You will be under no pressure to buy. However, all we do ask is that you are in a position to purchase if we find you the right property.

Q. How long will it take to complete on a property once bought?
A. FINISHED PROPERTY or RESALE: once the contract has been signed and the purchase price has been paid in full, you will have the keys to your Turkish home.
OFF-PLAN PROPERTY: once the contract has been signed, the deposit paid we will deliver the property to you on the completion date stipulate.

Q. What happens if the developer is late in completing?
A. It can also be incorporated in your contract, that if the developer is late in the said delivery date, he can be penalised financially. This can also apply to the purchaser being late with stage or final payments although we can be flexible when kept fully informed.

Q. Can I arrange finance in Turkey?
A. Mortgage companies do not generally exist in Turkey as most purchases are cash transactions. You should therefore arrange finance in your home country. Our London agent will be happy to put you in touch with companies who can help you with this. There are rumours that Turkish mortgages for foreigners will be available in 2006. Watch this space!

Q. Will we see a good range of properties?
A. Of course. As an independant estate agency, we are tied to no developer. We can show you everything in the area that meets your budget and personal requirements. All the major developers work closely with us and we have exclusive sales rights to many of the projects. They don't all deal with all agents so you may not see the full range elsewhere. We are confident that our extensive range of villas and apartments will be more than enough for you to choose from.

Q. How do we make payments to purchase our property?
A. All payments to Turkey from the UK must be made by cheque or bank transfer in accordance with international money laundering laws as stipulated by the Turkish embassy in London. Credit card payments can be made whilst on viewing trips to place a deposit in order to secure a property.

Q. How much are utilities in Turkey?
A. In Turkey, you pay for what you use on a meter system. Electricity is generally less than half the price it would be in the UK. Water is extremely cheap. Communal electric and water on complexes will generally be covered by your annual/monthly maintenance charges. These charges vary from project to project. All of your utility bills can be paid by direct debit through your Turkish bank account which we can help you open.

Q. Is there a good range of banks and are they English speaking?
A. There are many banks where English is widely spoken, so no worries there. It is easy to open a bank account and you can have both Turkish and English accounts - your choice.

Q. How can I import my household goods into Turkey?
A. You need a residence permit valid for a minimum of 1 year in order to import your household goods. There are several overseas shipping companies in the UK who offer a door to door sevice. We strongly advise you to contact the Turkish consulate in London for this information or if you are already in Turkey, please contact the Turkish customs administration office in Ankara on (009) 0312 311 7971 or check their official website www.gumruk.gov.tr

Q. Is it easy to sell up and transfer the proceeds out of Turkey?
A. Yes. Any acquired property may be resold or rented out and the proceeds transferred out of Turkey.

Q. Does owning a property in Turkey entitle a person to residency?
A. No. However, it does make applying for a residence permit easier because you can prove that you have already invested in Turkey.

Q. How can I obtain a residence permit for Turkey?
A. With a great deal of form filling and stamping! This is a subject we know about, but too lengthy to go into here. If you need it, just ask us and we can help you.

Q. How safe is the country?
A. Turkey is a very safe country with a relatively low crime rate.

Q. What about the healthcare in terms of the standard and costs?
A. The standard is generally very good. All foreigners have to pay for medical treatment and there are reciprocal private health plans available from the UK/ROI which will be accepted in the private hospitals. You can purchase a health insurance plan in Turkey up to the age of 55 years.

Q. What about schools and colleges?
A. As a resident, you can send your children to local government or private schools. Both offer a good standard of education. The private schools are international and accommodate pupils from all over the world.

Q. How does the general cost of living compare?
A. Fresh produce is great value for money. You'll find most items up to 50% cheaper than at home with electrical items being the most expensive.

Q. If I move to Turkey, can I take my dog/cat with me?
A. Yes. You must first obtain a 'pet passport' and vets documents. For more information, call:
UK - The Pets Travel Scheme on 08702 411710
ROI - The Animal Health and Welfare Division on 01 607 2827.

Q. Can I work there?
A. Yes you can but you must obtain a work permit first.

Q. What is the government system in the country?
A. It is democratically elected. Turkey is also one of the five permanent members of NATO.

Q. Is it necessary to learn the language?
A. No but as with anywhere in the world, it always brings advantages.

Q. How can I find a job in Turkey?
A. For further information, please visit www.investinginturkey.gov.tr

Q. How do I import a car/vehicle into Turkey?
A. If you are visiting Turkey as a tourist with your vehicle, you should have full documents and insurance for the said vehicle. Details will be registered in your passport on your arrival at the border. A foreign plated vehicle is permitted to remain in Turkey for a maximum of 6 months in any 12 month period.

We hope that this FAQ's has provided you with the answers to any queries you may have had. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact one of our team at our London office. Our offices in Turkey are also always on hand to give you any up to the minute information that you require.