Turkey Raises More Investment Interest as Airport Passenger Numbers Grow

10 December 2007

Turkey is predicted to be one of the most popular routes from Gatwick to the Mediterranean in 2008, since the announcement of the new airport which is due to be opening at Gazipasa on the Turkish Riviera.

Simon Ryeland, Director of Principal International says, “as more and more flights open up, the region will attract more second home buyers and investors looking for property to rent out.” Antalaya International Airport in Turkey is already ranked the second busiest terminal on the Mediterranean coastline, with 10 million passengers passing through its doors and it is noted to be the 14th busiest in the world during 2007.

The numbers of tourists visiting Turkey this year is expected to exceed 13 million, some 20% increase on last year, and these numbers are expected to increase with the opening of the new airport in 2008.

In addition, says Principal International, a white paper has recently been issued by the Ministry of Forest and Agriculture in Turkey which will give guidelines on and restrict the intensity of construction on its coastline. This will no doubt have a knock on effect on the number of new properties being built for investment and holiday homes but is intended to protect national, cultural and agricultural areas.

This potential restriction on future development brings good news for investors as the country will retain its charm and appeal to tourists, whilst those that have shrewdly invested in the early days will reap the benefits of rising Turkish property prices fuelled by a shortage of available resale and new units.