Why buying property in Turkey is a lot safer, now

13 June 2008

Reports that dubious -or even illegal- so called real estate agents (often waiters, taxi drivers, receptionists and even some medical doctors, it is reported) have entered into potentially illegal property purchase deals have encouraged the Turkish authorities to nip this problem in the bud.

The government is working hard to ensure that the chance of foreign investors being taken for a ride is reduced to a minimum.

Reports show that in the four years until 2007 overseas investors (mainly from Britain and Germany) have invested a impressive £5 Billion on Turkish property . Turkish government figures show that some 73,000 foreign nationals now own property in Turkey.

But illegal deals entered into by illegal real estate agents has caused something of a headache for the government and for honest, legal real estate agents.

But moves to tighten up the law governing real estate agents and how they operate are to be applauded. Now, when you are looking to buy -for example- a villa in Turkey, you should be able to do so in confidence. Safe in the knowledge that the person selling you your dream home or ideal investment property in Turkey is a genuine, full-time real estate agent and not a waiter or a taxi driver who is doing a little bit of dodgy real estate wheeling and dealing on the side.

And there are other reasons why checking out properties in Turkey with a view to buying might be an even better idea now: As Turkey is outside the Eurozone prices of properties in Turkey can be substantially cheaper than one might expect. And for the sporting amongst you, Turkey has recently been declared “Best Golf Destination of the Year - Europe 2008″ by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).

Now, this is likely to provide a welcome boost to tourism and thus attract greater rental revenue for owners of holiday homes such as villas nearly golf courses in Turkey.

Not to mention an increase in property sales in Turkey.