WHAT WE ARE BEING ASKED MOST QUESTIONS
Q. Will the property be freehold?
A. Yes – all properties we sell in Turkey are freehold.
Q. On a new development, what is the average deposit required and can I pay in stage payments?
A. You will normally pay between 10 and 20% as a deposit and most developers offer stage payments, often with a degree of flexibility towards your own personal circumstances. This will be agreed at the time of purchase.
Q. What is the general buying process in Turkey?
A. After deciding to purchase, a contract is drawn up between the seller and purchaser. This will give details of the completion date, payment schedule and terms and conditions. After this is signed by all parties, the deposit is required..
Q. What documents are required?
A. Your passport(s) which will be copied and translated into Turkish and passport sized photographs. The notary’s office works in conjunction with the title deeds office and the Aegean Army. The translated documents will be checked by the army to ensure there is no record of criminal intent or activity against Turkey and that any property being purchased by a foreigner is not in the proximity to or intended to be used for any military purposes.
Q. What additional costs are there in relation to the purchase?
A. You will pay stamp duty, legal fees, wealth tax and purchase tax. The latter is just 3% but split 50/50 with the purchaser, so that you pay 1.5% of the amount shown on the title deeds.
Q. What is TAPU?
A. The Tapu is the Title Deeds for the property. The tapu will be registered in either joint or single names at the purchaser’s request.
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. Are double taxation treaties in place?
A. Turkey is a signatory to a treaty for the prevention of double taxation with many countries of the world.
Q. How many British people live in Mediterranean egion?
A. In 2003, there were about 2,500 British people living around he Fethiye area and with sales as high as they are in 2004, this figure should increase substantially. Away from the coastal areas, there are plenty of ex-pats in the main cities too.
Q. What is the weather like?
A.Turkey has seasons similar to the UK but th much better peratures. In winter, you’ll find the temperatures by the south coast ranging between 5 and 15 degrees, in spring it arms up to 25 degrees. The summer is usually dry and hot from May through to September peaking at 45 degrees, cooling again as we move into autumn back down from 25 to 15 degrees.
Q. What facilities are there on a typical development?
A. Owing to the very pleasant summer weather, which can get rather hot at its height, a swimming pool – communal, private or both – is the main pre-requisite. You will find some offering tennis courts, Turkish baths, spa rooms and easy access to golf.
Q. What should I expect to pay in community fees?
A. Property tax of 0.3% for land and 0.1% for property on an annual basis.
Q. What about paying for energy and water supplies if my main home is not in Turkey?
A. The easiest way to pay for your electricity is by direct debit via a bank in Turkey, similar to the UK. Currently all water bills are paid direct to the local Belediye office, however, arrangements can often be made with the larger developers regarding payment of utility bills.
Q. Can I rent out my property?
A.Yes. The main season is from April to October but you will still be able to rent it out over the winter at lower rates. At the height of the summer, you can expect a more than reasonable return.
Q. What about furnishing my property?
A. Many developers offer furniture packs. Alternatively, there is a wide range of furniture shops for you to explore. You should allow anything from £5,000-£10,000 to furnish an average sized property up to showhouse standard.
Q. Is it necessary to learn the language?
A. No but as with anywhere in the world, it always brings advantages.
Q. How do the locals treat foreigners who purchase there?
A. You will find Turkish people extremely hospitable and friendly.
Q. Are families/children welcome?
A. Most definitely. There is a family orientated culture in Turkey and children are welcome almost everywhere.
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 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 to the UK?
A. Fresh produce is great value for money. You’ll find most items up to 50% cheaper than in the UK with electrical items being the most expensive.
Q. What about eating out?
A. Again, you will benefit from the relatively low prices. Being a Muslim country, you will often find Pork and its associated products excluded from the menu, however, there is a wide choice of other meats, seafood and vegetables. As well as Turkish cuisine.
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.
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 as in the UK. Turkey is also one of the five permanent members of NATO.
