FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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I would like to purchase a property in Turkey - what do I do next?
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Why are so many British people buying in the Bodrum area?
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How many trips will I have to make to Turkey to complete the purchase?
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Is buying in Turkey a good investment?
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Am I allowed to own more than one property in Turkey?
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What is the average cost of a property in Turkey?
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If I buy a property in Turkey, will this give me citizenship or any
citizenship rights?
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How many times am I allowed to come to Turkey in a year?
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How would I take care of my property when I am away?
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What is the weather like in winter?
- What is the Health Service like?
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What is the difference between a licensed and non-licensed agency? And
what are the implications for me when purchasing a property?
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How can I be sure I won't have problems during the buying process?
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What currency is accepted in Turkey?
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What effect will Turkey joining the EU have on property prices?
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Are the properties in Turkey freehold or leasehold?
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As I can not speak Turkish, can my contract be in English?
- Do I have to use a Solicitor?
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How long does it take for me to own the property?
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How do locals feel about so many foreigners buying in Turkey?
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If I decide to live in Turkey, would I be welcomed by the locals?
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Who inherits our property if one of us dies?
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Can we take our money out of the country if we sell our property?
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What are the tax implications for owning a house?
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Do I have to pay maintenance if I own property in a complex?
- What voltage is the electricity?
- Do many houses use gas?
- Is the tap water drinkable?
- Can we install satellite TV?
- Can we have phone?
- How do mobiles operate in Turkey?
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Can I have a bank account in Turkey?
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Can we bring our furniture from abroad?
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What are the regulations regarding bringing pets into Turkey?
- What about insurance?
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Do I need a surveyors report on the property?
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We would like to view some properties. What do we do next?
Q: I would like to purchase a property in Turkey - what do I do next?
A: The
first step is to contact us to arrange an Inspection Trip for you. See our
section on Inspection Trips for more details. It is very important that you
choose a professional company to guide you through the buying process. There
are a lot of very friendly people in Turkey who will offer to help, but they
may not have the experience or expertise to make sure that your purchase goes
through smoothly. At Casmark Homes®, we pride ourselves in our comprehensive,
professional service
Q: Why are so many British people buying in the Bodrum area?
A: Lovely weather, golden sandy beaches, clear turquoise sea, lively cafes
and bars (serving both English and Turkish food), a wealth of historic sites,
spectacular scenery, friendly locals (most speak good English) .... and
there's more. The prices are still very affordable. There are quality
properties available from £25,750 to £200,000.
Q: How many trips will I have to make to Turkey to complete the purchase?
A: Only one trip is essential - to select your property and to sign your
contract. We will take care of everything else for you in your absence and
report to you on a regular basis. You may find though that you want to make as
many trips as possible!
Q: Is buying in Turkey a good investment?
A: Yes. Property prices are increasing by approximately 30% per year. That
figure is set to rise even higher when the Golf Courses are finished and will
rise yet again when Turkey joins the EU.
Q: Am I allowed to own more than one property in Turkey?
A: Yes, there is currently no limit to the number of properties you can
own.
Q: What is the average cost of a property in Turkey?
A: This will vary depending on location, size of apartment or villa,
quality etc. Prices start at approx. £25,750 and increase to over £200,000. Casmark Homes® will advise you and help you choose a home that suits your
tastes and budget.
Q: If I buy a property in Turkey, will this give me citizenship or any
citizenship rights?
A: Buying a property will not give you any citizenship. You will get a 3
month visitors visa when you arrive and, if you intend to stay longer you will
need to apply for a Residence Permit. Casmark Homes® will be happy to help you
with your application.
Q: How many times am I allowed to come to Turkey in a year?
A: You may come to Turkey as often as you like. You will get a 3 month
visitors visa when you arrive (cost £10.00) and return with the same visa
within the 3 months. After this time you can get another visitors visa on
arrival.
Q: How would I take care of my property when I am away?
A: Casmark Homes® offer a comprehensive after sales and service package. We
will take care of paying your bills, cleaning, security, etc. For further
details, see our section on Services.
Q: What is the weather like in winter?
A: The winters are much milder than in the U.K., although they can be very
wet. Very similar to autumn in England.
Q: What is the Health Service like?
A: There are no NHS hospitals in Turkey. We have both government and
privately owned hospitals. The private hospitals are generally 40% cheaper
than their European counterparts, and the medical services are good with one
to one patient care. You can also have private health insurance in Turkey.
Q: What is the difference between a licensed and non-licensed agency? And
what are the implications for me when purchasing a property?
A: A licensed agency pays tax to the government and works according to
government guidelines. They charge 3% commission and are required to display
their tax number certificate. A non-licensed agency would not operate from an
estate agency office, but from their own place of work such as bars,
restaurants or hotels. They can charge any commission they choose and often
also 'load' the asking price.
Q: How can I be sure I won't have problems during the buying process?
A: Your Solicitor will make sure your contract protects your interests.
Q: What currency is accepted in Turkey?
A: The Turkish currency is lira, but Sterling and Euro are accepted and
exchanged in many places.
Q: What effect will Turkey joining the EU have on property prices?
A: The general opinion seems to be that prices will rise similar to those
in Spain.
Q: Are the properties in Turkey freehold or leasehold?
A: All the properties we sell are freehold.
Q: As I can not speak Turkish, can my contract be in English?
A: No. Your contract must be in Turkish for it to be
fully legal. We will appoint an official translator for you so that you
understand exactly what the contract says.
Q: Do I have to use a Solicitor?
A: No, you don't have to use a Solicitor as everything
can be done through the land registry office. However, at Casmark Homes® we
always use a Solicitor as it would be unwise to sign a contract you don't
fully understand in a country whose legal system you don't fully understand.
Your Solicitor will protect your interests throughout the entire buying
process.
Q: How long does it take for me to own the property?
A: It can take 5-6 months to get the title deeds for your
property. This is due to the Aegean Army check. All foreigners buying in
Turkey must get clearance from the Army. This is to make sure that you are
not buying in or near a Military Zone. However, with a carefully constructed
contract, you may occupy your home long before then.
Q: How do locals feel about so many foreigners buying in Turkey?
A: Most of the locals are very happy about the growth and
development taking place in Turkey. Tourism has had a very positive impact on
the economy. Their standard of living has improved and there are more jobs
available. The Government is investing in the area because of Tourism and, of
course, the locals benefit from these improvements as well as the tourists.
Q: If I decide to live in Turkey, would I be welcomed by the locals?
A: The Turkish are known worldwide for their friendliness
and hospitality. You would be welcomed with more chai (Turkish tea) than you
could drink.
Q: Who inherits our property if one of us dies?
A: According to the Turkish Civil Code, your property
automatically goes to your spouse and/or children. If you have made an
English or Turkish Will, then the conditions in your Will would be honoured.
Q: Can we take our money out of the country if we sell our property?
A: Yes certainly. If you sell your property in Turkey,
you can take your money back to UK without any problem
Q: What are the tax implications for owning a house?
A: There are some taxes that you will be liable for in
Turkey. The first one is buyer’s tax. This is 3% of the price declared on the
title deed certificate. Apart from this, we have a community tax, which is
paid twice a year and is about £30 per year. If you get a rental income from
your property, you may have to declare this on your U.K. tax return.
Q: Do I have to pay maintenance if I own property in a complex?
A: There is a annual charge for homes at some locations.
This is for maintenance of the pool and the wages of the security staff, as
well as regular upkeep. This varies depending on the site, but is usually
between £400 and £700 per year.
Q: What voltage is the electricity?
A: The voltage in Turkey is 220V 50Hz
Q: Do many houses use gas?
A: In tourist resorts bottle gas is available and is
often used for cooking.
Q: Is the tap water drinkable?
A: We recommend that you use bottled water, which is
readily available and also very cheap.
Q: Can we install satellite TV?
A: Yes, satellite TV is widely used in Turkey and most of
the British channels are available.
Q: Can we have phone?
A: Yes, you can have a phone installed in your new home
and you're welcome to use our bill paying service to make sure you pay on
time.
Q: How do mobiles operate in Turkey?
A: Using a Turkish SIM card while you're in Turkey will
save you some money on phone charges. Casmark Homes® will help you with this
and you can choose either a monthly or pay as you go scheme, the same as in
the U.K..
Q: Can I have a bank account in Turkey?
A: Yes, we recommend that you open a bank account in
Turkey. This will make the transfer of money between the U.K. and Turkey much
easier for you. Also cash machines are available everywhere in Turkey.
Q: Can we bring our furniture from abroad?
A: There are plenty of International Removal Companies,
who will ship your furniture to Turkey for you. However, this can be quite
expensive and also take a long time. The quality of furniture here is very
good and the prices very low, so most people buy new when they arrive. The
average cost of furnishing a 2 bedroom apartment would be approx £4,000.
Q: What are the regulations regarding bringing pets into Turkey?
A: Turkey is not yet part of
the Pet Passport scheme, however your pets can be brought in on an Export
Certificate. This is like an official health check and full information is
available from www.defra.co.uk. If you choose to return to the U.K., your pet
would be quarantined. Further information is also available from our staff.
Q: What about insurance?
A: There are a large number of companies offering
different types of insurance. Casmark Homes® will be happy to discuss your
needs and obtain quotes for you.
Q: Do I need a surveyors report on the property?
A: All new properties have a 10 year builders guarantee,
this is similar to NHBC in the UK and is backed by the Turkish government.
Q: We would like to view some properties. What do we do next?
A: Contact us by email or telephone and we will arrange
an inspection trip for you. We look forward to meeting you soon.
