Property News
Turkish Government And Local Municipalities Limit Density Of Construction
September 27, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Turkey is learning from the mistakes of Spain by guaranteeing that its immaculate coastline remains unspoilt.
This is undeniably a crucial step on the way to Turkey becoming a principal destination for overseas buyers.
The Turkish Government has certainly decided that the Spanish construction approach is not their chosen method of development.
The measures that they have taken in restricting and regulating coastal construction will give Turkey a head start in the global market for property investors and holiday-home buyers.
Unlike Spain’s Costa del Sol, obstructed by towering architecture, the Bodrum Peninsula in Southwest Turkey is a protected area; buildings can only be two storeys high and must be whitewashed, giving the region an authentic and picturesque identity. Furthermore, only 20% of the land in Bodrum can be built on, thus ensuring that its exquisite range of wildlife and natural beauty will be protected for generations to come.
Other advantages of the area include the availability of affordable property, advances in tourism, a low cost of living and quality healthcare.
However, what really sets Turkey apart is the security of investment. The Spanish Government permitted the construction of resorts too close to the beach or on land that had not been acquired by the seller. The corruption involved provoked international outrage as people had entrusted their lifetime savings, only to find that some developments had been illegitimately constructed and were under serious threat.
Turkey is often compared to Spain more than 20 years ago; the coastline is intact and the beaches uncontaminated. Tourism is increasing yet building is restricted enough to enable the growth of coastal resorts without damaging the country’s natural beauty.
A White Paper has been issued by the Turkish Ministry of Forestry and Agriculture that sets out guidelines that intend to limit the density of construction and retain the authenticity of major tourist areas covering the Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines.
Cumberland Properties has been nationally recognised as a green company that operates in the Bodrum area. They own three developments on the Bodrum Peninsula, all of which are excellently located and proud to maintain the area’s nature and wildlife. The unique Woodland Regency development is set in the heart of a tranquil pine forest and the development was constructed around the trees; not a single one was damaged in the process. The exceptionally built villas and apartments are in extremely high demand. The development boasts two large, communal swimming pools, a golf putting area and outdoor playground, an exclusive spa and fitness area and 24 hour security.
The Perfect Investment Environment
September 20, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Turkey is the perfect investment environment with its unique location and proximity to markets in Europe, Caucasus, Central Asia, The Middle East and North Africa. Global investors are joining in Turkey’s economic and social growth.
In Turkey, we are observing an increase in foreign direct investment that has been spurred by the vibrant people, excellent trade networks, strategic location and the start of EU accession talks. Turkey clearly has global aspirations and is an exciting place to do business.
John Chambers, CEO, CISCO
Turkey represents a robust platform for GE Healthcare’s economic expansion in this country, as well as for the entire region. Its highly skilled manpower, geographical location, as well as its existing international partnerships make Turkey an attractive partner of choice, uniquely positioned for the future. Today, from GE Healthcare’s regional headquarters in Istanbul, we cover more than 80 countries and manage 12 direct operations. Our ultimate goal will be to design and develop innovative solutions for Turkey and from Turkey for the rest of the region.
Richard di Benedetto, President & CEO, Middle East, Africa, Central Asia & Russia
We trust in Turkey’s motivated and qualified labour force and strategic location.
Marco Milani, CEO, Indesit Company
We are running 79 countries from Istanbul and are enjoying the dynamism, diversity and availability of a high-quality work force. These attributes and more, we believe, represent big potential for Turkey, in the way of development through the effective use of technology, as well as becoming a software and services provider to other countries, particularly the EU. Microsoft Turkey will be there to support economic development and capacity building.
Jean-Philippe Courtois, President of Microsoft International, Senior Vice President of Microsoft Corporation
Turkey is ranked as being the 15th most attractive FDI destination for 2008 – 2010 (UNCTAD World Investment Prospects Survey)
Source: www.invest.gov.tr
Turkey voted top country
September 8, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Turkey has been chosen by Condé Nast Traveller readers as their favourite country in the destination category at the Condé Nast Traveller 12th Annual Readers’ Travel Awards for the first time.
Turkey‘s popularity also ensures a spot in prestigious The World’s Top 100 list too where it was voted number 2 overall.
Istanbul, European Capital of Culture 2010 also scored highly; Istanbul was voted in the top 10 in the Overseas Cities category (5th place), with top marks for people / hospitality.
The city is also home to some of the readers’ favourite hotels as the Ciragan Palace Kempinski was voted in 6th place and The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, 13th place in the Category of Overseas Leisure Hotels. The Ritz Carlton Istanbul also secured 8th spot in the Overseas Business Hotels category.
Director of the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office UK Irfan Onal expressed his delight at winning the award: “We are thrilled that Turkey has won this prestigious award, which is even more meaningful given that it is chosen by the readers themselves. This is the highlight in what has been a very successful year as the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office UK.
Indeed, visitor numbers from the UK continue their spectacular rise, with year-on-year figures up 15.5% for the first 7 months of this year.”
Turkish Ambassador H.E Mr. Unal Cevikoz received the country award. Also attending the award was the Ambassador’s wife Mrs. Emel Cevikoz, Director of the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office, Mr. Irfan Onal and Deputy Director, Dr. Aysegul Gurgezoglu.
Source: www.ftnnews.com
Nurol Art Gallery Open In Bodrum
September 1, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Reversing the winter trend of art galleries closing in Bodrum, the Nurol Art Gallery Bodrum opened in the Oasis Shopping Centre. The Oasis Shopping Centre & Nurol Art Gallery in Ankara worked together for the new opening.
The exhibition includes paintings, ceramics & sculpture by the three very talented members of the Eren family, Cemil, Barış & Zeynep. The Erens are well known both in Ankara & in Turkish art circles & have a long association with Bodrum on the Aegean coast.
Cemil Eren was one of the artists who worked on frescoes at Anıtkabir, Atatürk’s Mausoleum & Museum, in the 1950s. He had his first solo exhibition in Ankara in 1957 & first exhibited in Bodrum in the Haluk Elbe Gallery at Bodrum Castle. He has a summerhouse in Gölkoy & over the years has created a whole series of landscapes & studies inspired by Bodrum.
In the new exhibition he has included his earlier paintings of fishermen as well as his most recent studies of birds & fish while using his signature mastery of white & pale blue shades.
His daughter, Zeynep Eren, has turned her artistic talents to ceramics & statues, creating earthy solid figures in the Kybele tradition of strong Anatolian women. She has also included a series of colourful scenes painted on ceramic tiles using the same style of female figures.
Barış Eren now is a full-time director with the Ankara State Theatre & will not be attending the opening because he will be preparing performances in İzmir. His involvement with theatre is evident in his colourful modern figurative canvases, which are created with a mixture of pastels, acrylics & pencils & exude movement & vitality. The artists’ works are represented in private & corporate collections in Turkey & Europe.
Cameron ‘anger’ at slow pace of Turkish EU negotiations
August 24, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
David Cameron has promised to “fight” for Turkey‘s membership of the European Union, saying he is “angry” at the slow pace of negotiations.
On his first visit as prime minister, he said the country could become a “great European power”, helping build links with the Middle East.
He compared hostility to the membership bid in some parts of the EU with the way the UK’s entry was once regarded.
Mr Cameron was expected to agree a new strategic partnership with Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan during his visit.
‘Frustrating progress’
In a speech at the Turkish parliament in Ankara, Mr Cameron said he wanted to “pave the road” for Turkey to join the EU, saying the country was “vital for our economy, vital for our security & vital for our diplomacy”.
A European Union without Turkey at its heart was “not stronger but weaker… not more secure but less… not richer but poorer”.
Mr Cameron added: “I’m here to make the case for Turkey’s membership of the EU. & to fight for it.”
At a joint press conference with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Mr Cameron suggested the UK would impose provisional restrictions – as with Bulgarians & Romanians after they joined – on the right of Turkish people to live & work in the UK after it joined the EU.
But the rapid rate of Turkey‘s economic growth would make any restrictions unnecessary in decades to come, he added.
He said: “One of the effects here is that [as] economies grow & become more evolved, the pressure & flow [of people] between countries isn’t so great.”
Referring to former French President General Charles de Gaulle’s efforts to block British membership of the EU in the 1960s, Mr Cameron said in his speech: “We know what it’s like to be shut out of the club. But we also know that these things can change.
“When I think about what Turkey has done to defend Europe as a Nato ally, & what Turkey is doing today in Afghanistan, alongside our European allies, it makes me angry that your progress towards EU membership can be frustrated in the way it has been.
“My view is clear. I believe it is just wrong to say that Turkey can guard the camp but not be allowed to sit in the tent.
“So I will remain your strongest possible advocate for EU membership & greater influence at the top table of European diplomacy.”
Regional role
Mr Cameron said those who opposed EU membership were driven by protectionism, narrow nationalism or prejudice.
“Those who wilfully misunderstand Islam, they see no difference between real Islam & the distorted version of the extremists. They think the problem is Islam itself. And they think the values of Islam can just never be compatible with the values of other religions, societies or cultures.”
He said: “All of these arguments are just plain wrong. And as a new government in Britain, I want us to be at the forefront of an international effort to defeat them.”
While praising Turkey’s secular & democratic traditions, Mr Cameron stressed that Turkey must continue to push forward “aggressively” with economic & political reform to maintain momentum towards EU membership.
He said the country had a “unique influence” in helping to build a stable Afghanistan through political & economic co-operation & fostering understanding between Israel & the Arab world.
Source: BBC
Yapı Kredı Launch Ex-Pat Banking
August 16, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Yapi Kredi, a subsidiary bank of Koc Holding, has announced a new “expatriate banking” service aimed at meeting the banking needs of expatriates living in Turkey, Today’s Zaman reports.
According to a statement released yesterday by the bank, the new service will cater to the investment; deposit, insurance, safe deposit box & wire transfer needs of overseas nationals living in property in Turkey.
Executive Vice President of Credit Cards & Consumer Lending Nazan Somer noted that 10 Yapi Kredi branches located in cities with a heavy concentration of expats would have bankers who can manage the portfolios of their expatriate customers.
Somer added that the bank would be focusing on Istanbul, Bursa, Izmir, Ankara, Mugla, Marmaris and Bodrum, where many expatriates live or have made property investment in Turkey.
Source: ANSAmed
Turkey An Affordable Alternative For Expats
April 13, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Over two thirds (75 percent) of expatriate Britons living in EU countries are considering returning to the UK due to the effects of the economic crisis according to a recent survey.
Fears over job security falling European property prices and the strength of the Euro are forcing many to reconsider their options according to a poll commissioned by Moneycorp the UK foreign exchange specialist.
250 in-depth telephone interviews were conducted last month and the findings indicated that 70 percent of those interviewed were now considering packing up and going home.
Job security was the most common concern with 35 percent worried about losing their job.
Falling European property prices was the second major concern closely followed by the strength of the Euro that for many paid in sterling has meant a dramatic cut in income or pensions.
Britons living in Spain where the recession is biting hardest for expatriates are the most worried about losing their jobs with 41 percent afraid they will be affected by the Spanish unemployment rate that currently stands at 18 percent.
More than a quarter (28 percent) of British expatriate living in Spain and more than one third (33 percent) of those living in Germany claim a sterling pension and rely on it as their main income.
An average of 70 percent have repatriation in mind says the survey while more than a third in some EU counties say they are definitely going back to the UK – including 38 percent of British expats in Germany, 37 percent in Spain, 34 percent in Italy and 33 percent in France.
David Kerns, Head of Private Clients at Moneycorp, said: “Our research highlights the real impact of the downturn for Britons living abroad”.
However, Turkey remains outside the EU affording the British in particular especially attractive exchange rates when compared to their European counterparts. This makes Turkey an affordable alternative to the more established retirement destinations such as Spain. Turkey already has a burgeoning British expat community.
Property in Turkey whether you are looking for Turkish property for sale or simply rentals in Turkey currently represents fantastic value for money. Furthermore, Turkey continues to enjoy sustainable growth in its property market with both domestic and international demand underpinning the market. Returns for rentals in Turkey remain strong.
Simultaneously, the strength of Turkey’s underlying economy and continued growth in tourism bolsters the case for considering Turkey as a real alternative retirement destination.
Turkey’s accession to full membership of the EU continues apace, increasing confidence amongst many Europeans in Turkey as a stable retirement destination.
For more information visit: www.moneycorp.com
