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FAQs |
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Although buying a property in Turkey is a relatively simple process in
comparison to other European countries, we recognise that sometimes you
will need a friendly helping hand to guide you along.
As customer satisfaction is paramount, we want our clients to feel that
they have been fully informed about any negatives as well as all the
positives when it comes to choosing their home in Turkey. We will always
endeavour to answer your questions honestly, even if it's not the answer
you were wanting to hear. As we recognise word of mouth is important in
this business we have always found that absoute honesty is the best and
only policy.
Here below you will find a list of the most frequently asked questions
by our clients. You will, happily find the answers too!
Q. Is it easy for a foreigner to buy a property in Turkey?
A. Yes. Foreigners may purchase land and property in Turkey in their own
names provided that properties are located in areas with an official
municipality (council) and the property must be situated within the
boundaries of that municipality or borough. The replacement law allowing
foreigners to buy in Turkey has now been ratified by parliament which
dispels any confusion.
Q. How do I get started?
A. Talk to us, of course! We can log all your details and desires, chat
them over with you and come to a conclusion about which properties will
be just right for you. You can then take a leisurely look at them either
in hard copy or digitally. Alternatively browse through our website,
make a shortlist of the kind of thing you are looking for and then send
us an enquiry form. Remember that we will always have more to see than
is on our website, as new and exciting opportunities come up on a daily
basis.
Q. What's the next step?
A. When you have a portfolio of potential properties you will want to
come to Turkey to view them or the developments if the property is off
plan. On arrival in Turkey, you will be met at the airport by one of our
team from the Turkish offices and taken to your hotel. They will help
organise an itinerary for your stay, arrange viewings for the properties
you are interested in and answer any questions you may have. For the
duration of your visit, our team will be on hand to make your stay as
enjoyable and informative as possible. At the end of your stay, you will
be taken back to your departure airport.
Q. Do I have to buy a property on a viewing trip?
A. Absolutely not! You will be under no pressure to buy. However, all we
do ask is that you are in a position to purchase if we find you the
right property.
Q. How long will it take to complete on a property once bought?
A. FINISHED PROPERTY or RESALE: once the contract has been signed and
the purchase price has been paid in full, you will have the keys to your
Turkish home.
OFF-PLAN PROPERTY: once the contract has been signed, the deposit paid
we will deliver the property to you on the completion date stipulate.
Q. What happens if the developer is late in completing?
A. It can also be incorporated in your contract, that if the developer
is late in the said delivery date, he can be penalised financially. This
can also apply to the purchaser being late with stage or final payments
although we can be flexible when kept fully informed.
Q. Can I arrange finance in Turkey?
A. Mortgage companies do not generally exist in Turkey as most purchases
are cash transactions. You should therefore arrange finance in your home
country. Our London agent will be happy to put you in touch with
companies who can help you with this. There are rumours that Turkish
mortgages for foreigners will be available in 2006. Watch this space!
Q. Will we see a good range of properties?
A. Of course. As an independant estate agency, we are tied to no
developer. We can show you everything in the area that meets your budget
and personal requirements. All the major developers work closely with us
and we have exclusive sales rights to many of the projects. They don't
all deal with all agents so you may not see the full range elsewhere. We
are confident that our extensive range of villas and apartments will be
more than enough for you to choose from.
Q. How do we make payments to purchase our property?
A. All payments to Turkey from the UK must be made by cheque or bank
transfer in accordance with international money laundering laws as
stipulated by the Turkish embassy in London. Credit card payments can be
made whilst on viewing trips to place a deposit in order to secure a
property.
Q. How much are utilities in Turkey?
A. In Turkey, you pay for what you use on a meter system. Electricity is
generally less than half the price it would be in the UK. Water is
extremely cheap. Communal electric and water on complexes will generally
be covered by your annual/monthly maintenance charges. These charges
vary from project to project. All of your utility bills can be paid by
direct debit through your Turkish bank account which we can help you
open.
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. How can I import my household goods into Turkey?
A. You need a residence permit valid for a minimum of 1 year in order to
import your household goods. There are several overseas shipping
companies in the UK who offer a door to door sevice. We strongly advise
you to contact the Turkish consulate in London for this information or
if you are already in Turkey, please contact the Turkish customs
administration office in Ankara on (009) 0312 311 7971 or check their
official website www.gumruk.gov.tr
Q. Is it easy to sell up and transfer the proceeds out of Turkey?
A. Yes. Any acquired property may be resold or rented out and the
proceeds transferred out of Turkey.
Q. Does owning a property in Turkey entitle a person to residency?
A. No. However, it does make applying for a residence permit easier
because you can prove that you have already invested in Turkey.
Q. How can I obtain a residence permit for Turkey?
A. With a great deal of form filling and stamping! This is a subject we
know about, but too lengthy to go into here. If you need it, just ask us
and we can help you.
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/ROI 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?
A. Fresh produce is great value for money. You'll find most items up to
50% cheaper than at home with electrical items being the most expensive.
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. For
more information, call:
UK - The Pets Travel Scheme on 08702 411710
ROI - The Animal Health and Welfare Division on 01 607 2827.
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. Turkey is also one of the five
permanent members of NATO.
Q. Is it necessary to learn the language?
A. No but as with anywhere in the world, it always brings advantages.
Q. How can I find a job in Turkey?
A. For further information, please visit
www.investinginturkey.gov.tr/employmentregulations.html
Q. How do I import a car/vehicle into Turkey?
A. If you are visiting Turkey as a tourist with your vehicle, you should
have full documents and insurance for the said vehicle. Details will be
registered in your passport on your arrival at the border. A foreign
plated vehicle is permitted to remain in Turkey for a maximum of 6
months in any 12 month period.
We hope that this FAQ's has provided you with the answers to any queries
you may have had. If you have any further questions, please don't
hesitate to contact one of our team.
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