Turkey courts the world’s golfers, as tourism numbers rise significantly

Turkey courts the world’s golfers, as tourism numbers rise significantly

Turkey United Kingdom
  • Visitor numbers increased to 38.6 million in 2017 (Turkish Statistical Institute)
  • Golf tourists spend 120% more than general tourists (IAGTO)
  • Kusadasi winning favour with golfers and expats alike when it comes to contemporary Turkish homes (Spot Blue)

Back in 2015, KPMG crowned Turkey the ‘Rising Star of Golf,’ flagging it up as one of the most successful golf tourism destinations in the world. Given the International Association of Golf Tour Operators’ assertion that golf tourists spend an average of 120% more than general tourists, the need to nurture this segment of Turkey’s visitors was clear.

Fast forward three years and it’s clear that Turkey is working not only to woo golf tourists with its courses, but also to tempt them to buy golf properties there too.

Golf tourism in Turkey is big business. There are some absolutely sublime golf courses here, while Turkey has the weather to ensure that golfing here holds almost year-round appeal. A great deal of money has gone into enhancing the country’s golf offering in recent years, from course upgrades and whole new courses to superb golf developments for those with a real passion for the game. 

Julian Walker, MD, Spot Blue

The PGA National Turkey Antalya Golf Club is currently showcasing its courses, having become Turkey’s first 36-hole golf resort. Representatives are touring key European golfing markets and promoting the courses, which lie in Turkey’s famous Belek golfing paradise.

“…It’s clear from the response that we’ve received at all the shows that there is a real appetite for playing golf in Turkey and at PGA National Turkey. 

Ahmet Cagil, General Manager, PGA National Turkey Antalya Golf Club

For many golfers, though, a holiday just isn’t enough. Second homes on golf resorts are immensely popular and Turkey has more than risen to the challenge of providing a tempting array of options. Some of the best are located at Kusadasi, a prestigious golf club with its own academy, pro shop and renowned clubhouse restaurant.

Properties at Kusadasi are not only exquisite in their design, but also surprisingly affordable. A two-bedroom apartment with its own private pool and steps down to a larger, communal pool is priced from just £59,500. Semi-detached houses start from £99,500, while beautifully contemporary, detached triplex villas are available for £159,500.

Visitor numbers to Turkey picked up significantly in 2017, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute. 38.6 million tourists visited Turkey over the course of the year, compared to 31.4 million in 2016. Income from tourism was up as well; the last quarter of 2017 saw an increase in tourism income of 27.7%, 77.7% of which came from visitors from overseas. Overall, tourism income for the year totalled $26.3 billion.

Kusadasi, with its laidback beach vibe and glorious weather, attracts many tourists throughout the year. Its large expat community encourages some of those to stay for longer, buying second homes and even primary residences so that they can enjoy the area more fully – including its excellent golf course.

Belek remains the spiritual home of golf in Turkey, but Kusadasi appeals to those wanting golf and something more as well. The laidback lifestyle, plentiful restaurants and blend of old and new offers something unique in Turkey.

“Not only does East meet West in Kusadasi, but traditional meets modern. And all this for an affordable price tag. It’s an immensely popular area and for many, the superb golfing facilities and golf resort properties give this area the edge over other parts of Turkey, particularly as we gear up for another summer of golf tourism.” 

Julian Walker, MD, Spot Blue 

For further information about buying or selling property in Turkey, please contact: 

Spot Blue

Tel: +44 (0)20 8339 6036    

Email: info@spotblue.com 

Website: www.spotblue.com

Notes to Editors:

Spot Blue International Property is one of the UK’s leading Turkish property agencies, with hundreds of properties regularly listed and updated on its website, www.spotblue.com. As well as helping developers promote their projects to the UK and other foreign markets, www.spotblue.com features properties for sale by private individuals. Spot Blue only promotes property of developers that pass its due diligence assessment. It also specialises in matching buyers with suitable properties and operates in all major resorts in Turkey. The company’s high profile in the UK means it is regularly quoted in the national press and invited to appear on panels at leading seminars and exhibitions.

Off skiing for Easter? Higher isn’t always better

Off skiing for Easter? Higher isn’t always better

United Kingdom

Everyone knows that buying a decent property in the best ski resorts requires a healthy bank account and probably equally healthy friendships and insider contacts, if you follow our drift.

That’s why, those in search of a practical base for their mountain leisure pursuits should definitely consider looking just outside their desired location or resort.”
Julian Walker, Director,
Skiingproperty.com

By moving slightly down the mountain, buyers in France’s famously glitzy Courchevel for instance, can save nearly two thirds on a home in La Tania, which at 1400 metres is on the valley’s lower slopes compared to its glamourous cousin at 1850 metres.

Close to Courchevel, there are several other villages, which enjoy access to the westerly section of the Three Valleys, the world’s largest ski area, which Courchevel is the star of.

The villages are in varying levels of development and charisma, but ultimately each location benefits from the recent investment in the Three Valleys facilities and the resort is well equipped to cope with new seasonal residents. For example, Courchevel’s new fast lifts have considerably reduced queueing times and a full day’s skiing can now be compressed into half the time thanks to improved efficiency.

There are enough activities outside of skiing too. Aquamotion is an indoor water park with a range of pools, saunas, steam rooms and even an artificial wave pool.
Activities like paragliding, mountain biking, zip lining and trekking are focal points for many visitors all year round.

There is a brand new 3km toboggan run which is guaranteed to give a hair-raising experience and is served by a new gondola which was also opened last year.  Both can be accessed from Courchevel 1650.

Courchevel 1850 is France’s most prestigious and expensive resort with property prices closer matching some of the world’s capital cities.

Savvy buyers who have done their research will know that less than 10 minutes away lies the much more relaxed and authentic Courchevel Moriond 1650, where you can make a comparatively affordable house purchase.

Further downhill is the slightly larger Le Praz, at 1,300m. The lively resort offers a great base for exploring the region whilst the glamour of Courchevel 1850 can be easily accessed via a gondola.

Nearby, and only slightly higher is the small resort of La Tania, which is easily navigated on foot and enjoys all the benefits of the Three Valleys without the jet-setting price tag.

On the market:

4-bedroom Ski Chalets for sale in La Tania

£1,240,277

  • 4 spacious bedrooms, 121-128 sqm
  • High quality features
  • Ski-in ski-out location
  • 30 metres from the ski lift
  • Underground parking

Selection of luxurious Ski Apartments for sale in Courchevel Le Praz

£876,412

  • 14 new build apartments, 60 to 122 sqm
  • Two, three & four bedrooms
  • Spectacular views
  • Close to town centre
  • 400 metres from ski lifts
  • Close to shops
  • Parking, ski locker
  • 2 hours from Geneva airport

Ski Apartments for sale in Courchevel 1650

£740,438

  • Two & three bedrooms
  • Parking included
  • Close to ski lifts & slopes
  • Restaurant & shop on-site
  • Wellness area
  • Near Aquamotion water park

For further information contact
www.skiingproperty.com
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8339 6036

 

Early economic and tourism indicators point to a bounce-back in Turkey

Early economic and tourism indicators point to a bounce-back in Turkey

Turkey United Kingdom

A buoyant property market combined with bullish economy, weak currency and rebounding tourism industry are creating attractive conditions for foreigners who invest in Turkey this year, said Spot Blue International Property in March.

Here  Spot Blue International Property outlines five key reasons the outlook is positive for homeowners and the housing market in Turkey in 2018:

Turkish property sales to foreigners increased 25.7 per cent in January compared to the same month in 2017, according to Turkish Statistics Institute (TÜİK). During that month, 97,000 properties were sold in total across the country representing a slight year-on-year increase, with 1,742 of these bought by foreigners. Istanbul remains the top destination for foreign property-buyers, attracting 545 sales in January, with the Mediterranean resort of Antalya second favourite (424). Foreign sales in Turkey are spearheaded by investors from the Gulf countries, with Russians and European buyers behind them. This upward trend is predicted to continue.

Turkey’s economy is growing faster than any other G20 country, according to the most recent Turkish Statistical Institute data for the 3rd quarter of 2017, which saw the country record GDP of 11.1 per cent. Meanwhile, among other G20 countries, China registered 6.8 per cent growth during this period and India 6.3 per cent growth.

Turkey is bouncing back as one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. In the first month of 2018 the number of foreign visitors to Turkey rose 38.48 per cent compared to January 2017, which saw a 9.8 per cent drop. Turkey is anticipating a record total of 38 million tourists this year, compared to 32.4 million last year, according to the country’s Culture and Tourism Minister Numan Kurtulmus. Positive signs include European tour operators, including Thomson and Thomas Cook, increasing their capacity for packages to Turkish resorts this year, while the German and Russian markets are expected to be especially strong too. Kusadasi, which receives cruise ships and with its lively town and sandy beaches is a popular second home destination, in particular should benefit from the growing tourism levels. The Turkish Government remains determined to hit its target of 50 million tourists a year by 2023. To help achieve this, it is continuing to offer cash incentives to charter airlines that bring tourists to the country and implement measures to facilitate hotels renewing land leases.

Turkey’s airlift capability continues to rise year-on-year, as does the country’s role as a hub connecting East and West. In January this year, the number of passengers passing through the country’s leading airports increased 29 per cent year-on-year to 14.74 million passengers, compared to 11.47 million last year (Anna Aero). If this rate of growth is maintained, Turkey could expect to handle around 230 million passengers in 2018. Last year 192.34 million passengers travelled through Turkey’s leading airports, a rise of around 11 per cent on 2016 and a new record. Meanwhile, the global aviation industry will be focusing on Istanbul later this year when the city’s new airport, expected to be the largest in the world, is scheduled to open in October, becoming the new operational centre for the national carrier Turkish Airlines.

Turkey’s currency, the Turkish Lira, continues to fall against leading currencies, including Sterling, the dollar and euro. This makes day-to-day living increasingly affordable to foreign residents or tourists with income or funds in a foreign currency. The Post Office’s recently published Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer ranks Turkey as the seventh cheapest destination anywhere in the world and fifth cheapest in Europe to enjoy a holiday. 

For further information about buying or selling property in Turkey please contact:

Spot Blue International Property

Tel: +44 (0)20 8339 6036    

Email: info@spotblue.com 

Website: www.spotblue.com and InternationalPropertyForSale.com

Why Turkey’s Kusadasi Should Be on Foreign Buyers’ Radar in 2018

Why Turkey’s Kusadasi Should Be on Foreign Buyers’ Radar in 2018

Turkey United Kingdom

Affordable new developments are helping to make the resort of Kusadasi one of Turkey’s most exciting holiday home destinations in 2018, said Spot Blue International Property in February, adding that recent uplifts in tourism and foreign property sales should boost the country’s appeal with foreigners this year.

House-hunters in Kusadasi, home to the Mediterranean’s fourth largest cruise port and one of Turkey’s largest marinas, are being encouraged to explore beyond the centre of the resort and consider the up-and-coming areas of Degirmendere and Davutlar.
Situated south-east of the centre, on the inland side of the main road that runs through Kusadasi, the former is a neighbourhood that is the focus of much new development. Meanwhile, Davutlar is a less village situated a short drive south of Kusadasi.

“Development outside the centre of Kusadasi is beginning to gain momentum and creep into Degirmendere, now regarded as the resort’s investment hot spot,” said Julian Walker, director at Spot Blue International Property. “Certainly, it’s quieter there but localised areas within the neighbourhood, including Guzellikici, are within walking distance of the beach and amenities, and still not far from the resort’s lively waterfront. Being that little bit further out makes them more affordable too, at least for now – early purchasers could see the value of their property rise.”

Typical of what’s available in Degirmendere, Spot Blue International Property is offering two and three-bedroom apartments within gated complexes, available as off-plan or new-build, with prices from £59,500.

Buyers who prefer a more natural, less touristy setting might prefer Davutlar, nestled amongst fruit and olive groves beneath the Dilek Mountains 15-20 minutes’ drive from the bright lights of Kusadasi. The village is famous for its natural thermal springs, rich green scenery and famously clean air. Historically a popular second home destination with Turkish city dwellers, the small complexes of semi-detached houses and villas being built there are beginning to attract foreigners. Proximity to the Dilek Peninsula National Park, which includes some of Turkey’s prettiest unspoilt beaches, is a further attraction of the area. Spot Blue International Property has property in Davutlar, both new-build and off-plan, from £99,500.

“As an all-round destination, Kusadasi and its surrounding villages is hard to beat,” continued Mr Walker. “Besides its colourful town centre and globally acclaimed maritime facilities, it has kilometres of sandy beachfront, which includes the famous Ladies Beach, lots of history, most notably the nearby UNESCO-designated Ephesus ruins, three world-class water parks and at least one golf resort. Transport is excellent too, with Izmir Airport being just an hour’s drive away via a motorway and Bodrum Airport an hour and 45 minutes. Meanwhile, there are regular ferries to the Greek islands of Samos and Patmos.”

For further information about buying or selling property in Turkey through Spot Blue, please contact:

Spot Blue International Property
Tel: +44 (0)20 8339 6036    
Email: info@spotblue.com 
Website: www.spotblue.com

About Spot Blue International Property
Spot Blue International Property is one of the UK’s leading Turkish property agencies, with hundreds of properties regularly listed and updated on its website, www.spotblue.com. As well as helping developers promote their projects to the UK and other foreign markets, www.spotblue.com features properties for sale by private individuals. Spot Blue only promotes property of developers that pass its due diligence assessment. It also specialises in matching buyers with suitable properties and operates in all major resorts in Turkey. The company’s high profile in the UK means it is regularly quoted in the national press and invited to appear on panels at leading seminars and exhibitions.

Sales to Foreign Property Buyers in Turkey Increase by 22%

Sales to Foreign Property Buyers in Turkey Increase by 22%

Turkey

The Turkish Statistical Institute Turk Stat have published their 2017 report of foreign property buyers in Turkey.

It reveals a colourful variety of nationalities bought a total of 22,234 homes reflecting an increase of 22.2% year on year.

The improved stats are most likely the results of a favourable exchange rate as well as a variety of incentives by the Turkish government to attract foreigners to their real estate market.

In January 2017, the Official Turkish Gazette published a decree offering citizenship to any foreigner buying property worth 1 million USD or more.

The following month, Turkish parliament passed a law that enabled foreigners investing in the property market of Turkey to be exempt from value-added-tax. Conditions included making the purchase in a foreign currency and keeping the new property for at least a year. The law also applied to Turks who lived and worked abroad for more than 6 consecutive months.

Most Popular Districts for Foreign Property Buyers in Turkey

Stats show Istanbul as the most popular district for house sales to foreigners with a total of 8,182 homes sold. The city, the largest and busiest in Turkey is currently undergoing a construction boom with many skyscraper projects on the market.

“Offering a wide range of social community features such as swimming pools, landscaped gardens and onsite fitness gyms, prices starting at an average of £55,000 are proving to be a huge hit. The outskirts and surrounding districts of Istanbul are also climbing in popularity as buyers are lured by lower property prices but with all the benefits of city living close by.”

Julian Walker, MD, Spot Blue

The Mediterranean district of Antalya followed by 4707 house sales to foreigners. Consisting of the smaller coastal resorts of Side, Alanya, Kemer, Belek, Kas, Kalkan and the main city centre, Antalya is particularly popular with Russians, Germans and Brits, of which many live permanently in the area as retired expats.

Once again, the districts of Bursa (1474) and Yalova (1079) are slowly climbing up the ranks. Despite being latecomers to the market appealing to foreign property buyers, the historical value, as well as beautiful landscapes, are especially popular with Middle Eastern nationalities who find many similarities between cultures.

Foreign property buyers in Turkey

The top buying nationality was Iraqis with a total of 3805 houses. Saudi Arabians closely followed with 3345 house sales. The nationality taking third was Kuwait with 1691 sales.

British buyers bought a total of 794 homes in Turkey. Despite getting off to a shaky start in the first two months of the year with just 77 sales, business picked up and climbed to its peak in September with 103 sales for that month alone.

General trends show British buyers tend to stick to the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts in resorts such as Didim, Fethiye, Bodrum and Kalkan.

Predictions for 2018

Expert insiders are predicting a rebound for both the tourism and foreign Turkish real estate market in 2018. The government spent most of 2017 clamping down on terrorism, and the lack of attacks is seeing a return in confidence for both sectors.

British airlines have massively increased their seat capacity between the two countries and a favourable exchange rate, as well as a surpass supply of new, modern homes offer ideal conditions for foreign property buyers in Turkey.

 

On the Market in Turkey

Sea View Horizon Sky Garden Duplex in Iasos, Bodrum

£43,000

https://www.spotblue.com/turkey-property-for-sale/apartment-in-iasos-bodrum-bod326/

  • Two spacious double bedrooms, two fitted bathrooms
  • Fitted kitchen, tastefully decorated, air conditioning
  • Garden & balcony with stunning sea & hillside views
  • Excellent on-site facilities, private beach, seven swimming pools

 

Key Ready Flats In Kucukcekmece, Istanbul

£122,988

https://www.spotblue.com/turkey-property-for-sale/apartments-in-kucukcekmece-istanbul-ist252/

  • Two spacious bedrooms, one fitted bathroom
  • Fitted kitchens, air conditioning, Satellite TV
  • Fantastic on-site facilities, sauna, Turkish bath
  • Great location, close to shops & public transport

 

Stylish Detached Villa in Yalikavak, Bodrum

£856,109

https://www.spotblue.com/turkey-property-for-sale/villa-in-yalikavak-bodrum-bod317/

  • Five spacious bedrooms, five bathrooms
  • Fitted kitchen, plenty of space on two floors
  • Lovely private garden and pool area
  • Underground garage and small studio

 

To find out more, please contact Spot Blue on +44 208 339 6036 or visit www.spotblue.com

Top 10 hottest homes perfect for a winter escape

Top 10 hottest homes perfect for a winter escape

Spain Thailand Turkey United States , ,

As freezing weather grips the country with recent snowfalls across UK, it’s time to escape somewhere warmer. There are plenty of winter sun destinations easily accessible for Brits such as Spain, Turkey or the USA being the obvious choices but there are some more exotic options available too.

To help, here is a selection of the 10 hottest homes on offer this winter – whether you are looking to invest into a luxury villa outside Europe or buy a second home in a jet-lag-free Mediterranean destination, we have it all!

  1. Marina Golf, Mallorca (Spain)

 

A7_Marina Golf Garden 2

The residential complex, developed by Taylor Wimpey España, has spacious 3 and 4 townhouses with private terraces and gardens surrounded by a solarium area with views over the Santa Ponsa golf course. It is in one the island’s most exclusive and in-demand areas. Prices start from €549.000 +VAT.

       2. Fort Lauderdale, Florida (USA)

3-apartments-for-sale-in-fort-lauderdale-florida-usafloa134

Available through InternationalPropertyForSale.com investors can get these well-designed beachfront residences that boast a rich array of indoor and outdoor amenities such as a world-class spa. With its floor-to-ceiling windows offering breath-taking views over Atlantic Ocean and more, the properties have wonderful features. Prices start from £1,041,724.

         3. Fumba Town, Zanzibar (Tanzania)

201704 perspektive_seafront_01

Exclusive to investment agency Property Frontiers, Fumba Town is a brand-new development of villas and apartments offering breath-taking sea views. Located close to the centre, the property offers the chance for residents to completely emerge within the paradisiac lifestyle on this African beach heaven. Prices start from £123,000.

         4. La Vila Paradis, Costa Blanca (Spain)

B12_La_Vila_Paradis_Terrace_Townhouse

With this development, Taylor Wimpey España gives the chance for residents to feel proud about living in an enviable beachfront location in Villajoysa. The 2 and 3 apartments are built to an excellent standard and include swimming pools, beautiful gardens and direct access to Paraiso beach. Prices start from €269,000 + VAT.

        5. Westmoreland, St James (Barbados)

8-townhouse-villas-for-sale-in-barbados-bart203

Elegant townhouse villas are available through InternationalPropertyForSale.com on Barbados’ stunning west coast benefitting from an all year-round tropical climate. Within this exclusive 5-bedroom development, each property has the option for a sun terrace with access to swimming pool, spacious rooms and other first-class features. Prices start from £1,085,909.

        6. Becyk Villas, Antalya (Turkey)

Detached-Villas-For-Sale-in-Beycik-Kemer-Antalya-18

This beautiful development, available through Spot Blue, is comprised of 2 bedrooms villas with large private terraces well situated within a relaxed mountainous environment. All villas are built in a traditional Turkish holiday home style and the time difference of just 3 hours make up for the 6-hour flight. Prices start from £69,000.

       7. La Floresta Sur, Costa del Sol (Spain)

Taylor Wimpey 39

This Taylor Wimpey España residential development is unique as it is surrounded by a striking natural biosphere reserve by UNESCO in Marbella. Owners at La Floresta Sur will live in a healthy environment with better breathing, access to pure water and lots of trees for natural beauty. Prices start from €192,000 + VAT.

         8. The Peak Towers, Pattaya (Thailand)

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With this new 30 floor residential building located within a premium beach area, Property Frontiers is offering investors an excellent opportunity to expand their portfolio internationally. Residents will enjoy the Thai lifestyle living in a perfect environment to soak up on some warm tropical sun during winter.  Prices start from £60,617.

           9. Tamarin, Mauritius

5-apartments-for-sale-in-tamarin-mauritius-maua100-1

Also available through InternationalPropertyForSale.co, this development of 25 apartments and penthouses, situated on the beautiful beach of Tamarin on the west coast of Mauritius, is surrounded by sea and mountain views. The properties are eco-friendly and have been designed modern and elegant featuring comfortable living experience. Prices start from £674,082.

           10. Acquamarina, Mallorca (Spain)

A2_Acquamarina_pool.jpg

With coastal properties always in high demand, Taylor Wimpey España has unveiled the brand-new development Acquamarina which offers 2 bedroom apartments designed with pure Mediterranean style architecture, where the predominant colour is white. Prices from £214,000.

“We Found the Perfect Property in Turkey on eBay!”

Turkey
No strangers to hedging their bets on eBay, the online auction house and marketplace, Ken and Tanya Griffith from Bristol have successfully bid for anything and everything on eBay, from cars to burger vans and from porcelain to…property! 
Here’s their story.
 
Ken and Tanya Griffith, who run a busy pub and juggle their time between an active family life with their three children and the demands of being hands on landlords, were using the internet to research their dream of buying a property abroad when they stumbled upon an advertisement for an apartment for sale in Side in Turkey on their favourite online auction site.
 
“Well, like most things, when we get an idea we just run with it” explains Ken, who together with wife Tanya had been considering buying a holiday home in either Turkey, which Ken had last visited 15 years ago, or Morocco.
 
“We have done a lot of shopping on eBay over the past 5 years and while we were searching on eBay for some more bargains we came across an apartment that property agents Spot Blue were selling in Turkey.  We linked through to their website and the process began.  It really was as simple as that!”  says Ken.
 
The apartment being advertised on eBay by Spot Blue, and which was subsequently bought by Ken and Tanya, cost them GBP 52,500 and rather than having to bid for the property against other online competitors they were able to deal directly with the sales agent Spot Blue.
 
“We researched Turkey some more via the Spot Blue website and went into discussions with Julian Walker, the managing director of the company after deciding that yes, Turkey was the location we favoured, and we were very excited and surprised at how easily everything came together.”  Explains Tanya.
 
“It really was just like buying any other purchase on eBay except we didn’t have to bid for the property in the usual way!  There are more regulations when buying residential property so the contracts all had to be done separately to eBay.  But fortunately, because we’d chosen to buy with a reputable company it was all plain sailing.”
 
Ken and Tanya bought a two bedroom, two bathroom apartment in Side in southern Turkey on the Mediterranean coast and have paid a deposit and their first payment from savings, they are going to get a mortgage in Turkey to help fund the rest of the purchase.  They are going to view the property for the very first time this month and intend to use it as a family holiday home away from the hustle and bustle of their hectic lives in the UK.
 
In speaking about the purchase, Julian Walker from Spot Blue explains that: “we use eBay to advertise our properties because it’s an excellent way to introduce the fantastic range of apartments and villas that we have for sale across the whole of southern Turkey to a wide audience. “
 
“We don’t generally suggest that our clients buy off the internet without having first viewed the development, not having spent at least a little time with us in Turkey…but if buyers like Ken and Tanya come along who have very little time but a very definite idea of what they want, I personally will work with them to make sure that they are well taken care of throughout the purchase process.”
 
Ken and Tanya can certainly verify that this was the case for them: “Julian has been very professional, with no hard sell and plenty of real advice.  We felt we could completely trust him and he is very efficient with follow up calls and general processing of information.  We look forward to working with him more in future as the rest of the sale goes through.”
 
The Griffith’s story is becoming less unusual as greater numbers of would-be property buyers begin their research into homes abroad via the internet.  Locations are decided upon, inspection trips are booked, viewing appointments are made, and in an increasing number of circumstances, deals are closed via the internet with the buyer making limited contact with agents and sometimes even less contact with the property that they are purchasing.
 
Discussing the growing trend of buyers using the internet to at least begin their research into buying a home abroad Julian Walker advises: “people need to be aware that they are taking a risk if they do no greater research than simply looking at property details on the internet before buying. 
 
“We encourage all interested parties to take advice, to get independent legal representation and to certainly take a trip with us to Turkey to look at property.  So far this year alone we have managed to maintain a 100% sales success rate with clients who take this advice from us and come with us to Turkey.
 
There are clients like Ken and Tanya who have time limitations or even a very clear idea of what they want to buy abroad, and we can of course accommodate their needs too, but for such buyers I would always advise the following”: –
 
“Get a lawyer who acts independently to your agent or developer, use a reliable estate agency which belongs to relevant trade bodies, thoroughly research areas, prices and rental potential and make sure you understand your contract and what you are signing.  What’s more, only ever pay monies into lawyers’ or agents’ client accounts or escrow accounts, and make sure you retain some part of your payment until you take delivery of your title deeds.”
 
Currently being advertised for sale by Spot Blue via eBay are one, two and three bedroom off plan apartments in Altinkum.  They are for sale from GBP 22,950 and are within a resort style development that affords homeowners access to communal swimming pools, a pool bar, gymnasium and fitness suite for example.  There is also onsite security and a lettings service making these excellent investment properties or holiday homes in the sun.
 
For more information please contact Spot Blue directly on 020 8339 6036 or visit www.spotblue.co.uk.