Didim Today

The Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development, OECD, forecast that Turkey, with an 8.2% growth rate in 2010 will be the 12th economy of the world which will increase its national income most. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Turkey will exceed China, United States, Brazil and Japan in the rise of national income. Turkey will take its 12th place by exceeding EU countries with 729 billion USD of gross national product.

These are heady days for Turkey and British investors may feel that now is the time to strike, particularly in the property sector, where properties are still remarkably low and rental returns good, when compared to many other property investment countries. “It is an exciting time to be marketing homes in Turkey”, says Suleyman Akbay, MD of Oceanwide Properties, a company specialising in the sale of homes to British buyers. “We operate in the South of the country along the Mediterranean coastline around Fethiye”, continues Suleyman. “This is a beautiful region much loved by British buyers whether for investment, holiday retreat or retirement.

With Turkey tourism revenue, according to State Planning Organisation (DPT), expected to reach $22.50 billion by the end of this year and predicted to rise to $23.8 billion in 2011, this shows the popularity of the country. The more tourists come, the greater the number of those who want to own a home here.

Turkey has phenomenal summer weather, many Turks speak English and with prices an absolute bargain compared with many other resort locations around Europe, there has been a positive upsurge of buyers”.

Oceanwide Properties with offices in Turkey and the UK, specialise in Fethiye a resort and working town which nestles on the coastline South of Dalaman International airport. This is an area with much to recommend it including a brand new promenade with cycle track stretching between Fethiye and nearby pretty Calis with easy access to the beautiful Sovalye Island.

There is also a planned new marina which will bring yacht enthusiasts to the area. Add to this the shops, restaurants and bars that do not close down “out of season” but remain fully functional as part of a vibrant working town and you will see that there is much to praise the area.

Added Suleyman,” We are just 45 minutes drive from the international airport of Dalaman. This makes it easy for people to utilise their holiday home and for rental income which is very good at the moment due in no small measure to the increase in tourism. Renting a home rather than looking for an hotel is becoming more and more de rigeur”.

Currently available through Oceanwide Properties are some excellent properties offering good rental returns. Located in the popular resort of Hisaronu. Stylish duplex style two bedroom apartments set in landscape grounds with communal pool and children’s pool. It is a short walk to local amenities and within easy reach of Oludeniz, where the blue lagoon is the most photographed place in Turkey.

Located a short drive to Fethiye. Three bedroom apartments start at 64,900 with rental running around £400/450 pw in low season and £525 pw in high season. (Ref 1773803) In Calis, there is a beautiful small complex of just 10 apartments sharing a large pool. Each home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Nearby is a park with tennis courts. The beach is 15 minutes away and local amenities five minutes.

There are wonde4rful views of mountains and the sea. Just one property remains at £77,000 with a rental potential of £350 pw (Ref 1464622) In Kemer village, which is just inland from Fethiye, you can own a magnificent villa which is ideal for year round living. The three bedroom property is being sold fully furnished.

There is a good sized swimming pool plus children’s pool. In addition there is a large terrace with pagoda. Set on a plot of 600 sq metres the property boasts a garden and car parking. Situated on a small estate of similar properties the villa faces fields on two sides.

The villa is within three minutes of the village centre. Price £129,000 Rental £450 to £500 pw in low season rising to around £600 to £800 per week in high season. (Ref 1983262) Concluded Suleyman,” Turkey was a sleeping giant and suddenly it features on the world stage. We have a very young and vibrant population eager to see the country move forward.

Many miles of Mediterranean coastline are unspoilt and Fethiye is so beautiful with many amenities we get citizens of Istanbul choosing this region in which to retire. You cannot get a much better recommendation than that!” OCEANWIDE PROPERTIES www.oceanwideproperties.co.uk 0845 520 3030