Didim Today

“The market for buying homes in Turkey is changing” says Suleyman Akbay, Director of Oceanwide Properties a company specialising in homes along the Mediterranean resort regions. “When the British first started holidaying they went to the major resorts such as Bodrum and Dalaman which is where they subsequently bought. Now they have discovered totally different areas, such as Kalkan, Side, Belek and Kemer where there is a more sophisticated and restful ambiance.

In fact, so great has been the demand that as a company we have now opened two new offices in 2011, one in Kalkan and another in Antalya which will cover Side, Belek and Kemer, to cope with demand.” Kalkan is a small and peaceful Mediterranean resort and fishing town on the beautiful Turquoise Coast of Turkey. The historic harbour sits at the foot of the magnificent Taurus Mountains and the town itself comprises whitewashed villas in narrow streets winding their way down to the waters edge.

It boasts a great deal of history dating back to the Ottoman era and this has been carefully preserved. The town is also renowned for its superb restaurants, many of which are roof terraced with stunning views of the sweeping bay. With strict building codes keeping the town small and ensuring that new builds blend with the historic heart of the town, there is much to recommend a house purchase here whether for personal use and/or rental income.

Also, of course, prices are extremely good and often cheaper than a comparable “distressed” property in Spain. In Turkey, prices along this magical stretch of coastline are rising, (around 7% per year), and with a two bedroom apartment costing around £70,000 with a potential revenue of around £500 per week in the high season, Turkey is well worth serious consideration for property investment.

The equally popular resorts of Belek, Side and Kemer also offer a wide range of properties in beach side locations, glorious countryside, or on the edges of newly formed towns. The whole area is one of open spaces, history and a safe and relaxed lifestyle. For the golfer Belek is perfection with a wide choice of recently created high quality courses including the National Golf Club.

Concluded Suleyman, ”We have had offices in nearby Fethiye for many years but we were getting an increasing number of enquiries also about Kalkan, Kas, Antalya, Side, Belek and Alanya hence we have opened brand new offices in Kalkan, Antalya and Alanya to provide a wide selection of property portfolio for the ever increasing demand for property in Turkey. At a time when the world has been hit by a recession, it is heartening to know that we are able to expand and that investors are becoming ever more confident about buying in Turkey”.

About Turkey Over 1 million British Nationals visited Turkey in the first half of 2010. OECAQ (Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development) forecast Turkey, with an 8.2% growth rate in 2010 will be the 12th economy of the world. Turkey is Europe’s 6th biggest economy Turkish General Directorate of Land Registry shows 32,000 UK buyers investing in Turkish Property.

Currently available through Oceanwide Properties are the following in Kalkan. £208,000 Four bedrooms, four bathrooms, triplex villa with stunning views over the resort and sea. Elevated location. Seven years old. Private pool, fully fitted kitchen, fireplace, garden, Jacuzzi. Air cond. Music system throughout the property. One km to beach.

Ideal as year round residence. ( Ref 2028876) £435,000 Four en-suite bedroom private villa with 180 degree sea views. 10 mins stroll into town centre. Recently completed. Air cond. Marble floors throughout. Private car park. Infinity pool. Beach platform only 100 m. Fully landscaped gardens. (Ref 121759) £525.000 Three bedroom villa in Kalkan centre just 100 metres from the sea. Stunning views. (Ref 122256) OCEANWIDE PROPERTIES www.oceanwideproperties.co.uk