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THINKING OF RETIRING ONE DAY TO TURKEY? THEN READ THIS......

Date: 21/07/2009 Cheapest Place to Retire Abroad with the British Pound

As Britain’s economy looks more and more likely to be suffering for many years to come and as the UK’s credit rating looks like it may well be downgraded, many are of the opinion that the time is right to leave. However, it’s actually getting harder to get out of the UK as many nations that are typical Brit favourites – from New Zealand to the US – are refusing to take us in any great numbers!  What’s more, with the pound in your pocket instead of the dollar or the euro you’re going to find yourself hard pressed to find an affordable destination – especially if you want to retire abroad and live on the fixed income of your pension.  So together with our friends at M & S we have been looking into where the British pound goes further if you want to travel overseas. This will hopefully help you to discover which is the cheapest place to retire abroad with the British pound in your pocket… The first place on our list is Turkey – this is a popular holiday haunt for Britons already, and is likely to overtake Spain in terms of its popularity within a few years if it continues to see the rate of growth of tourism from the UK that it has over the past 12 months! The Turkish Lira is not holding strong against the pound – hooray! Turkey has not beaten us at the currency game and as a result Britons are finding that their pounds go far further in Turkey. What’s more, the price of property in Turkey remains hugely affordable – especially if you look away from the glitzy resort development being touted by British estate agents working in Turkey! If you spend some time living in the nation and getting to know the people, you’ll learn who you can trust, where the best properties are, who to buy through and how much you should really pay for a villa in Turkey overlooking the Aegean or the Mediterranean.  The Turkish Lira is now the third most popular selling currency according to our friends at M & S who recently completed and issued their Travel Money Report – it is trailing just the euro and the US dollar, proving just how popular a country Turkey has become with us Brits who are seeking a summer sunshine holiday, or an entire escape from the UK. If you’re looking for an affordable place to retire therefore, you could do far worse than Turkey. It is poised on the brink of EU entry, the nation is hugely welcoming of foreign residents, the cost of living is very low in many areas of the country, you can find the perfect balance for you between town and countryside, first world and rustic or traditional, built up and popular or quiet and peaceful. What’s more, as the nation is so vast you can spend a lot of time travelling and getting to know it well before you settle on an area to retire to, simply because your pound will take you further!  - Abridged Shelter Offshore 20 July 2009
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NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS

Date: 29/01/2010 - Turkey, top tourism country in the Mediterranean

Turkey will be the winner in tourism in the Mediterranean this year, according to Wybcke Meier, board member of the German Travel Association  and managing director of tour company Oger Tur. Despite the increased preference for domestic destinations, tourism numbers are up across the board, said Meier, adding that reservations for June in Turkey have surpassed the previous year. “Turkey was the most profitable country in terms of the tourism sector in 2009. In addition to Antalya, we observed significant interest for the Aegean region. Our sales for Istanbul have gone as planned. There is a ten percent increase in 2010 reservations compared to last year” he explained.

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Date: 20/01/2010 - Foreign real estate investors place Turkey in top five

According to an annual survey by the Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate, Turkey is among top five emerging markets.
The survey was conducted in the fourth quarter of 2009 among nearly 200 members of the D.C.-based association, representing 21 countries. Respondents own more than USD 842 billion of real estate globally including USD 304 billion in the US.  According to survey respondents, the top five emerging markets include China, Brazil, India, Mexico, and Turkey.  20 January 2010 - Invest in Turkey (Washington Business Journal)
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Date: 04/01/2010 Investment banking expects a bright year in Turkey

Turkey’s investment banking is likely to see a fruitful year in 2010 with many opportunities, according to the executive of the Industrial Development Bank of Turkey (TSKB), the first private investment and development bank of Turkey.
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Date: 14/01/2010 - Monarch Airlines heads east for 2010 with new flights to Turkey

Award winning airline Monarch is heading east in 2010 with the launch of a host of new flights to Turkey. Tipped once again as being a hotspot for British holiday makers looking for great value sun and fun, Monarch is launching new and additional flights to the key Turkish gateways of Bodrum, Dalaman and Antalya starting in May 2010.
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Date: 18/12/2009 Global distress fails to shake Turkey`s tourism sector

Of the top ten tourist destination countries worldwide, only Turkey has managed to end the year with an increase in the number of visitors, despite the problems encountered in the industry worldwide, according to Turkey`s Minister of Tourism, Ertugrul Gunay.

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Date: 11/12/2009 Turkey among fastest growing countries – says Citi Group banking

Citi Group has announced that Turkey is expected to see a 4.2 percent growth in 2010. Citi Group has determined that Turkey will be one of the countries to display the fastest growth in the economic recovery.

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Date: 03/12/2009 More UK-Turkey flights planned

An expanded schedule of 17 flights from the UK to Turkey a week are planned by Turkish low cost carrier Pegasus Airlines. Services planned for next year including London to Istanbul, Bodrum, Dalaman; Manchester to Antalya and Dalaman and Birmingham to Antalya and Bodrum.

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Date: 03/12/2009Turkey - Major operators pick top ten choice for 2010

Turkey, Egypt and Mexico top the list of the top ten hottest holiday destinations in 2010 predicted by Thomson and First Choice.

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Date: 11/11/2009 New EU report sees fastest growth for Turkey in Europe

According to a European Union economic report, Turkey will become the fastest growing country in Europe in 2010 with a 2.8 percent growth rate.

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Date: 11/11/2009 TUI Travel: Turkey is a star in the Mediterranean

TUI, one of Europe`s leading tour operators, has ranked Turkey first among developing tourism destinations in the Mediterranean for this year’s summer season.

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Date: 27/10/2009 Turkey, Italy’s most favored investment destination

Turkey will attract the largest share of Italy`s foreign investment, said Antonio Paoletti, the Vice President of the Italian Chambers of Commerce and the President of the Trieste Chamber of Commerce, on Monday, adding that they have been working to improve cooperation between the two countries.

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Date: 27/10/2009 New marina under construction in Çesme

IC Holding and Camper & Nicholsons rented the Çesme marina, which is currently under construction, for 25 years under the build-operate-transfer model in 2006. Çesme, a coastal town near the Aegean port city of Izmir, is about to get a new marina. A groundbreaking ceremony took place for the Çesme Marina, which was rented by IC Holding and Camper & Nicholsons, a United Kingdom-based marine company.

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Date: 05/10/2009 Government to construct new airports in Istanbul

The Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said this week that the government is planning to construct several new airports in Istanbul.

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Date: 02/09/2009 Turkey hopes for 30 million tourists in 2010

Ertugrul Gunay, the Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism, set a target to host 30 million tourists in Turkey in 2010, despite the ongoing global economic crisis. Gunay said, "We are expecting around 26 million tourists this year and our target for 2010 is 30 million.” Ertugrul Gunay also stated that Turkey ranked 7th in the world in terms of number of tourists and 9th in terms of revenue from the tourism sector.
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Date: 01/09/2009 Jet2.com Testify to the Popularity of Dalaman with new Flights from UK

Jet2.com has announced the launch of a new base at East Midlands airport. Among the new routes are flights to Dalaman, one of the most popular tourism destinations in Turkey from £69.99. Jet2.com has also said that customers will be able to book package holidays online to the destinations starting from £269.99 for 7nights.

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February 2009 - Alanya opens Europe`s largest aqua park http://www.sealanya.com  (only 10 km to Konakli) 

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Villa for pro boxer Hurriyet Daily News BODRUM - Famous British professional boxer Ricky Hatton has bought a house in Bodrum, U.K. based Daily Star reported yesterday, arguing that cheap Guinness beer was a major factor of his decision. Hatton has splashed out on a new pad where celebrity neighbours will include footballers Andrew Johnson and Tim Cahill. The boxer, dubbed "The Hitman," paid 159,500 pounds for the 4 bedroom villa complete with its own pool  at the Flamingo Golf Resort in Bodrum, according to the report. Hatton, 30, who takes on Paulie Malignaggi in Las Vegas on Saturday, has even set up a pre-fight training camp at the resort. But one of the main reasons he snapped up the pad is that Turkey is currently home to the cheapest Guinness in Europe. A pint costs around YTL 6, the equivalent of about 2.20 pounds. Prices in most other parts of Europe especially countries that use the euro have soared due to an unfavorable exchange rate with the pound. In Britain, Guinness costs more than three pounds a pint in most pubs and 3.50 in London. A source close to Ricky told the Daily Star: "Guinness is his favourite drink. He liked Turkey anyway but when he figured out how cheap the Guinness was the purchase was a real no-brainer." The light-welterweight champ from Hyde, Manchester said: "I’ve been to Turkey and Bodrum several times and really enjoyed the place. So it makes sense to buy a villa." Flamingo Golf resort, which will have 1,400 luxury villas, is scheduled to be completed at the end of next year. ______________________________________________________________ Muğla hosts 2.9 mln tourists - Turkish Daily News - November 2008 The number of tourists who visited the Aegean city of Muğla and its surrounding areas in the first 10 months of the year is just over 2.9 million, according to official statistics. The number represents a 12 percent rise from the same term of 2007. Muğla borders include popular tourism spots like Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye. British tourists show the most interst in the city; 1.2 million Brits visited Muğla and environs in the first 10 months of this year. 28th August - Tourism in the Turkish resort of Dalaman is likely to be boosted by forthcoming accessibility improvements. Apparently  weekly flights to the popular holiday destination will be launched from Aberdeen in May. This means that Dalaman will be far more easily accessible to people living in the vicinity of the Scottish city, thereby enhancing its appeal to potential visitors. The launch of new flights to the region could also make it more attractive to prospective property investors, as growth in the tourist trade could fuel extra demand.  ___________________________________________________________________ NEWS - 16th August - Investors who want to buy a property in an emerging market have been advised to look at Turkey. According to Aston Lloyd, the European country has enjoyed an annual growth rate of more than 7% in the last 4 years. As a result, it has become one of the most popular emerging markets among foreign property buyers. This growth was said to have been fuelled by a number of factors, such as its "burgeoning" tourism industry and various legislatory reforms. The organisation added that property values in Turkey are relatively low in comparison with many more-established destinations. Joe Upchurch, director of Aston Lloyd, commented: "The obvious attraction of buying in an emerging market is that prices are generally low." According to Property Wire, the European country offers a number of lifestyle attractions such as spectacular scenery, sandy beaches and affordable living costs. As a result, it is now attracting a record number of foreign property buyers from countries such as the UK. ___________________________________________________________ NEWS - August 15th - Comedian Ricky Tomlinson has spoken positively of his decision to purchase 2 holiday homes in Turkey. The Liverpudlian star of The Royle Family recently bought houses in the resort of Altinkum, along the country`s west coast. Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, he said he was drawn to Turkey by a number of factors, such as its good weather and relatively low property values. Tomlinson commented: "I think it is great that people can still aspire to buy property in Turkey at such affordable prices." He stated that the Altinkum area has a "fantastic" culture, while people have a very positive attitude towards their lives. The Scouse comic added that he hopes the region will become his second home. This comes after Shelter Offshore said that now would be a good time to buy a property in Turkey. According to the website, current market conditions "could not be better". ___________________________________________________________  NEWS - FROM HURRIYET PAPER 2nd May 2008 - Foreigners in Turkey permitted to purchase real estate -

Parliamentary`s Justice Committee approved the government bill regarding the sale of Turkish property to foreigners on Thursday. According to approved bill, foreigners and foreign companies will be able to purchase real estate up to 10 percent of areas in the zoning plan. The bill authorizes the Council of Ministers to change the percentage --not more than 10 percent-- taking into consideration the significance of towns in terms of infrastructure, economy, energy, environment, culture, agriculture and the like.The Ministry of Public Works and Settlement temporarily halted Turkish property sales to foreigners at the beginning of April inline with a Constitutional Court ruling three months prior.The Turkish Constitutional Court had decided to cancel the provision of a law that allows the sale of real estate to foreign companies and joint ventures involving foreign firms on March 12. Following to amendment, a new regulation regarding the sale of Turkish property to foreigners was delivered to the Board of Ministers for approval.

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Ferry tours from Bodrum to Greece`s Samos Island will become operational in May in an effort to boost relations and commercial ties between Greece and Turkey, said the chairman of the Bodrum Trade Chamber. Speaking during a promotional visit to Kos Island in Greece, Mahmut Serdar Kocadon said the volume of trade between Turkey and Greece had increased from $700 million to $5 billion in the past 5 years. He said they aimed to make use of this growth in commercial relations to aid the provinces along the Aegean Sea.  “We thus prepared a common tourism package in order to promote the historical and cultural values of both countries,” he said. “We will launch the ferry tours between the Aegean costal town of Bodrum and Greece`s Samos Island this May.” Kos purchases fish from Bodrum: Georgios Kristis, Kos Trade Chamber chairman, said works were underway to promote commercial and cultural relations between Kos Island and Bodrum. Commercial trade showed an increase of 90 percent per year with neighbor Bodrum in the past 10 years in terms of tourism, yacht tourism in particular, souvenirs and construction materials. Turkish and Greek businessmen have made business agreements of around $60 million for this year.  “We still have potentially encouraging commercial relations with Bodrum. Many Greek companies and businessmen have already ventured into joint business together with their partners from Bodrum. We will expand this collaboration to other fields including sport and culture-related areas as well.” The restaurants based in the Greek islands of Leros, Kalymnos and Kos purchase their fish (sea bass and gilthead bream) from Bodrum fishermen. We want to further increase this potential, according to him.  

NEWS JANUARY 2008 - Alanya has a new airport!!!

The Turkish Transport Ministry has signed-off on a project to open Gazipasa/Alanya airport. The airport has been leased to Turkey’s premier aviation company TAV, which currently manages several other international airports in Turkey and the Middle East. The deal is for 25 years. TAV plans to extend the small, existing airport, which was built 12 years ago but never opened, for international flights and a target capacity of 3 million passengers per year. Source: www.turkishrivieranews.com/ - latest local news in English, online

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 NEWS - MEDITERRANEAN SKI DREAM TO COME TRUE IN 2008 

NEWS - Foreign interest in Turkish health sector grows, Tuesday, November 27, 2007

The health sector has drawn attention to itself following a string of sales to foreign entities. Dentistanbul was sold to Global Environment Fund (GEF), 21.66 percent of Acıbadem`s shares were sold to Abraaj Capital and 60 percent of Şafak Hospitals shares were sold to Juluis Baer. Foreign funds are closely monitoring the Turkish health sector, which has reached a volume of YTL 15 billion thanks to its swift growth trend. At present, many foreign investment funds are negotiating with domestic actors. Within two years, five big groups involved in the health sector will enter into foreign partnerships, said Maruf Dindar, a partner of Daruma Corporate Finance, which realized most company mergers and partnerships in the sector. Over half of the funds that flow into Turkey for investment are oriented toward the health sector, said Dindar. Daruma Finance will act as an intermediary for two big deals in the health sector within two months, Dindar added.

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Turkey aims to host 25 million tourists in 2008,Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Ertuğrul Günay said during the opening of World Travel Market, the world`s third largest tourism fair, in London. Günay, who held a press conference at Turkey`s stand at the fair, said the country promises more than sea and sand and aims for a big increase in the number of tourists visiting the country. “Of the 20 million people who came to Turkey this year, only 100,000 visited Mount Nemrut. Turkey has riches other than sea and sand. That is why we give priority to ‘four seasons, 12 months` tourism campaigns,” he said.  As for the 2008 tourism season, Günay said: “We plan to allocate $140-150 million for promotion this year. We will remove bureaucratic handicaps for tourism Investors.  We will make things easier for high-quality investments. But the protection of the natural environment is our priority.” Turkey is the honorary guest - Turkey will attend the 2009 Berlin Fair as the “Honorary Guest Main Country,” Günay said, adding that the “Year of Turkey” will take place in France the same year. He said they aim for 25 million tourists in 2008 and are increasing promotional activities to reach this goal. __________________________________________________________

NEWS - 19/9/07 Turkeys property growth

Turkey`s property market is expected to grow by 90 per cent in 2008, Today`s Zaman reports. Property experts predict that the sector will be worth TRY 42 billion (£16 billion) by the end of 2008, while its current value stands at TRY 24 billion (£9.2 billion). Akbank Individual Banking Trade Department manager Cem Muratoglu said the calculations for growth had been made taking into consideration surrounding countries` economies.  "The real estate sector will grow by 90 per cent. We think that the gross national product (GNP) average will be around 6.5 per cent. This is not an optimistic scenario," he said. "According to some better scenarios, the GNP could rise to 8.5 per cent. While we were calculating this, we took into consideration the averages of surrounding countries such as Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland." Mr Muratoglu added that he believed the property market would grow so fast it would challenge bank`s ability to provide sufficient housing loans. He said that since 2005, some 75,000 people had become homeowners through housing loans given by banks. (Source: Today`s Zaman published in Turkey, 03.07.2007)

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NEWS...15th July 2007 - SAVVY FIRST TIME BUYERS (FTB)ARE BUYING IN TURKEY!

For many years now, savvy buyers have  been buying in countries where they believe there is a better chance to own their first home, anywhere they believe they have that chance before it is too late and prices have risen to a level that eliminates those options. Well, unfortunately for those FTBs who hesitated, certain countries like spain are priced out of the market.  SO WHAT ALTERNATIVE IS THERE? Turkey -  A vast country straddling two continents, Asia and Europe, bordered by the Mediterranean and Aegean seas on the west and south coast and the Bosphorus and the Black Sea in the north. A country full of history, mystery and intrigue, boasting in the south, the longest of summers, frequently lasting 10 out of 12 mths every yr. Mild winters, winter sports and every conceivable water sport you can imagine. With property values still vastly below those of Western Europe and values appreciating between 40% & up to and over 100% per annum, depending on the property and the region, it makes good sense to seriously consider investing in Turkey. SAVVY FTBS - are now starting  to spend their money in Turkey and own their first home..

NEWS ... 19th June 2007. Live in Bodrum and relax

Bodrum has been featured as a top destination for foreign investment by Homes Worldwide magazine. The town`s rich history, its good flight connections and picturesque harbour are all cited as reasons to move to this city on the Aegean Sea.  A British couple who recently bought property in the area said it was an easy decision to live in Turkey`s south-west tip. "We chose the area because we loved the views and the sleepy fishing village. It`s also close to the beach ? just five minutes away by car," said Martin Webster, a builder from London. The Webster`s move was a decision they took following retirement ? a choice around one million Britons have already made and now draw their state pensions in another country. It is estimated that one eighth of British people over 55-years of age will retire abroad, attracted by the slower pace of life and stress-free environment. Bodrum is a perfect choice as it offers both the tranquillity of the harbourand the attractions of the town, not to mention historical sites such as the 15th century castle of St Peter. Getting to Bodrum is easy as it lies about 30 kilometres from Bodrum-Milas Airport and is a four-hour plane journey from the UK.

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NEWS ... 15th June 2007. Turkey offers `impressive` investment opportunities

The Turkish property market has been commended on its "impressive housing market dynamics," in a recently published report. The Global Property Guide (GPG) stated that the current economic and political situation in Turkey made it one of the most favourable and "attractive" investment opportunities in Europe. Turkey was judged aside Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary and was praised for its strong GDP growth, a government looking to introduce new reforms and no capital gains tax. Although GPG commented that prices in Istanbul are "a little high" it stressed that coastal areas were a good investment choice. "Coastal areas probably deserve a better rating than Istanbul," the report stated.  Arlette Adler of the Federation of Overseas Property Developers, Agents and Consultants recently commented that Turkey has a strong property market with "highly professional" developers.