Turkish Mortgage Revealed

With the stunning coastline, the long summer months, Turkey has now become one of the hot spots for investors and for those wanting to purchase a holiday home. Due to the introduction of the new Turkish mortgage it has made it even easier for the non-resident to own the beautiful Turkish property.

However, since this is such a new introduction to this part of the world, there are still some changes to the mortgage system that are happening frequently, therefore it's wise to check with your financial adviser or mortgage broker before committing yourself to this venture.

When the mortgages first came out, they were fixed rate and they still had pros and cons with that type of mortgage. At the beginning of 2007 a new law was introduced for the Turkish mortgages which allowed it to become variable, or floating.

The responsibility of any problems after the property handover has changed as well. Up until the new law came about, there has been a change in the amount of time a new owner can make a claim to the bank or the mortgage company about any problems that arise with there home. However this has been changed to just 12 months.

The area of tax relief has also changed on Turkish mortgages. Previously, to encourage potential buyers, the Turkish government allowed people to claim tax relief on their mortgage or property. Now, however, due to a rise in interest rates, this has been withdrawn. Although lower rates over a longer loan period are available, this has put some possible house buyers off, especially those on a lower wage or income.

However, as long as you're aware of some of these changes and are willing to work with them, then Turkey offers a fantastic opportunity for both those wishing to buy a home there for themselves, and those looking to use it more as an investment. With the cost of living relatively inexpensive, a Turkish mortgage can allow you far more opportunities than in a more expansive part of the world, like the US or UK.

If you're looking to use property as an investment such as a holiday home or villa, especially with the high tourism rate in Turkey, then one of the areas you might want to look at is Didim, especially the towns of Altinkum and Akbuk. Located on the east coast, Didim is a wonderful mix of both historic and new Turkey and is very popular with today's tourist trade.

Altinkum offers the more modern version of Turkey, although that's not to say it doesn't enjoy its own part of history; but with the expansive beaches and new jetty's ideal for sun-seekers, as well as plenty of restaurants and the nightlife available, it's a livelier spot.

Akbuk offers a more relaxing alternative, and is extremely popular for its sea bass fishing trips. With a wonderful old chapel that is opened to the public, Akbuk attracts the holidaymaker who simply wishes to unwind and relax, and offers summer houses and villas as buying opportunities.

Prices for property in Akbuk are becoming very competitive, for as little as '30,000 would get you a two bedroom Apartment with wonderful views looking out into the hills. Even five-bedroom Villas in Altinkum are as little as 85,000 GBP, often with their own private pool included.

With the new mortgages been introduced, new legislation and the low prices on property, has made it much easier to purchase a Turkish home. Add in the climate, friendly locals and history of this country, and it really is a wonderful opportunity.


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Des Smith is a property consultant and Internet markerter and has been for the past two years.
http://www.turkeypropertyhomes.co.uk