Property Hunting in Turkey – Viewing Tips
Turkey is one of the most beautiful and scenic countries to call home (we may be considered a little biased) with its bustling harbour fronts, historical monuments and sunlit dappled bougainvillea.
As any seasoned visitor or resident will tell you it is very easy to get wrapped up in the immediate curb appeal of a Turkish property. Outstanding views over sparkling azure waters, pine clad forests or never-ending olive groves simply add to the appeal. Throw in that “all year round” Mediterranean climate and it’s hard not to stumble across your dream “home from home”.
As with any property purchase it is essential to do your homework. Work closely with your agent to ensure that all your practical long and short- term needs are met when booking a viewing.
Here is a little insight into our Top Viewing Tips we always put to clients before we open up the keys cupboard.
Location, Location, Location.
Select your location before you choose your property.
Most buyers or renters will understandably be enticed by property images but here, as in the UK, knowing the difference between what Leeds and Luton has to offer is equally important when framing your prime property decisions.
Physical Research
A good agent will guide you through the local areas so you can do some physical research. Check out proximity to local amenities, consider transport options and for long-term movers consider those all-important seasonal differences.
Let us do the property hunting for you
Check out the area and Property Classifications
Ask your agent to check if any of the properties you plan to view are protected buildings (koruma nitelikli evler), historic buildings (tarihi ozellikli), or in forestry (orman) or conservation area (yesil alan) as this may impact on your habitation rights and or limit the future changes you can make.
If your desired property is a listed building and your plans are to develop or renovate then you would need to apply to the ‘Anitlar yüksek kurulu’, a local government department who oversee planning and listed building consent. They are usually located in provincial rather than municipal administration departments for example for Fethiye you would need to contact the department in Muğla.
Sea-front properties can be “tourism areas” (tourism tesis alani) and buyers should ask about the property classification on the title deed (TAPU) as this can affect the type of lease you can get.
Ask for a demonstration
See how the heating/ air conditioning and plumbing work and ask for information on recent electrical checks. Many properties on the Turkish South West Coast are not mains gas supplied and hot water is frequently powered through solar panelling. If you plan to be here through the winter you will want to consider the costs of installing additional heat sources.
This has to be the best sign to see when property hunting is done right.
Take a Picture
When viewing take plenty of pictures to jog your memory especially if you are visiting a few different locations. Grab a snap of the surrounding area as well as the property itself. You can always bring along a tape measure to see how your furniture may fit.
We rely on the expertise and knowledge of our estate agents so ask to see their licence and qualifications. It is important to to check that they are registered and well regulated.
Here in Turkey agents are required to have an Estate Agent Qualification which gives them their operating licence “emlak Musavirligi (Danismanligi)”.
The licence is issued by the Turkish Association of Real Estate Agents (Emlakcilar Esnaf Odası) and licence numbers can be requested and checked by contacting the regional issuing body detailed on the certificate.
The UK’s leading professional body for estate agents, the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), lists accredited overseas agents who abide and are regulated by its code of conduct. You wouldn’t book with an unlicensed travel agent, so why would you buy from an unlicensed property agent?
Take the right first steps: access the NAEA agent directory here
