Here are some of the most commonly asked questions, we hope that some of these questions and answers can help you. If you should any thing else you would like to ask please contact us.
Q: How can I come to Turkey to view your properties?
A: As soon as you have arranged your flight to Turkey, contact us with your flight details, and we will arrange your airport transfers and your accommodation whilst in Turkey, at very good rates.
Q: Is it true that all the properties in Turkey are freehold?
A: Yes. All of the properties are freehold as termed in the UK.
Q: If we sell our property, can we take all of our money out of Turkey again?
A: Yes. It would be better to do this via a bank so that money is recorded leaving and entering countries.
Q: Can I purchase more than 1 property?
A: Yes. One can purchase as many properties as they want.
Q: If I purchase property, how do I know when to make my payments?
A: This will be detailed in the sale agreement.
Q: What is the general paying process in Turkey?
A: Please contact us and we’ll send all you need to know.
Q: Can I give Bargain holiday homes power of attorney to act on my behalf?
A: Yes. If clients are in Turkey (will have to pay notary charges of £60 for this), the clients can give POA before their return to the UK after viewing. If Bargain holiday homes have POA, they can sign the Sale Agreement and do the water and electricity connection on behalf of the client.
Q: If I purchase property, do I have to use a solicitor?
A: Technically, no, although we at Bargain holiday homes will not sell any property to clients without using a solicitor, so clients will have the guarantee that everything is done legally and they have peace of mind.
Q: How long does it take until I own the property in my name?
A: It can take 3 - 6 months for the Title Deeds to come through. When this happens, the property will be in the client’s name. Once the deeds have come through we will contact you.
Q: Will the Turkish government tax us on all monies received from the rental of our property?
A: Many people buy properties in Turkey for the sole purpose of renting them out. Below is a guide to the tax you may expect to pay for this:
Example:
Year rental income: 7,200 YTL
Allowable income before tax is charged: 2200 YTL
Allowable expenses: 1250 YTL
Taxable amount: 3750 YTL
Tax at 15%: 562 YTL
Please not that your are exempt from any taxation up to 2200 YTL per year.
Before considering this you should be aware that you will be requires by law to pay on any income you receive from this source.
Q: Can the Title Deeds have more than one name on it?
A: Yes. It can have as many names as you wish on it. Bargain holiday homes will need passport copies, full names, addresses of all whose names are to appear on the Title Deeds.
Q: What kind of taxes will I need to pay?
A: A Buyers Property tax, which will be approx. 1.5% to 3% of the sale agreement price depending on location. A Government tax – approx. £100. A Property tax – 1% of property price Community tax – paid twice or once yearly (only £8 for the year!) for local services. A new law was passed in August 2003 stating that all persons purchasing property will have to pay Earthquake Insurance to the government. The amount depends on the property price and location, and is usually in the region of £20 - £60. The actual amount to be paid will only be determined once the Title Deeds have been authorized. Once the payment has been made for earthquake insurance, the government will issue clients with an earthquake policy. From then on, earthquake insurance will be paid annually.
Q: If I die, will the Turkish Government have any claim to my property?
A: No, it won’t. The same rules apply to English law in that the husband/wife and children will then inherit the property
Q: If I own a property in Turkey, is there a limit to the amount of times I can come to Turkey to use it?
A: No, there is no limit.
Q: I purchase a property that needs renovations; can Bargain holiday homes organize this?
A: Yes, we can. We work with a team of builders who will renovate your home to your specifications. While your property is being renovated we will keep you up to date. We do the following: General construction of the main building, installation of kitchens and bathrooms, tiling, painting, plumbing, electrical work, design & construction of swimming pools and/or surrounding gardens.
Q: If I purchase land, can bargain holiday homes construct on it?
A: Yes, we can. We work with team of highly qualified Turkish architects at the clients disposal should they decide to build on their land. We can take clients Title Deeds to the government land registry to check that they are in order and from there we will be able to determine how the land can be split up and what type of property we can construct on the clients behalf ( e.g.: apartment block, duplex, triplex, villa). We will put our findings in a report to the client. Our architects can draw up plans according to client’s specifications, or clients can have their own plans drawn up in the UK, and we can construct from these.
Q: How does the general cost of living compare to the UK?
A: In general most purchases in Turkey are cheaper than in the UK but the exception to this being the purchase of cars and fuel which can be more expensive so shop around. Fresh vegetables, meat and fish are a must at Saturday's market. Electrical and white goods compare very favourably with the UK. Restaurants and bars can vary somewhat in both quality and price but most are excellent value for money because they have to compete. Always be willing to haggle over a price of your purchases, it’s almost expected and adds to the charm of Turkey.
Q: Do I need to pay £10 every time I enter the country?
A: Upon entering Turkey, UK citizens will need to pay £10 per person for a visa. This visa will last for 3 months, during those 3 month period you can enter the country as much as you like. However when the 3 month period has passed you will have to pay for a new visa.
Q: I want to stay in Turkey long term. Is this possible?
A: It is possible. UK citizens would need to get a residency visa from officials for this. We can assist clients with the process; clients would need to only pay petrol costs for the journey to the officials’ office.
Q: If I move to Turkey can, I take my pet with me?
A: Yes. You must first obtain a pet passport and vet's documents in the UK. Check with your local vet in good time before making your travel arrangements.
Q: What is the government system in the country?
A: It is democratically elected as in the UK. It is a secular state that advocates freedom of religion and worship, Turkey is also one of the five permanent members of NATO.
Q: Is purchasing property in Turkey a good investment opportunity?
A: Currently prices in Turkey (especially in Altinkum) are incredibly reasonable, so owning property is a fantastic investment opportunity. Prices are constantly rising, so purchasing now is a good idea! It is widely believed that Turkey will enter the EU within five years or so. Once that happens, property prices will definitely increase.
Q: Will I be able to rent out my property?
A: Yes. We will ensure the property is cleaned before and after guests use it, we will wash the towels and sheets guests use and we will check the property before guests leave to ensure all is in good order.
Q: Will I have to pay a tax on my rental income?
A: Foreigners that purchase property and subsequently rent it out are not taxed on this rental income. However, Turkish citizens who own property in Turkey and rent it out are taxed on their rental income.
Q: Can I open a bank account in Turkey?
A: Yes. We can assist clients with this. Clients will need to take their passports with them for the accounts to be opened. Setting up a bank account is useful for paying utility bills via direct debit.
It is possible to open an interest account. Interest rates are currently between 21 – 24%. Opening hours vary, but banks are generally open from 9:30am – 5:00pm with a lunch break between 12:30pm – 1:30pm.
Q: What other facilities to banks offer?
A: Facilities also vary, but most major banks offer money exchange (traveller’s cheques, sterling, euro cheques (but note that they do charge commission for these services). Most banks have a cash point system where holders of Visa, Access, MasterCard, Euro card and Delta can obtain cash.
Q: Apart from Turkish Lira, what other currencies are accepted in Turkey?
A: Stirling, Euros and Dollars.
Q: Are families and children welcome?
A: Of course. You will find that Turkish people will make a fuss of all children especially should they have blue eyes.
Q: Will my property be safe while I’m not in Turkey?
A: Yes, you property will be safe. Turkey is a safe country with a relatively low crime rate however always be aware and never ever leave valuables on full view.
Q: What about schools and colleges?
A: As a resident you can send your children to your local government or private schools. Both offer a good standard of education. The private schools are International and accommodate pupils from all over the world. Even now in 2005/2006 more than 105 British children are attending at Schools in Didim.
Q: What about furnishing my property?
A: Dependant on the size of your property it can be furnished to a very high standard for between 5000 pound and 10000 pound including all white goods and air conditioning.
Q: How long will it take to furnish my new property?
A: We can have your property furnished within the same day – 1 week depending if the furniture store has your specific furniture in stock.
Q: Can I have satellite TV installed?
A: You can have a satellite dish installed for satellite TV, so you can watch programmes such as BBC World, BBC Prime, CNN International, Eurosport and some other English programmes.
Q: Can I have a telephone installed?
A: If you have a residency visa, you can have a telephone installed. Otherwise, no. However, clients can buy a mobile phone in Turkey and buy a Turkish sim card as an alternative.
Q: What is the electricity voltage?
A: It is 220 volts. In some areas where power surges are a factor, the purchase of a regulator is a necessity as it smoothes out these surges before they reach the electrical goods in your property.
Q: Is it necessary to learn the Turkish?
A: It isn't necessary especially in the main towns but venture into the more rural areas and a little might go a long way.
Q: Can I buy a car?
A: Yes. Bargain holiday homes can assist clients with this.
Q: What are the roads like for driving?
A: Driving in Turkey is on the right hand side of the road. Not all drivers observe the ‘Right Of Way’ ruling. Be careful when crossing roads whilst walking, as Turkish drivers generally do not stop at zebra crossings even!
Q: Is it safe to drink the water from the taps?
A: The water in the taps has a high mineral content which will upset your stomachs. It is recommended to drink bottled water at all times.
