Property in Turkey: Turkey hesitates on brink of its big boom
The latest property restrictions won't deter buyers, says Zoe Dare Hall
Just as Turkey looks as if it is shaping up to become the next major holiday-home and investment destination, its government has stopped title deeds being issued to foreigners.
The country did it for six months in 2005, too, in an attempt to prevent large tracts of rural land being bought up. The latest ban - announced in April and awaiting ratification in parliament - has a similar purpose, limiting foreign ownership to 10 per cent of the land in any town.
The currency exchange company Moneycorp reports that British interest in Turkish property has trebled in the past year. A NatWest survey of mortgage lenders predicts that Turkey - where 22,650 Brits own property - will be the third most popular destination for UK buyers in the next three years, with most sticking to the area between Kusadasi on the Aegean coast and Alanya on the Med.
In its attempts to double tourist numbers to 10 million by 2010, the Turkish government is investing in infrastructure and attractions, including new golf courses in Dalaman and Belek.
It is also encouraging new air routes and airport expansion. EasyJet now flies to Dalaman and Istanbul, BA to Antalya. A new international airport at Edremit will open up areas around Ayvalik, north of Izmir - until now, despite good beaches, great windsurfing and attractive property, the preserve of Turkish buyers.
KALKAN TOAST OF THE TURQUOISE COAST
On the south-west's Turquoise Coast, near Dalaman airport and ancient archaeological sites, the old Ottoman town of Kalkan sits round a natural harbour at the foot of the Toros mountains.
"Kalkan is a beautiful area which will never get overdeveloped as planning restrictions are tight. People are friendly and there are 12 miles of pure white beaches."
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Daily Telegraph 14th June 2008