Why invest in property in Turkey

Turkey offers the perfect investment environment with her strategic location forming a bridge between Europe and Asia; her motivated and qualified workforce, fast growing economy and well priced real estate.  The fact that Turkey may also be not too far away from becoming a full EU member, (it has already started initial accession talks) makes the attraction of investing in this country even more fulfilling.

J&JA particularly believe that property in Istanbul presents an excellent investment option.  Turkey's largest city Istanbul is located in the north-west Marmara Region of Turkey. It encloses the southern Bosphorus which places the city on two continents – the western portion of Istanbul is in Europe, while the eastern portion is in Asia.  Many major business names have a base in this vibrant city, from HSBC, Microsoft to CISCO and Toyota to name but a few.

Price Waterhouse Coopers wrote in its "Emerging Trends" back in 2006 that the two cities of Istanbul and Moscow retain the top rankings for development prospects.  There is no better time than now to invest in Istanbul as there is a reported shortfall of 2 million housing units across the city as per the Turkish government, making a massive demand for rental opportunities Istanbul is considered to be one of the property investments hotspots of 2008/9 by Price Waterhouse Coopers with predicted capital growth of up to 40%.

So many reasons for the Intelligent Investor to think about, including:

• The Turkish economy is very strong fuelling the demand for new quality real estate and driving property prices up.
• 16th largest economy in the world and identified as one of the 10 most promising emerging economies.
• Low property prices, having already appreciated 50% in 18 months in some locations.
• Stunning beaches and a more attractive climate than many of Europe's most popular holiday destinations.
• Large and expanding tourist market, reasonable flight times from the UK, and other parts of Europe.
• Turkey has a large population of over 70 million. This creates a strong internal property market meaning investors are not reliant on international investors for resale.
• Turkish population growth is around 2% per annum with 70% of the population younger than 30, creating a strong local market
• Over 25 million tourists visit Turkey each year boosting the property market and creating strong buy-to-let possibilities
• Low cost of living and long summers make it a favourite retirement spot for the Europeans
• Turkey is considered to be a highly dynamic country by the World Trade organisation
• Wealth of history, culture and beautiful sites
• NATO Member
• Double Taxation Agreements with 39 other countries
• Strategic location between Europe, Asia and Africa.