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Question Topics

1. How Mese Construction can help you
2. Details about purchasing a property in Turkey
3. Information on Turkey
4. Legal and financial information
5. General questions

1 How Mese Construction can help you

• What makes Mese Construction so different?
• I would like to purchase a property in Turkey, so where do I start?
• If I purchase a property in Turkey, am I going to have to come over lots of times? It is unlikely that I will be able to obtain enough leave from work.
• If there are any difficulties with the purchase process, such as the vendor dropping out - how would Mese Construction help me?
• Would Mese Construction help me to rent my property out to holiday-makers?
• Who would take care of the property in my absence?
• What is the difference between a licensed and non-licensed agency? And what are the implications for me when purchasing property?
• How will I understand everything? I don't speak Turkish.
• Do you use a qualified surveyor to give a reliable report on the Property?
• We would like to view some properties - how can we arrange this?

2 Details about purchasing a property in Turkey

• Is buying a property in Turkey an investment opportunity?
• Are lots of British people purchasing homes in Turkey?
• How near is Turkey to joining the EU? Are house prices likely to rocket when this happens?
• I have the money, so why am I not better buying property in Spain, what are the advantages of buying in Turkey?

3 Information on Turkey

• What are the best times of year to come over? What is the weather like in winter - would it be deserted and bleak?
• What are the medical services like in Turkey? I am concerned that we wouldn't receive the same level of care that we currently get at home.
• What about the Euro - is this currency accepted in Turkey?
• Are locals accepting of foreigners?

4 Legal and financial information

• Leasehold or Freehold?
• Can I buy my property without a lawyer?
• Why use a lawyer?
• How long before I own the property?
• Who inherits our property if one of us dies?
• Can we take our money back out of Turkey if we sell our property?
• What are the tax implications for owning a property?
• Are there any charges when owning a property in a complex?

5 General questions

• Following the war in Iraq, is now a good time to be buying a property in Turkey, as the country shares a border with Iraq?
• Can I purchase more that one property?
• What is the average cost of a house, what constitutes quality and what doesn't?
• If I purchase a property in Turkey, will this give me citizenship, or any citizenship rights?
• If I own a property in Turkey, is there a limit to the number of times I can come over in a year, or the duration of any of these visits?
• What voltage is the electricity?
• Do houses have gas?
• Are we able to drink the tap water?
• Can we install satellite TV?
• Can we have a telephone?
• How do mobile telephones operate in Turkey?
• Can I open a bank account in Turkey if I own a property there?
• Should we have air-conditioning?
• What is the minimum needed to furnish our property?
• Can we bring our own furniture from abroad?
• What about bringing pets into Turkey?
• What about insurance?

1 How Mese Construction can help you

What makes Mese Construction so different?

Mese Construction is under both English and Turkish management. We offer a professional, comprehensive and friendly service to ensure that all our clients are completely happy with their purchase. We not only sell property at the most competitive prices, but our aim is also to assist our clients with the complete purchase process.

I would like to purchase a property in Turkey, so where do I start?

Going to the right people for the correct advice is a must. Anyone can help you purchase a property, but you want to make sure you are doing things correctly and not paying over the odds.

At Mese Construction we strongly advise you use a lawyer, and if you purchase through us, we will keep you constantly updated on the purchase process.

If I purchase a property in Turkey, am I going to have to come over lots of times? It is unlikely that I will be able to obtain enough leave from work.

If you purchase through Mese Construction, we manage the sale for you. You would only need to come over to Turkey once.

If there are any difficulties with the purchase process, such as the vendor dropping out - how would Mese Construction help me?

At Mese Construction, we advise our clients that should any difficulties arise, they will have the backing of their lawyer and the contract, which will be drafted with a clause to protect them in such an event.

Would Mese Construction help me to rent my property out to holiday-makers?

We do assist clients in renting out their property where we can.

Who would take care of the property in my absence?

Mese Construction runs a comprehensive property management service, which includes regular property checks and cleaning services. Please note this section of the website.

What is the difference between a licensed and non-licensed agency? And what are the implications for me when purchasing property?

A licensed agency is an agency that pays tax and therefore operates legally. You can check this by looking for offices that display a tax certificate outside their premises. Some non-licensed agencies operate from bars, restaurants, shops or even hotels. There have been examples of people purchasing from non-licensed agencies, and as a result have lost thousands of pounds and not ended up with a property.

How will I understand everything? I don't speak Turkish.

A translator is involved throughout the legal process with Mese Construction and must be certified and qualified. At Mese Construction we work with translators to ensure that you have a complete understanding of the legal process and more importantly peace of mind.

Do you use a qualified surveyor to give a reliable report on the Property?

On all new properties, there is a Government system on building (Yapi Denetim), and owners should be able to guarantee these properties. On older resale property, clients can pay for property to be checked by qualified surveyors.

We would like to view some properties - how can we arrange this?

Mese Construction are able to provide both return transfers and accommodation at excellent rates. On booking a flight, please contact us immediately and we will arrange the rest.

2 Details about purchasing a property in Turkey

Is buying a property in Turkey an investment opportunity?

Potentially, purchasing a property in Turkey is a fantastic investment opportunity, because prices are still relatively low in most parts of Turkey. Turkey wants to join the European Union and a decision will be made on this in the next few years. On joining the EU we do anticipate that prices will rise.

Are lots of British people purchasing homes in Turkey?

Yes, in the last couple of years, the number of British people purchasing property in Turkey has grown, and there are many reasons for this. Many British people believe they have been priced out of the domestic and European property market - property in Turkey is not as expensive. Also many opt for Turkey because of the climate, friendly people and culture.

Turkey has so much to offer, and lots of people who have visited for a holiday have discovered its charm and decide to return time and time again.

How near is Turkey to joining the EU? Are house prices likely to rocket when this happens?

The general and considered opinion is that Turkey will eventually enter the EU, but at present the country still has obstacles to overcome. On entering the EU, it is likely that property prices will rise.

I have the money, so why am I not better buying property in Spain, what are the advantages of buying in Turkey?

At present, prices are generally a lot lower than Europe. The cost of living in Turkey is also significantly less - so your money tends to go much further.

3 Information on Turkey

What are the best times of year to come over? What is the weather like in winter - would it be deserted and bleak?

Summer time (May - October) is the best in Turkey for the weather and the majority of holiday resorts can be found on the south and west coasts of the country. These places experience more than seven months of sunshine per year. Winter is much milder than many parts of Europe, however it can rain heavily and frequently. The smaller coastal resorts generally close for the winter.

What are the medical services like in Turkey? I am concerned that we wouldn't receive the same level of care that we currently get at home.

There are no NHS hospitals in Turkey - we have both Government and Privately owned hospitals The private hospitals are generally 40% cheaper than their European counterparts, and the medical services are good with often one-to -one patient care. Private health insurance can also be bought here in Turkey.

What about the Euro - is this currency accepted in Turkey?

Yes. As is the UK pound and US dollar.

Are locals accepting of foreigners?

The majority of locals are very accepting of foreigners, and are keen to have them as their neighbour. By the same token, it is important that foreigners respect the Turkish traditions and culture.

4 Legal and financial information

Leasehold or Freehold?

A small amount of property in Turkey can be leasehold but the property we sell is on a freehold basis only.

Can I buy my property without a lawyer?

Yes, theoretically it is possible, everything can be done through the local Land Registry Office. At Mese Construction, we will only sell a property in conjunction with a lawyer.

Why use a lawyer?

A lawyer will represent your interests throughout the entire purchase of your property. A contract is drawn up between the seller and the buyer, which is checked thoroughly by both parties before signing.

How long before I own the property?

Foreigners can buy property in their own name in certain areas of Turkey, and the process of obtaining the title deeds takes approximately two-three months. A military check is carried out on all foreign people before the title deeds are authorised.

Who inherits our property if one of us dies?

According to Turkish Law, the property automatically goes to spouse and children. To make amendments on the title deeds would involve legal assistance.

Can we take our money back out of Turkey if we sell our property?

Yes, you are able to take money back out of the country in pounds sterling. Via a bank is the preferred option, as this registers the money both arriving into and departing from the country.

What are the tax implications for owning a property?

There are several taxes in Turkey, and the first that you would need to know about is the buyers property tax. At Mese Construction, our clients pay 1.5% tax of the total amount recorded on the actual deeds and the sellers pay the other 1.5%. Please note that this all depends on the area of Turkey you are in, and how you are buying as there are variations on how the 3% tax is paid.

There is also a community tax, which is generally paid twice yearly - this is for local services and maintenance. This is very minimal in comparison to many other countries. There is also a renting tax that should be paid if you are renting out your property.

Are there any charges when owning a property in a complex?

When purchasing a property in a complex with other homes, the average annual charge for up-keep is £200-300. The charge depends on the complex and any work that has been carried out.

5 General questions

Following the war in Iraq, is now a good time to be buying a property in Turkey, as the country shares a border with Iraq?

The southwest coast of Turkey (the main tourist area) is around 75 to 90 minutes by plane from the Iraqi border. It is true that the war has been a real concern for many foreign tourists, and flights this year are expected to be exceptionally cheap as a result of this. Mese Construction recommends that while demand is low, now could be an ideal opportunity to invest in property, before tourist numbers begin to increase.

Can I purchase more that one property?

Yes. Property deeds can also have more than one name on them.

What is the average cost of a house, what constitutes quality and what doesn't?

In all areas of Turkey, prices do vary enormously so it is therefore difficult to put an average price on a property. Quality also differs from property to property. At Mese Construction, we point these factors out to you, to assist you in making the correct choice.

If I purchase a property in Turkey, will this give me citizenship, or any citizenship rights?

Buying a property does not give you any citizenship rights or indeed immediate citizenship. A residency visa is still to be applied for should you wish to stay in the country for long periods of time.

If I own a property in Turkey, is there a limit to the number of times I can come over in a year, or the duration of any of these visits?

There is no limit to the amount of times that you may visit Turkey in a year. On entering the country, you will pay 10 pounds sterling for a three-month visa. Should you enter the country again within the same three-month period, you can use the same visa, but this visa is valid from the date of your first entry, not the second. Therefore you do need to check when your original visa runs out as that will still apply.

What voltage is the electricity?

Turkey's electricity 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 home.

Do houses have gas?

In tourist resorts, gas is available, as a form of heating gas fires, or for cooking via a bottle.

Are we able to drink the tap water?

Bottled water should always be used for drinking. Some areas do have purer water than others, however we would advise drinking bottled water, which is very cheap to buy.

Can we install satellite TV?

This is readily available in many languages, including English and German. In order to have all documentation in your own names, a residency visa is required. There is a wide selection of satellite packages available in Turkey.

Can we have a telephone?

Yes, through the national telephone company Turk Telekom. Bills need to be paid on a monthly basis. To obtain documentation in your own name, a residency visa is required.

How do mobile telephones operate in Turkey?

Mobile telephones are bought separately in Turkey, you then can choose whether you prefer pay-as-you-go or by monthly subscription. A foreigner cannot buy a SIM card unless they have Turkish citizenship.

Can I open a bank account in Turkey if I own a property there?

Foreigners can open an account at a number of the Turkish banks. Your passport is always required when going inside a bank. Cash point cards are available and can be applied for once the account is open. A bank account is useful for setting up direct debits for utility bills.

Should we have air-conditioning?

Air-conditioning is a must for the really hot months of July and August. Most of the modern units are split units and so can blow out cold air when it is hot and warm air when it gets cold.

What is the minimum needed to furnish our property?

There are a wide range of furniture and electrical goods shops in Turkey, and prices vary according to quality. To furnish a two-bedroom apartment with enough to make it comfortable for holiday purposes, you should expect to set aside a minimum of £1,500. Please note that this price is without air-conditioning.

Can we bring our own furniture from abroad?

There are many companies offering international removal services. However, we would recommend selling your furniture at home and buying the items in Turkey instead. Electrical goods are heavily taxed on entry, plus the whole process can be a lengthy and stressful one.

What about bringing pets into Turkey?

It is possible to bring a pet into Turkey with its own passport. However, on returning to the UK you would be subject to quarantine laws.

What about insurance?

On property, there are plenty of companies offering comprehensive annual cover. We advise all clients to insure their properties, and can recommend good companies to go with. Earthquake insurance is a necessity on those properties that reside in an earthquake region.

Health insurance is also available and there are a number of suitable policies to choose from.