The lands of Turkey are located at a point where the three continents making up the old world. Asia, Africa and Europe are closest to each other, and straddle the point where Europe and Asia meet. Geographically, the country is located in the northern half of the hemisphere at a point that is about halfway between the equator and the north pole, at a longitude of 36 degrees N to 42 degrees N and a latitude of 26 degrees E to 45 degrees E. Turkey is roughly rectangular in shape and is 1,660 kilometers wide.

Because of its geographical location the mainland of Anatolia has always found favour throughout history, and is the birthplace of many great civilizations. It has also been prominent as a centre of commerce because of its land connections to three continents and the sea surrounding it on three sides.

Geograhical Regions

Turkey is generally divided into seven regions: the Black Sea region, the Marmara region, the Aegean, the Mediterranean, Central Anatolia, the East and Southeast Anatolia regions. The uneven north Anatolian terrain running along the Black Sea resembles a narrow but long belt. The land of this region is approximately 1/6 of Turkey's total land area.

The Marmara region covers the area encircling the Sea of Marmara, includes the entire European part of Turkey, as well as the northwest of the Anatolian plain. Whilst the region is the smallest of the regions of Turkey after the Southeast Anatolia region, it has the highest population density of all the regions.

The most important peak in the region is Uludag (2,543 metres), at the same time it is a major winter sports and tourist centre. In the Anatolian part of the region there are fertile plains running from east to west.

The Aegean region extends from the Aegean coast to the inner parts of western Anatolia. There are significant differences between the coastal areas and those inland, in terms of both geographical features and economic and social aspects.

In general, the mountains in the region fall perpendicularly into the sea. and the plains run from east to west. The plains through which Gediz, Kücük Menderes and Bakircay rivers flow carry the same names as these rivers.

In the Mediterranean region, located in the south of Turkey, the western and central Taurus Mountains suddenly rise up behind the coastline. The Amanos mountain range is also in the area.

The Central Anatolian region is exactly in the middle of Turkey and gives the appearance of being less mountainous compared with the other regions. The main peaks of the region are Karadag, Karacadag, Hasandag and Erciyes (3.917 metres).

The Eastern Anatolia region is Turkey's largest and highest region. About three fourths of it is at an altitude of 1,500-2,000 metres. Eastern Anatolia is composed of individual mountains as well as of whole mountain ranges, with vast plateaus and plains. The mountains: There are numerous inactive volcanoes in the region, including Nemrut, Suphan, Tendurek and Turkey's highest peak, Mount Agri (Ararat), which is 5,165 metres high.

At the same time, several plains extended along the course of the River Murat, a tributary of the Firat (Euphrates). These are the plains of Malazgirt, Mus, Capakcur, Uluova and Malatya.

The Southeast Anatolia region is notable for the uniformity of its landscape, although the Eastern part of the region is comparatively more uneven than its western areas.

Climate

Although Turkey is situated in a geographical location where climatic conditions are quite temperate, the diverse nature of the landscape , and the existence in particular of the mountains that run parallel to the coasts, results in significant differences in climatic conditions from one region to the other. While the coastal areas enjoy milder climates, the inland Anatolian plateau experiences extremes of hot summers and cold winters with limited rainfall.

Common Routes To Buying

Estate Agent in Turkey, Internet, Visit and look around, Magazines, Exhibitions, Referrals/friends, Off-plan.

Estate Agents In Turkey

It's a “New” profession – only really established since 1999. They may have no experience of dealing with UK buyers and struggle with the language. Local agents charge 6% – foreign agents charge more. Unfortunately, sSome are neither honest or professional – “the Missing £20,000". Many buy shells, add fi nish price, offer at infl ated price (i.e. not really agents).

Go & Look Around Yourself

Turkey is a big place, and they don’t have ‘For Sale’ signs. The price for UK buyers is usually doubled by sellers against the price to a Turk. You can get to know the place (especially if the investment is also to be a holiday home).

Turkey As A Place To Invest

Ranked top of ‘Top 5’ places to invest during 2005
Accession talks now commenced for entry into Europe. Will that bring Easyjet/ Ryanair/etc?
Mortgage culture kicking in this year in Turkey
Cheap cost of living - but getting less so - Is it the new Spain?
40%+ per annum growth rates being estimated
Tourist potential (nice people)

Developing legal & administrative systems

Invest in Property somewhere else
Do nothing
Put funds in the bank at minimal interest
Stocks and Shares
Start/Run a business/franchise
Stick with the Pension scheme and pray for a miracle! Buying Your Property:
From Cash Savings; - Straight-forward
Mortgage; - Turkish mortgages not presently available - On your UK property (cheap setup costs)

Why Is Ownerhsip So Important?

Taxes - Income tax & inheritance tax
Expensive to change it if you get it wrong - reorganisation is treated as a gift tax + legal expenses
Ways around it - Purchase as a ‘nominee’ so you can later place the ownership where it best belongs

Legal Charges (example)

Minimum Service - ½ % of the price - minimum £750
Standard Service - 1% of the price - minimum £1,500
PLUS the payments that have to be made on your behalf - taxes - bank charges - surveyors fees etc
Standard service included in the total already mentioned.

Other Considerations

UK Rules apply to UK nationals
Local Turkish protected heirs rules do not apply
Therefore, you can leave your property as you please.