Property For Sale - Turkey and Europe

As it became a candidate to enter the European Union in 1992, many reforms were necessary in Turkey, including economic, legal and, not least, human rights reforms. Much progress has since been made, including the abolition of the death penalty in 2002. However membership of the EU is still not assured, and there are still several issues to be addressed.

Since the foundation of the Turkish state in 1923, the governing principles of the country have always been those of rationalism and enlightenment. Furthermore the state has since then been secular in nature. Thus certain worries concerning the risk of Islamic militancy spreading throughout the country are to a great extent overstated and security is becoming less of an issue.

Property prices throughout Europe have been showing steady long-term gains, particularly those in the new member states, and there is no reason not to believe that property prices in Turkey, once it becomes a member of the Union, will not follow suit.

So is this a good time to be investing in Turkish property? Most assuredly! The time has never been better. The key places to invest are in the major cities where businesses will wish to open up. Not least of course being central Istanbul, which is set to become a major business hub. However such prime locations exist throughout the country.

Whilst it is certain that Turkey still has much ground to make up in terms of structural progress before being accepted into the EU, there is little doubting the fact that sooner or later, it will become a full member. When that happens, property prices will escalate, as seen throughout the rest of Europe, so it is crucial for investors to get in now before the very best investment opportunities are all taken.

Many international businesses have already set up shop in Turkey, enthusiastic to get in early and to start developing their markets in the country. The result has been a large increase in demand for rental properties, particularly in major urban areas. In fact by air, Istanbul is only a very short flight indeed from several major European capitals. This in itself is an important business advantage.

Of course, besides business, Turkey has for years been a not unimportant tourist destination, since it possesses some of the finest sandy beaches in that part of the world. But upon entry into Europe, Tourism is also likely to flourish even more. This will of course in turn increase the demand for properties in the many tourist spots found throughout the country. The result of course will be a growth in prices in resort areas all around the country.

There is much to attract the tourist in Turkey, from the mountainous ancient Anatolia in the East, to the historical sites and sandy beaches in the West, and everything in between. From the natural white marble candy-floss pools of Pammukale, to the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, not forgetting the sandy beaches of Antalya in the South Turkey has something for everyone.

Before concluding this brief overview of the Turkish investment scene, one important area of Turkish culture must not be overlooked, that of the wonderful Turkish cuisine. Everyone has heard of the ubiquitous Turkish delight, or Lukumi, but the kitchens of Turkey are brimming over with wonderful tasty meat and vegetable dishes. Followed by one of the many delicious sweets and washed down with a brewed-to-order coffee or tea, and a Turkish meal is sufficient to satisfy the most sophisticated of tastes.

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