|
AN INSIDER PERSPECTIVE to
PURCHASING PROPERTY IN TURKEY
Over the past 4 years my
partner and I have spent our summer holidays in Turkey. We holiday’d
in Trunc on our first visit, followed by Kas, Bodrum and finally Gocek
last summer. The more we explored the Turkish Aegean Sea and coastline
the more we realised Turkey was a fantastic place, steeped in
history and culture beyond most average educated peoples
comprehension. Add to that their very friendly and hospitable
attitude. A nataion of people who through their culture manage to make
you feel genuinely welcome, in contrast to some counties we have
visited. This is where the story really starts.
As working professionals
who put in long hours at work with little time for relaxation, we
sought out the more secluded locations for our breaks. We used a
couple of the more exclusive travel agents covering Turkey to select
our locations and being unencumbered with children at 52 and 45 years
young respectively we had definite views of what we didn’t want.
Full English breakfast was certainly not on the menu. Not to say
that we don’t enjoy the Full Monty, with respect there is a time and
place for everything.
We had been considering
somewhere in the sun for a number of years and looked at Spain,
Croatia, Malaysia, Australia, as options. However during our holiday
last year it dawned on us that we were wasting our time with these
considerations as fanciful and unlikely to be realised due to costs.
In fact here we were for the fourth year running having a fantastic
time in Turkey. The light had just gone on and from that moment we
agreed if we looked in any real-estate office windows and saw a
property that met our needs then we should make time to look at what
was available. That is not to say that we had not already looked into
what we could be getting into, we had. Suffice to say on practically
the first estate agents window we looked in we found a house that was:
A. In
our target price range.
B We
liked the design,
C. It
was new and uninhabited and therefore ready for occupation.
D. Was
within easy reach of the airport
We had a chat with the
agent and arranged to view along with another 2 properties. We met
the builder discussed the price and left it there. We viewed the
other properties both of which were great but we new from the minute
we looked at the first house that it was the one that gave us the
feeling this could be ours. We considered it for a few days and
during this time we had struck up a friendship with someone in a
restraunt who turned out to be Cihan İÇAĞASI who was your typical
friendly and inquisitive Turk. During his inquisition it transpired
that Cihan was in the process of setting up Gocek Estates. Therefore
he was obviously interested in our position and asked if he could
help. Naturally we thought this was too good to be true. However,
help us he did. He contacted the builder and we had a second and
third viewing of the property. We discussed the price and he said he
could get us a much better deal if we would allow him to act on our
behalf. This he did and we saved a considerable amount of money as a
result. We gave him a maximum to work with and agreed that was it.
If he could not achieve the target then we were not interested. He
was as good as his word and had negotiated a further £2500.00 less
than we agreed. To say we were elated would be an understatement. We
agreed shook hands on it and the rest as they say is history.
However not resting on
his success he then assisted us with every aspect of the purchase and
legal process of the acquisition. Now here lies a tale in its self.
My partner just happens to be in the legal profession and of course
having heard all the tales of woe from the doom and gloom merchants
insisted on a local lawyer and to be honest I agreed for my peace of
mind as we were about to hand over a sizable amount of money. (Deposit
of 10% plus the commission fee). We called a UK firm specialising in
house purchase in Turkey only to be told they had such a backlog they
could not help us. Next step therefore was to find a local firm, once
again Cihans talents prevailed yet again and we met up with a local
lawyer who spoke perfect English and agreed a flat rate of £400.00 to
cover all aspects of the purchase. Partner satisfied and my pocket
£400.00 the lighter. I would add this was all done a day and a half
before our return to the UK. The story doesn’t end there! Legal and
administrative process as well as opening a bank account requires all
documents to be notarised, this was all made easy by his understanding
of the Turkish system and of what he perceives we as Brits expect. He
has lived in England and understands our expectations! Basically he
made it happen which made it all the easier for us.
We departed on time in
the knowledge that everything was in place for us to make the transfer
of funds from the UK to Turkey to a nominated bank account of the
builder. This all took place during the second fortnight of June;
the funds were transferred on the 8th July. The due
diligence took place. The transfer of ownership was planned for 9
September.
At short notice I decided
to make the trip and take a further 2 weeks off in Turkey to see to
other aspects of furnishing the property and asked that the transfer
be postponed 1 day. This frustrated the builder slightly but I was
accommodated and I was there at the handover of the keys at the land
Registry (Tapu Office) our lawyer and her mother accompanied us during
this process. Day out for her elderly mother.
Prior to my arrival which
was at the height of the summer season Cihan managed to arrange a
Pension for my stay and a hire car at reduced rates during my stay.
Throughout the remainder of this time he became a constant companion,
assisting me with all aspects of furnishing the house and arranging
with the government agencies that we paid for our water and
electricity annually.
In
Conclusion - We
are more than happy to endorse Cihans business as a legitimate
operation and would highly recommend his services to any prospective
buyers. Our case is testimony to his understanding and professional
approach that he applied in our interests. He was honest up front and
kept his word. Turkey is a fantastic country with a tremendous future
ahead of it and I expect to spend many happy times to come in the
company of good people whether they are local business men or farmers
in our experiences they are all equally fantastic people. Add to that
that their economy can only improve with time. It therefore makes
sense to make that investment and be assured of a holiday home or new
residence where you will not worry too much about heating and winter
coats. Or roads packed with traffic rushing to get somewhere on a
transport system that just cannot cope with our society today.
In addition to our
endorsement and in good faith I have agreed with Cihan to act as the
UK representative for Gocek Estates and you will find my contact
details on the site. I will be more than happy to discuss the finer
details in person should anyone feel the need of further assurance.
Be assured he provides a
service yet to be equalled and second to none.
|
