Q: If we sell our property, can we take all the proceeds out of Turkey?
A: Yes you can, you should do this via a bank transfer from your Turkish bank account so that money is recorded leaving the country.
Q: What facilities do banks offer?
A: Facilities vary but most major banks offer internet banking, a variety of account types in both Turkish Lira and foreign currencies, Bureax de Change services (for which a commission is charged) and have a network of cash points where Visa, Access, Mastercard, Eurocard and Maestro card holders can obtain cash from their domestic accounts.
Q: What is the electricity voltage?
A: 220 volts. In some areas it may be advisable to purchase a regulator to protect your household appliances from power surges and power cuts.
Q: Can I drink the Bodrum tap water?
A: Because the local tap water has a high mineral content it may upset your stomach. Bottled water should be used for drinking and cooking purposes.
Q: I am interested in purchasing property in Bodrum, what’s the best time to visit?
A: The Bodrum peninsula has a Mediterranean climate with long hot summers and generally mild winters, the sun shines on average 300 days a year. July and August can be extremely hot with daytime temperatures which regularly exceed 35C so those who dislike excessive heat should avoid these months. Storms and spells of very heavy rain are not uncommon throughout the winter; January and February tend to be the wettest and coldest months of the year.
Q: Do I need to appoint a solicitor to assist with the purchase process?
A: You are advised to appoint a solicitor to protect your interests although this is not compulsory. Contact details for local independent English speaking solicitors can be obtained from www.britishembassy.gov.uk. We can also provide you with contact details for reputable solicitors and have a policy of asking that you appoint one for your own peace of mind.
Q: Can I have a survey of the property I’m interested in carried out before I purchase?
A: Yes, if you would like an independent survey carried out by a Civil Engineer prior to purchase we can arrange this for you.
Q: Can I have the title deed registered in more than one name?
A: Yes, two or more names can be registered on the property deed.
Q: Can I rent out my property?
A: Yes, many of those who purchase real estate here do so with the intention of generating a rental income. Please be aware that you will be expected to pay tax on any rental revenue.
Q: Do I have to pay tax on rental income?
A: Yes, at the end of each tax year you should declare your rental income, minus expenses, to your local tax office, you can either do this independently or through an accountant. The tax office will then calculate how much you have to pay and issue you with a payment schedule. Tax on rental income is usually paid in two installments. For more detailed information and examples of charges please see; http://www.turkisheconomy.org.uk/buyingproperty/property_taxes.htm
Q: What taxes will I have to pay if I own property in Turkey?
A: Buyer’s Tax amounts to between 1.5% and 3% of the total amount entered on the sales agreement. It is payable after military approval has been obtained and the title deed is about to be transferred into the buyers name.
Property Tax is paid annually and amounts to 0.5- 0.6% of the price of the property.
Personal income tax is payable on any rental income.
Q: Can I open a bank account in a Turkey?
A: We are happy to advise and assist those who wish to open a Turkish bank account. First you should obtain a personal tax number from the local Tax Office. Then take your passport and tax number to the bank of your choice to open an account. Some banks have internet banking services available in English and employ English speaking personnel.
Q: Can I bring my furniture with me if I decide to move to Turkey?
A: Yes, however it may be simpler to sell it and purchase new furniture and white goods when you arrive in Turkey. Electrical goods can be subject to heavy taxation upon entry and removal costs can be expensive. In addition you must have a Turkish Residence Permit in order to clear your goods from Customs.
Q: Do I have to pay ₤10 for a tourist visa every time I arrive in Turkey?
A: The ₤10 tourist visa which is issued when you enter the country is a multiple entry visa, so for the three months your visa is valid you are entitled to leave and re-enter Turkey as many times as you wish without having to pay another ₤10.
Q: Can I stay in Turkey for a period exceeding three months?
A: Those who plan on staying in Turkey for more than three months should apply to the Passport Police in Bodrum for a ‘Residence Permit’. Residence permits are issued for a minimum of one year. The maximum period granted to first time applicants is two years however if you own property in Turkey and can produce a copy of its title deed you may be granted residency for five years upon first application.
Q: When I die will the Turkish Government have any claim on my property?
A: No, foreign nationals who purchase real estate in Turkey have the same property-ownership rights as Turkish citizens. In the event of a property owner's death the property will be inherited by the spouse and children unless stipulated otherwise in the will to be executed.
Q: Is medical assistance free in Turkey?
A: Unfortunately no, the system is very different from the NHS and there are no reciprocal health agreements between the UK or Ireland and Turkey so you should ensure you have a comprehensive health insurance policy before you travel to Turkey. If you plan to become a resident in Turkey you are strongly advised to organize a private health insurance policy
Q: Can I buy Private Health Insurance in Turkey?
A: Yes, many Turkish insurers offer private health insurance. Health insurance policies are reasonably priced when compared with similar policies in the UK and Ireland. They are usually renewed annually and cover the costs of medical treatment as an inpatient and/or outpatient in private hospitals. We can provide our customers with contact details of Turkish and UK ‘ex-pat’ insurance providers.
Please note that some Turkish insurers impose an age restriction for new policy applicants and past medical history is also taken into consideration before a policy is issued.
Q: What medical facilities and services are available in Bodrum?
A: There are two private hospitals and a State Hospital in Bodrum which provide a wide-range of health care services. In addition there are numerous general practitioners, specialist doctors and dentists working from clinics and private practices throughout the Bodrum peninsula. Private health care standards in the Bodrum area are generally very good.
Q: What monthly payments do I pay if a purchase a property on a complex with shared facilities?
A: Usually a monthly maintenance fee will have to be paid to cover the costs of maintaining the grounds and swimming pool and to fund security costs. The monthly fee can vary considerably between individual complexes but on average you should expect to pay between ₤35 and ₤80 per month. This fee is reviewed annually.
Q: How much will an air-conditioning unit cost?
A: Costs vary depending upon the manufacturer and unit’s capacity. The size of the room you wish to cool dictates the capacity of the unit which should be purchased. You should expect to pay between ₤300 and ₤350 for a unit required to cool/heat an average-sized bedroom and between ₤400 and ₤500 for a unit to heat/cool an open plan lounge/kitchen area.
Q: Should I purchase a solar powered water heating system or an electric water heater?
A: Solar powered water heating is economical and environmentally friendly. It is reasonably priced and provides copious amounts of hot water when the sun shines. Solar heating systems can also be fitted with an electrical back-up facility for use on overcast days. Electric water heaters are also reasonably priced but can be relatively costly to run.
Q: Can I have a telephone installed?
A: Yes, if you have a residence permit you can have a telephone installed and registered in your name. Turk Telecom is the national telecommunications company, and bills are paid monthly.
Q: Can I have satellite TV installed?
A: Yes, this is readily available and easily organised. There are a variety of movie and other channels available in English. Other languages such as French, German and Russian are also catered for.
Q: I am interested in viewing one of your properties, what should I do?
A: Once you have booked your flight please call us to make an appointment. If you wish we can make hotel reservations for you and arrange for you to be collected from Bodrum Milas Airport on your arrival
Q: How much commission do I have to pay the agent if I buy a property in Turkey.
A: 3% of the property's purchase price. If you buy a property from one of our own off-plan projects you will not have to pay a 3% commission fee!
Q: How do I pay my property's utility bills and maintenence fees during the months I'm not in Turkey?
A: If you open a bank account in Turkey you can arrange for electricity and maintenence charges to be paid by direct debit.
Q: Can I work in Turkey?
A: Foreign nationals need to obtain a work permit before they can legally work in Turkey.
