Turkey's the place for great golf and a home in the sun

12 April 2010

On the assumption that someone reads my column, a thousand apologies for not being on parade last week.

It must have seemed like I was either slacking or at death’s door, but I’m happy to confirm that neither is true.

Precise details may cloud the issue and could give readers the wrong impression of how I conduct myself as a professional abroad but let’s just say that technological failings and brandy played their part.

Anyway, a couple of weeks ago I felt in serious need of some TLC so at the request of my golf clubs I took myself off for a few days on the Turkish Riviera - the Antalya region of southern Turkey.

Now as you know, my devotion to duty knows no bounds and you will surely recall that it was none other than myself who intrepidly revealed last October in Mortgage Strategy that Albania is destined to be the next European property hotspot.

I still stand by this because although the country will never win Eurovision I have been there and seen what it is building - although it will take a few years.

But if you want to take an ambitious punt, look no further than southern Turkey which is still outside the eurozone. Properties there are as cheap as the cheapest chips.

Low-cost airlines EasyJet and Monarch have been given permission to fly to Antalya later this year

On a recent excursion I came across a number of pleasant developments being built, all within 10 minutes of the beach and with prices starting from £35,000. The average price is probably between £60,000 and £75,000.

I looked at three or four blocks and to my trained eye the standard of construction and finish seemed good. All the flats had either two or three bedrooms and featured air conditioning, swimming pools and security.

A bit of a hike from Blighty, I hear you say and yes it is. But consider this - Turkey has 14 top quality golf courses and they are all in this region (pictured). In fact, every hotel I saw was full of middle-aged golfers who will be spreading the word on their return.

Four hours from Gatwick it may be - and British Airways and Air Turkey have you by the wotsits when it comes to air fares right now - but the Turks aren’t daft. Low-cost carriers EasyJet and Monarch have been given permission to fly into Antalya later this year.

On the downside, the developments are not the most imaginative in design and I suppose there must be a question over their letting potential. But in terms of capital appreciation, investing in Turkey must be a winner.
Just remember to stay off the local brandy.

If you enjoyed this article, sign up here to receive daily email updates from Mortgage Strategy and Follow @mortgagestrat