Buying a home in Turkey is a smart decision. This statement can be validated by a number of points. Turkey in itself offers fantastic locations, places like Fethiye, Kalkan, Antalya, Alanya, Bodrum-Gulluk, Altinkum, Kusadasi, Gocek, Dalaman, and many more. All these places are desirable for several reasons; spectacular views, favourable weather, warm and kind hearted people, colourful history, well designed properties and the most important of all, sensibly priced and affordable property, which will help increase your investment in the coming years and give you a healthy return. Property investment in Turkey is highly recommended in the current climate of falling shares and stock market, the Turkey property market's stability ensures a secure investment. Moreover, with property prices much higher in the other tourist hot spots, it makes perfect sense to invest your hard earned money in a place where the economy is booming, land prices are cheap, and development is strong and secure.

Deciding to invest in the property market is a wise decision. But with it comes the hassle of crossing the reams of red tape, legal procedures and local formalities. This is where Turkey wins hands down. The legal procedures involved in buying property in Turkey are easy, simple to understand, cost effective, transparent and quick in execution. As with any other legal transaction the service of a Turkish lawyer is required to oversee the purchase.

The main points while buying property in Turkey can be summarized as:

A reservation fee of approx ?2000 is made to the developer to reserve the property and fix the price.

Typically a client would grant a Power of Attorney to the Turkish lawyer and decide which points this may include; the right of buying or selling, opening bank accounts, signing private purchase contracts, obtaining title deeds, water and electricity connection, obtaining tax number on clients behalf, representing the client at the court house and acting on their behalf in the event of any problems, or all of the above.

The lawyer checks on the title deed and building license.

If the title deed is correct in all respects, then the lawyer will draft the purchase contract between the buyer and the seller.

The draft is exchanged along with the initial payment.

Application for military approval to the relevant municipality. (A formality due to be removed)

An independent survey can be done if deemed necessary.

Transferring and registering of the title deeds.

Transfer tax of 3% of the declared value of the property is to be paid, shared with the seller.

Registration fee dependent on the declared value of the property is to be paid. Or in case of services of a Notary Public being utilized, the registration varies between ?100-?250.

Estate agent fees are paid if their services were utilized.

Lawyer fees are to be paid.

Earthquake Insurance is compulsory and costs about ?35.

All the above points are necessary for making a property purchase but the simplicity and ease at which the procedure is concluded in Turkey is both quick and efficient. All that one requires to make a good investment decision is to judge the merits, which are many and feel confident about making that investment.