I'd like to offer a view from the other side of the fence (I was an agent for £10m+ value of properties and now a developer). Here are some observations gained, they are offered as an honest appraisal of my experiences with the buying British public, who were looking for investment rather than holiday home.
You also need to consider the type of property, completion date (if applic.) and size of development. These are often missed when evaluating what may be a shrewd investment here.
Rather than show an example of a good investment, here is an idea of a poor bet:
A two bedroom apartment, 15 minutes walk from the beach, in a complex of 72 units, completion date late 2007. Attractively priced.
OK, sounds lovely - keep your money in your pocket for a minute or two. The main things the above need to say to you - when you come to sell -are the following:
1. Two bedroom apartments are by far the most common unit type. Your potential buyer will be able to see dozens like yours.
2. 15 minutes walk from the beach - imagine how many similar properties are 2 minutes walk from the beach, not many - 5 minutes - a couple of dozen? 15 minutes walk from the beach - most of them? Again, you will be in the market with so many alike properties.
3. A complex of 72 - at first glance this may mean lovely big pools and maybe other useful on site facilities - bar or full time security staff - but you are likely to spend a long time having your resale property for sale at the same time that the developer has lovely gleaming new ones available, and possibly at the price you originally paid - your chances of shifting yours over those (and making a profit) are minimal.
4. Exactly the same problem as 3. Furthermore, the liklihood of others doing exactly what you are planning to do is high.
You can make a good short or long profit here in Turkey - and using the above you will be looking for as many of the following as possible...
1. A 3 bedroom+ apartment (also helps if you are buying to rent - can you imagine how many 2 beds there are, and how many families who can't fit in a 2 bed?)
2. Keep close to the beach, or close to the centre (if no beach) as your funds allow. Buy smaller but closer if you need to compromise.
3. Buy on an attractive, small complex. No more than 12 units.
4. Buy on a project nearer to completion if possible. Off plans make good investments, but only when you consider the earlier points.
Using the above information, you can make a good return - I've helped dozens of people make money here.
Take time to ensure everything has been done correctly - it's almost funny how many people insist on double glazing - but don't even take time to try the windows to see if they open and shut properly - even though they stood and looked out of them. That is your choice, it's your money you will be sending.
As a final observation based on past experience - assume nothing. Make sure everything that is important to you is in the contract - the spoken word is easy to trust here, the written word is easy to prove.
Scunner
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Edited by
Scunner
2007-03-22 00:54:29