Types of property

Building standards have improved enormously in Turkey in recent years due to tighter building regulations and a new inspection regime.

More Turkish developers are building specifically for the foreign market, while greater competition and more demanding domestic buyers also mean higher-quality developments with better facilities. Many properties, both villas and apartments, are also available offplan.

Higher building standards mean there is often a big difference in quality between older resale and new or off-plan properties. Older properties are often cheaper than new-builds but, built first, they may have the best position, nearer the sea or with an uninterrupted view. Check whether older properties meet the new building regulations, particularly for earthquake resistance. The quality of materials may also be inferior to new-builds, and older resale properties may need extensive renovation. Although labour and materials are cheaper than in Britain, the cost of renovating can add up to the difference between an old and a new property.