Turkey’s Foreign Ownership Laws Get Even Friendlier in 2013, Signalling a Bumper 2014
London (PRWEB) November 20, 2013 -- Turkey’s most recent law change favouring foreign buyers, which went live in October, facilitates the process of gaining military approval, which in turn speeds up the process of foreign buyers getting their property’s title deeds, known as TAPU. This is the latest in a series of new rules introduced this year that benefit expats and overseas homeowners in Turkey.
“Previously, waiting for military approval could typically hold up a property purchase by 8-10 weeks,” said Spot Blue director Julian Walker. “Now, a slicker system means this time will be greatly reduced. Just as significant though, under some circumstances buyers won’t need to go through the process of getting military approval – namely, if the property they are buying was granted approval after 5th May 2011 or if they’re buying on a new development where an existing buyer has already gained it. It’s encouraging to see Turkey rolling out changes like this, showing commitment to attracting foreign buyers.”
Visa applications for temporary visitors, such as second homeowners, and residency laws have also become more appealing this year. A revision in the law introduced in the spring means that foreign nationals are now granted a year-long short-term residency permit when they purchase property in Turkey, regardless of the value of the transaction. This visa could be extended indefinitely if the buyer keeps hold of their property. Previously, homeowners there without a residency permit were allowed to stay up to a total of 90 days out of a period of 180 consecutive days.
Adds Julian Walker: “Expats seeking to renew or get residence permits will find the process changes for the better again in spring 2014 too. There are plans to use dedicated government agencies to take over the process rather than the current system that goes through the police. Another significant change is in regards to work permits. Meanwhile, foreigners who obtain a work permit in Turkey are now automatically granted a residence permit too.” In May 2012, Turkey relaxed its reciprocity law, opening the door to foreign buyers outside of Europe, including the Middle East.
Proof that Turkey’s property market is benefiting from changes to its laws are the consistently rising property values. The average price of units on new developments in Istanbul increased by 1.06 per cent between September and October, and 14.18 per cent year-on-year, according to an index produced by GYODER, a real estate trade body. Spot Blue International has property for sale in both sides of Istanbul, including apartments in Erenkoy and Beylikduzu.
ENDS
For further information or to enquire about selling property in Turkey through Spot Blue, please contact:
Julian Walker
Spot Blue International Property
Tel: +44 (0)20 8339 6036
Email: info(at)spotblue(dot)com
Website: http://www.spotblue.com
About Spot Blue International Property
Spot Blue International Property is one of the UK’s leading Turkish property agencies, with hundreds of properties regularly listed and updated on its website, http://www.spotblue.com. As well as helping developers promote their projects to the UK and other foreign markets, http://www.spotblue.com features properties for sale by private individuals. Spot Blue only promotes property of developers that pass its due diligence assessment. It also specialises in matching buyers with suitable properties and operates in all major resorts in Turkey. The company’s high profile in the UK means it is regularly quoted in the national press and invited to appear on panels at leading seminars and exhibitions.
Julian Walker, Spot Blue International Property, +44 2083396036, [email protected]
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