About Side The Turkish Riviera The Turkish Riviera is the Mediterranean (Southern) coastline of Turkey around Antalya. The main resorts on the Riviera from West to East are: Kemer, Belek, Side and Alanya. Unlike the Aegean (Western) coast, the Riviera is also a Winter destination receiving both package and independent tourism and direct flights from the UK and across Northern Europe every day of the year. Here, the long summers are followed by short and mild winters and for six to eight months a year neither heating nor cooling is required. Sunbathers occupy the beaches well in to December while Christmas and New Year are surprisingly busy. After two months of mixed weather, March is often beautiful while the Summer season is back in full swing by 1st April. Side - the premier resort of the Turkish Riviera Side (pronounced "See-day"), approx. 60km or 50 minutes drive from Antalya airport, has been a holiday resort since ancient times and was once the secret rendezvous of Antony and Cleopatra. Central Side is built in, around and sometimes on top of the ancient city on a peninsular flanked by miles of sandy beaches. Bars, shops and restaurants are uniquely set amidst colonnaded streets and ancient ruins. The beautifully restored Agora Baths are now home to the Side museum. Nearby, the second century amphitheatre hosts the annual music festival and offers fine views towards the lively harbour and the Temple of Apollo perched on the waters edge. Today there are around 150,000 hotel beds in the Side area (source TURSAB) with all the amenities and facilities commensurate with such numbers. However, as the 'jewel' of Turkey, development has been strictly controlled and there is no high-rise or high density building anywhere in the Side area. (The maximum height of any residential building is just four floors including the basement and roof space, while a maximum of just 20% of any plot may be built on). Meticulous excavation and restoration work continues to enhance the historical centre of Side year on year, while surrounding areas benefit from tree-lined avenues, countless public parks and gardens, sports and social amenities, riverside walkways, the Mediterranean's only Links golf courses just 15 minutes drive away and a newly rebuilt harbour with facilities for visiting yachts. There is also a winter ski resort just 80 mins drive away, making Side one of the few places in the World where one can ski, swim, sail and play golf in one day! With the unique combination of practically endless sandy beaches, ancient antiquity, the dramatic backdrop of the Taurus mountains, beautiful climate, and easy access from an airport with flights all-year, Side is understandably a property hot spot. Here are maps of Side and Turkey (Side is in the district of 'Manavgat'). Why buy a property in Side?
Buying a property in Turkey is simpler than in most Northern European countries. The sale is agreed in principle upon payment of a deposit and signing of a private contract (sometimes called a 'pre-contract') setting out the terms of the sale. This sample private contract is simple, fair and in plain English. Many sellers will accept a small 'holding deposit' from foreigner buyers until they return to their own country and arrange payment of the balance of the agreed deposit. It is usual to give a limited power of attorney to a competent person, e.g. a lawyer, architect or structural engineer, in order to deal with the authorities, building company (if buying prior to completion of the property) and utility companies in the purchaser's absence. A power of attorney must be translated and signed before the Notary Public. Without a power of attorney, a buyer or seller of a property must appear in person at the Land Registry when requested to do so during the search and transfer processes. We recommend using an English-speaking lawyer licenced to translate to English to oversee the whole buying process. The standard fee for a local lawyer is 1% of the purchase price. Upon payment of the balance, the transfer application is signed by both parties, or their empowered proxies, and lodged with the Land Registry. After searches and checks, the title is transferred and a new title deed ("tapu" in Turkish) is issued. The transfer costs and taxes are usually paid by the buyer locally. Including the lawyer's and translator's fees, these currently total 2-4% of the purchase cost. (New properties are excempt from some taxes for five years from completion). The title deeds are currently taking 4 to 6 months to be registered in the new owner's name. Other FAQS What nationalities are permitted to purchase a property? Turkey has a reciprocal agreement for the purchase of land and properties with many countries, including all European Union and European Economic Area countries. Do I have to be a resident or have a resident's visa to purchase? No. A residence permit is only required if you want to stay longer than 90 days continuously, have a phone in your own name or buy a car. However, obtaining a residence permit locally is straightforward. If I sell my property can I take the proceeds back to the UK? Yes, without restriction. Can I will my property to my beneficiaries? You should make a Turkish will to leave your property to your beneficiaries. Can I import my belongings/furniture and car into Turkey? You can, but it is fairly expensive for transportation and import duties. Most things can be bought or made in nearby Manavgat, the local commercial centre, very reasonably. You should weigh one option against the other. Detailed information on buying property in Turkey can be found at the Turkish Embassy web site. Featured Properties
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© 2008 Side Property Ltd, 35 Karanfil St., Side, Antalya, 07330, Turkey.