The New Retirement Heaven On The Med
Find out why Turkey is the Mediterranean’s latest retirement hot spot
Recently released figures from the Office of National Statistics reveal that an unprecedented number of Britons are leaving the UK to start a new life abroad. Economic uncertainty, the rising cost of living and the fear of crime are common factors encouraging what has been dubbed the largest mass exodus from Britain in the last 50 years, with up to 4,000 people emigrating each month.
“A large proportion of those departing have recently retired, joining the 1.3 million British retirees already living abroad,” explains Sarah Woods, editor of the Retirement Property guide. “The traditional European retirement favourite, Spain, is less popular due to high property prices and concerns about over-development and the land-grab. The strength of the euro has also dulled enthusiasm in France, Portugal and Cyprus; while Mediterranean country’s outside the euro-zone, such as Turkey, are more popular.”
According to Dominic Whiting, editor of the Buying in Turkey guide, Turkey is seeing a major increase in the number of British retirees setting up home.
“Of the 22,000 British property owners in the country at least a third are retired and living permanently or for most of the year in the country,” says Dominic Whiting. “ They are attracted by the country’s fantastic scenery, warm Mediterranean climate and friendly culture; but also the low cost of living which is about 40% of the UK’s.”
A British pension can easily support a very good standard of living in Turkey. Groceries and locally grown fresh vegetables are a fraction of the cost with an average weekly shopping bill for a couple of around £60. You can dine out in a restaurant from just £10 a head. Utility bills are significantly lower, although running an air-conditioner in summer can be expensive. Private healthcare is excellent and very good value compared to the UK.
“The lifestyle is so much more relaxed. We looked in Spain but the property was over our budget. We visited Turkey and fell in love with the unspoilt countryside and the friendliness of the people,” explains retired teacher Elizabeth Ladd, who lives for most of the year with her husband Vivien in a four bedroom villa with pool near Dalaman, “We keep a static caravan in Hampshire near our daughters and grandchildren and we spend the hottest summer months there. The rest of the time we are in Turkey.”
The Ladds enjoy an active social life in Dalaman and have many English and Turkish friends. They also love travelling and shopping in the local markets: “There are four markets on different days in the area, and they are lovely to visit even if you don’t want to buy anything. I often take a camera with me,” says Elizabeth.
Turkish Retirement Hot Spots
The town of Dalaman is growing in popularity with British retirees looking for a picturesque area which is authentically Turkish and unchanged by mass tourism.
“Despite its international airport, which gives easy access to the UK and which is served by Easyjet flights from Gatwick, the town is a normal Turkish market town. Property in the area is excellent value with prices significantly lower than neighbouring resorts,” explains Dominic Whiting.
The stunningly beautiful area of Akkaya, which is 15 minutes from Dalaman town centre and airport, and which overlooks a lake and mountains, has a choice of villas or apartments which are ideal for retirement. Two bedroom apartments on Akkaya Gardens start from £46,200-£66,000. There are three and four bedroom villas at The Hills, which has won the CNBC Property Awards Best Retirement Development Turkey. Alternatively, four bedroom villas are available on the exclusive Lakestone development from £126,000.
The holiday resort of Altinkum is popular with British retirees and there is an excellent choice of property at reasonable prices. In the town centre, minutes walk from the main beach and shops, two and three bedroom duplex apartments with roof terrace and built-in barbeque are available for £45,000 and £60,000; or if you prefer something quieter, Green Hills is a 5 bedroom villa with garden and pool in the quiet village of Yesiltepe, 10 minutes from Altinkum, which costs £120,000. There’s also the option of designing your own dream villa, with land and build for a 4-bedroom house with pool from £109,000.
Ozdere is a charming seaside town that is popular with Turkish retirees. Located just 30 minutes from Izmir airport, the friendly town has a good selection of shops and services. Property prices are some of the lowest on the coast with two-bedroom apartments in the Gokdere community costing £36,500-£59,000.
For more information about the property in this feature contact the Buying in Turkey Collection, Tel 0845 351 3551, www.buyingin.co.uk.
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