A Property Buyer’s Guide to Kas
Kas is a relaxed seaside town overlooking the Greek island of Meis. Formerly a sleepy fishing and sponge diving village, it is now one of the Turkish Riviera’s most charming resorts. On the site of ancient Antiphellus, Kas is dotted with archaeological remains, including a small amphitheatre and monumental tombs. In the shadow of a magnificent ancient Lycian tomb, shopkeepers while away the hot summer days playing backgammon and sipping sweet tea.
A popular port-of-call for passing yachts, the narrow cobbled streets leading from the busy harbour are lined with cafes, restaurants and shops selling local crafts, Turkish carpets and gorgeous hand-made jewellery. Although tourism is the mainstay of the town’s economy, most visitors are independent tourists, with a healthy mix of nationalities including plenty of domestic visitors. The resort’s distance from the nearest airport (it is a 2 hour drive from Dalaman airport) and the absence of large resort hotels has kept the package hordes away. While the completion of a 430-berth marina next year with restaurants, cafés and shops, will further promote the area as an up-market get-away.
There are many good restaurants doted around the centre of town. For seafood visit the Mercan, overlooking the harbour, or for something different, try Evys, a fantastic French restaurant tucked away on a side street in the centre of town. The steaks are renowned!
Access to the crystal clear sea, kept refreshingly cool by submarine fresh water springs, is from beach clubs along the rocky coastline. Or it is only a short drive to the fantastic beaches at Kaputas and Patara. The area’s abundant marine life and numerous wrecks are a magnet for divers and there are plenty of dive schools in town.
Inland, the wild and unspoilt Taurus mountains are ideal for adventure sports like canyoning, mountain biking and trekking, which can be arranged by specialists Bougainville Travel. The Lycian Way, Turkey’s first long distance footpaths, winds its way through spectacular scenery and can be walked in sections from the town. Or you can take to the water in a sea-kayak and paddle over the clear, turquoise waters of Kekova with its ancient sunken city.
The Kas Peninsula, a narrow rocky finger, which stretches 7 km into the Mediterranean towards the Greek island of Meis, is one of the most desirable locations on the Turkish coast and home to some of the country’s finest villas. Built from locally crafted stone and hugging the rocky shoreline, many villas have direct access to the sea and all have stunning views of the dramatic coastline. Prices start from over £200,000 for a three-bedroom villa with shared pool, or from £350,000- £1 million for a larger property with a private pool and garden.
Villas on the peninsular are popular rental properties in summer and can generate an excellent income. Weekly rates for a 4 bedroom villa with pool are £600-£1,500 depending on the time of year.
In the town itself there is a good selection of more affordable options, generally apartments, which benefit from being an easy stroll to the restaurants, cafes and bars around the harbour. Many properties have excellent views across the roof-tops to the sea. Apartments are typically available from £55,000 for one bedroom and from £85,000 for two bedrooms.
For more information about property in the Kas area contact the Buying in Turkey Collection, Tel 0845 351 3551, www.buyingin.co.uk.
To download a free copy of the Buying in Turkey guide visit www.buyingin.co.uk.
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Kas Property highlights
Villa Sundown, Kas, Turkey
Villa Sundown is a spacious 4 bedroom villa with direct access to the sea via a private path. Situated in stunning landscaped gardens and with an infinity pool the property has a breathtaking double-height living area with vaulted ceiling and incredible views. All bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms and private balconies. Prices £500,000 / €630,000 for more details contact Buying in Turkey collection on 0845 351 3551 or visit www.buyingin.co.uk.
Villa Unal, Kas, Turkey
A luxurious 5 bedroom villa with spacious split-level, open-plan living room, dining room and kitchen opening onto terraces overlooking an infinity pool surrounded by sun-decks with stunning views of Greek island of Meis. Three of the bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms and two have private terraces with sea views. There is a self-contained apartment and covered parking for two cars in the mature gardens. Prices for these exclusive villas are £785,000 / €990,900 for more details contact Buying in Turkey collection on 0845 351 3551 or visit www.buyingin.co.uk.
Casa Lycia Villas, Kalkan, Turkey
Only a short walk from town where a weekly market is held these villas come with private pool and stunning panoramic views of the area. Each of the 4 bedrooms comes with en-suite bathrooms and are set in well maintained landscaped gardens. Prices start from £269,000 / €339,000 for more information contact Buying in Turkey Collection on 0845 351 3551 or visit www.buyingin.co.uk.
Turkish property law
Foreign nationals have the legal right to buy and own property and land in Turkey. However, there are certain restrictions on where foreign nationals or foreign-owned companies can purchase.
These restrictions have no affect on the vast majority of foreign buyers and have been put in place to stop the acquisition of large areas of agricultural land for strategic or other reasons.
Below is a summary:
What foreigners can buy
- Property and land within an officially zoned planning area. This covers all the country’s towns, cities and the coastal resort areas
What foreigners can’t buy
- Property and land in rural areas that are outside an officially zoned planning area (most rural areas and many villages)
- Property or land within an officially restricted, military or historical conservation area
- More than 10% of the land in any given planning area (this is a huge area, equivalent to buying up 10% of a whole town or resort)
General information about the purchase process
Official permission
All foreign nationals must apply to the Turkish authorities for permission to buy property. The application process is handled by the developer or estate agent. The authorities check that the property is not in an area where foreigners are forbidden to buy – rural areas, land near military bases, or areas of historic, economic or archaeological importance. The checks usually takes 1-3 months depending on the area.
Completion
Conducted in the Land Registry office (Tapu Dairesi) in the presence of a land registry official, who will issue a title deed – or Tapu – a copy of which is given to the buyer.
Transferring money
Transfers can be made to Turkey by Priority Payment from your bank. You will need the Turkish bank’s address, IBAN, account number and sort code. Transfers cost £15-£40 and take 2-5 working days. If purchasing in Euros remember to contact a foreign exchange dealer to get a better rate of exchange.