• Turkish Airlines launch new weekly flights to Jeddah, Riyadh and Medina in Saudi Arabia
• Saudi buyers account for 9.5% of all Turkish property purchases to overseas citizens in March (TURKSTAT)
• New flight routes make Turkey, and Istanbul, far more accessible to Saudi buyers and more desirable as a property investment location (Universal21)

Turkish Airlines, winner of the best airline in Europe award for the fifth consecutive year and ranked 4^th best in the world at the 2015 Skytrax World Airline Awards, is planning to grow its global capacity by 21% in 2016. Building upon its spectacular growth of the last decade, the airline will expand its fleet from 299 aircraft at the end of 2015 to 339 by the end of 2016. As it increases its international presence, the airline is focused on its offering in the Middle East and has revealed plans to expand further in Saudi Arabia.

Currently, Turkish Airlines is operating in seven destinations in Saudi Arabia including Jeddah, Riyadh, Madinah, Dammam, Yanbu, Taif and Al Qassim. The airline recently launched seven weekly flights from Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Jeddah and Riyadh and four weekly flights to Medina.

Turkish Airlines Jeddah General Manager Muhammed Bilal Doner commented that “New destinations are in the offing and the airline will very soon start operating direct flights to Trabzon (TZX) and Ankara (ESB) from Jeddah (JED), Riyadh (RUH) and Madinah (MED).” Turkish Airlines started its operations in Jeddah 37 years ago in 1979. Doner continued,

“Since [then] we have succeeded in inaugurated 6 more destinations and achieved tremendous growth over the years, distinguished by the services and products offered to our customers. All these developments are indicating the importance we attribute to the Saudi Arabian market and… we are seeking to inaugurate other destinations in the Kingdom.”

According to TurkStat’s most recent figures, buyers from Saudi Arabia accounted for 9.5% of all March’s property purchases to overseas citizens. Beaten only by Iraqi nationals who purchased 15.3%, Saudi Arabian investors remain a dominant nationality in Turkish property with a growing number of them looking to the city of Istanbul and its active housing market. TurkStat confirms Istanbul’s title as the favourite province for overseas buyers, accounting for 36.56% of all sales in March.

Adil Yaman, Director of Universal 21, the largest management company based in Istanbul, is confident in Turkey’s relationship with Saudi Arabia and the growing level of interest in Istanbul’s thriving property market. He explains,

“As one of our key client nationalities, we speak with potential investors from Saudi Arabia on a regular basis and would expect their interest in Istanbul’s housing market to continue to grow throughout this year. The new increase in flight routes make Turkey, and Istanbul especially, far more accessible to Saudi buyers and therefore even more desirable as a property investment location.”

One of Universal21’s most recently completed projects is Crest Plaza Residence. Situated in the Beylikdüzü district of Istanbul, Crest Plaza Residence is well-located for both transport links and amenities, with the beach just a ten-minute drive away and Istanbul’s Ataturk airport only a 20 minute drive away.

Formed of only two blocks of 11 floors and a total of 199 apartments, Crest Plaza Residence boasts a wide range of facilities including fitness centre, swimming pool, Turkish bath, steam room, sauna, health club, cinema room, meeting room, BBQ terrace, games room, library and children’s playground.

Starting at £60,000 with an easy payment plan there is a range of spacious one, two and three bedroom duplex penthouse apartments available. All either overlook the landscaped gardens or the newly appointed park soon to be completed and the project also has the benefit of 24-hour security.

For more information about Universal21, visit www.universal21.com or call 0203 287 8700.

• In the fourth quarter of 2015 the Turkish construction sector increased total turnover by 10% (TURKSTAT)
• Residential property prices in Istanbul have increased by 140% in the last five years (Central Bank of Turkey)  
• Istanbul’s property market at the forefront of an increasing demand for new build projects (Universal21)

Turkey’s housing market is continuing to grow in strength with its construction sector laying the necessary foundations for a successful future. The most recent figures released by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT) show that during the fourth quarter of 2015, the construction sector increased their total turnover by 4.5% in comparison to the previous quarter. When compared with the same period of the previous year, this increase stood at an impressive 10%.

These numbers suggest a successful progression within the industry, something that is inextricably linked with the current optimism surrounding the housing market. The impact of such growth in the construction sector is emerging within Turkey’s real estate industry, both having experienced a positive start to 2016.

According to the latest Housing Price Index for Turkey, published by the Central Bank of Turkey, residential prices have increased by 93% in the last five years. However, it is the Istanbul market that shines brighter than the rest, with a significant increase of 140%. Adil Yaman, Director of Universal21, the largest management company based in Istanbul, is confident in the city’s ability to remain at the forefront of Turkey’s flourishing property industry. He explains,

“Turkey’s construction sector is continuing to expand throughout the country with Istanbul’s property market at the forefront of an increasing demand for new build projects. Proud to be central to Istanbul’s growing real estate, we have certainly noticed an increase in enquires regarding new build properties and believe this demand is set to continue in an ascending trajectory.”

The most recent report from Colliers International, entitled Turkey Real Estate Review, highlights the importance of Turkey’s construction sector, explaining that “its potential for future growth and its increasing contribution to Turkey’s overall economy will continue hand in hand with urban transformation works and large scale infrastructure projects.” Adil concurs with this sentiment, commenting,

“Part of the success of Istanbul’s housing market is most definitely due to the progression of the city and the infrastructural developments that have been, and are still being, made throughout. These developments appeal to a growing city population, which in turn increases the demand for quality new build residential properties.”

One of Universal21’s projects currently under construction is Crest Plaza Residence. Situated in the Beylikdüzü district of Istanbul, Crest Plaza Residence is well-located for both transport links and amenities, with the beach just a ten-minute drive away and Istanbul’s Ataturk airport only a 20 minute drive away.

Formed of only two blocks of 11 floors and a total of 199 apartments, Crest Plaza Residence boasts a wide range of facilities including fitness centre, swimming pool, Turkish bath, steam room, sauna, health club, cinema room, meeting room, BBQ terrace, games room, library and children’s playground.

Starting at £60,000 with an easy payment plan there is a range of spacious one, two and three bedroom duplex penthouse apartments available. All either overlook the landscaped gardens or the newly appointed park soon to be completed and the project also has the benefit of 24-hour security, and with completion this month this is an ideal investment.

For more information about Universal21, visit www.universal21.com or call 0203 287 8700.

• Istanbul Congress Center to host first Cityscape Turkey, March 24 to 26
• Turkish real estate transactions by UAE residents rises by 160% in last two years (Turkish Land Registry)
• UAE, Iraqi and Saudi Arabian investors account for 62% of all Universal21 2015 sales in Istanbul

This week will see Turkey’s first Cityscape exhibition take place at the Istanbul Congress Center, as domestic and global investors come together with leading real estate companies to discuss the country’s prospering housing market. The Hosted Buyer Programme launched by Informa Exhibitions, the organisers of Cityscape Turkey, will connect potential investors with at least 50 high profile exhibitors participating in the debut show running from March 24 to 26.

A key demographic of investors attending the event are those travelling from the UAE. Wouter Molman, the director of Cityscape Group at Informa Exhibitions, explains that “The response from investors in the UAE to our hosted buyer programme has been reassuring and we expect that the series of pre-qualified one-on-one meetings to fast track the experience and showcase a tailored collection of quality projects and existing developments will help meet clients’ exacting requirements.”

According to the latest Turkish Land Registry report, UAE investment is becoming increasingly prominent within the Turkish housing market, with real estate transactions by UAE residents rising by 160% in the last two years. In 2015, 332 UAE citizens purchased Turkish property and subsequently the country also ranked among the top nations in terms of square meterage, at more than 433 square meters per person.

Witnessing this growth first hand, the largest management company based in Istanbul, Universal 21’s most recent data shows that the UAE, along with fellow Gulf nations Iraq and Saudi Arabia, is accountable for a substantial 62% of their 2015 total sales. Adil Yaman, Director of Universal21, is excited for all the Cityscape exhibition could bring to the Turkish market. He explains,

“We have definitely noticed an increase in interest from the UAE, as well as investors from other Gulf nations, in recent times and exhibitions like Cityscape will only further highlight the potential of the Turkish property market to these prospective buyers. Cityscape enables Gulf investors to come together, therefore making it an extremely successful platform from which to promote Istanbul as a city and the real estate opportunities currently available.”

Situated in the Beylikdüzü district of Istanbul, Crest Plaza Residence recently launched by Universal21 offers an ideal investment opportunity for 2016. Crest Plaza Residence is well-located for both transport links and amenities, with the beach just a ten-minute drive away and Istanbul’s Ataturk airport only a 20 minute drive away.

Formed of only two blocks of 11 floors and a total of 199 apartments, Crest Plaza Residence boasts a wide range of facilities including fitness centre, swimming pool, Turkish bath, steam room, sauna, health club, cinema room, meeting room, BBQ terrace, games room, library and children’s playground.

Starting at £60,000, a range of spacious one, two and three bedroom duplex penthouse apartments are available. All either overlook the landscaped gardens or a newly appointed park soon to be completed and the project also has the benefit of 24-hour security.

For more information about Universal21, visit www.universal21.com or call 0203 287 8700.

• Istanbul most improved emerging world city in the last five years (JLL)
• Istanbul now ranked within the top 20 of the world’s most important business hubs (JLL)
• UK buyers lead interest in Istanbul’s property market accounting for 21.51% of all 2015 enquiries (Universal21)

As an international hub, where East meets West, Istanbul has emerged as a city of business, culture and huge potential. The most recent report from global firm JLL confirms Istanbul’s title as one of Europe’s ‘Big Four’ megacities, standing alongside London, Moscow and Paris.

Istanbul was revealed as the most improved emerging world city during the last five years on a range of performance indicators and its economic fundamentals were highlighted as being stronger than many of its global peer cities.

JLL’s Index of Commercial Attraction sees Istanbul ranking amidst the world’s top 20 most important business hubs and that among its emerging world city peers, Istanbul stands out for having significantly improved as a trusted financial center, a home to innovation and commerce, as well as for infrastructure improvements.

It is the blend of all these attributes that is attracting prospective UK buyers to the city’s growing property market. Universal 21, the largest management company based in Istanbul, has certainly witnessed a wealth of interest from UK buyers, accounting for the majority of all 2015 enquiries in comparison to any other nation.

Their most recent statistics show that interest from the UK accounted for 21.51% of last year’s enquiries, considerably higher than USA interest that ranked second with 8.34%. Adil Yaman, Director of Universal21, is confident in Istanbul’s lasting worldwide appeal. He explains,

“As a city, Istanbul has become a key player on the international stage, enhancing its potential as an investment hotspot. Not only has Istanbul’s successful transformation into a global city of business now been recognised, but its unique location and historical architecture has also allowed it to preserve an element of wonder that appeals to prospective European buyers, especially those from the UK.”

Situated in the Beylikdüzü district of Istanbul, Crest Plaza Residence recently launched by Universal21 offers an ideal investment opportunity for 2016. Crest Plaza Residence is well-located for both transport links and amenities, with the beach just a ten-minute drive away and Istanbul’s Ataturk airport only a 20 minute drive away.

Formed of only two blocks of 11 floors and a total of 199 apartments, Crest Plaza Residence boasts a wide range of facilities including fitness centre, swimming pool, Turkish bath, steam room, sauna, health club, cinema room, meeting room, BBQ terrace, games room, library and children’s playground.

Starting at £60,000, a range of spacious one, two and three bedroom duplex penthouse apartments are available. All either overlook the landscaped gardens or a newly appointed park soon to be completed and the project also has the benefit of 24-hour security.

For more information about Universal21, visit www.universal21.com or call 0203 287 8700.

• Turkish Airlines increase number of daily flights to Abu Dhabi and Dubai 
• New direct flight routes make Istanbul more desirable as property investment location (Universal21)
• Istanbul New Airport to generate over 200 new routes flying to 350 worldwide destinations

Turkish Airlines has launched daily flights from Abu Dhabi to Istanbul, almost doubling the weekly flight frequency from four to seven services. The winner of the ‘Best Airline in Europe’ award at the 2015 Skytrax World Airline Awards, Turkey’s leading carrier has also unveiled additional flights to Dubai, increasing its capacity on routes to the most populous city in the UAE by nearly 50%.

A bold move that indicates growing confidence in the market, strengthening the direct flight routes between Istanbul and the UAE will inevitably support direct investment routes between the two nations, increasing foreign direct investment (FDI).

Establishing a greater physical connection between Istanbul and central cities within the UAE could create an array of opportunities for potential investors looking to Turkey, particularly in relation to the country’s thriving property market. Additional flights suggest an increase in demand and with holiday and business travel to Istanbul growing, so too will its attraction as a viable investment destination.    

Adil Yaman, Director of Universal 21, the largest management company based in Istanbul, is confident in Turkey’s blossoming relationship with the UAE and all it has to offer both parties. He comments,

“We speak with potential investors from UAE nations on a regular basis and would expect their interest in Istanbul’s housing market to continue to grow throughout this year. The new direct flight routes make Turkey, and Istanbul especially, far more accessible to these nations and therefore even more desirable as a property investment location.”

Istanbul Ataturk Airport, the home hub for national carrier, Turkish Airlines, is now Europe’s third busiest airport according to the latest traffic figures released by anna.aero, a leading provider of airline network news and analysis. Their data for 2015 revealed that Istanbul Ataturk’s passenger numbers have grown by a colossal 164% since 2007.

This significant increase of activity at Istanbul Ataturk is paving the way for the construction of Istanbul’s aptly named New Airport, set to become one of the biggest and busiest international airports in the world. Once the fourth and final phase of construction is finished in 2028 it will boast six runways, generate over 200 new routes with flights to 350 destinations and an annual capacity of 200 million passengers, more than double that of Dubai International Airport’s 2015 record of 78 million passengers.

As the only city in the world to occupy two continents, Istanbul’s location will allow the New Airport to serve as the biggest interchange between Europe and Asia. Adil Yaman, believes that this location is key to Istanbul’s increasing popularity, he explains more,

“Istanbul’s prime location will enable the new airport to prosper as an international hub, connecting the East with the West in one outstanding structure that offers world class service and amenities. Transport links to the area of the new airport are excellent and do not suffer from the common congestion found in central areas of Istanbul. This makes property in districts like the middle class neighbourhood of Beylikdüzü even more attractive to investors. As Istanbul becomes even more accessible to a global audience, we would expect the building of this new airport to spark a heightened interest in the investment opportunities available in the city.”

Universal21’s most recent development is the Crest Plaza Residence, situated in the Beylikdüzü area of Istanbul. Crest Plaza Residence is well-located for both transport links and amenities, with the beach just a ten-minute drive away and Ataturk airport and Istanbul’s New Airport only a 20 minute drive away.

Formed of two blocks of 11 floors and a total of 199 apartments, Crest Plaza Residence boasts a wide range of facilities including fitness centre, swimming pool, Turkish bath, steam room, sauna, health club, cinema room, meeting room, BBQ terrace, games room, library and children’s playground.

Starting at £60,000, a range of spacious one, two and three bedroom apartments are available, with the additional choice of duplex roof apartments. All either overlook the landscaped gardens or a newly appointed park soon to be completed and the project also has the benefit of 24-hour security.

For more information about Universal21, visit www.universal21.com or call 0203 287 8700.

• Istanbul one of the world’s top European cities for investment and development prospects (PwC and the Urban Land Institute)
• Istanbul’s potential continues to shine through to investors (Universal21)
• Turkey’s economy has become synonymous with stability and success (Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu)

The latest Real Estate report from PwC and the Urban Land Institute ranks Istanbul as one of the top European cities with the best investment prospects. Placed above the capital cities of Edinburgh and London and climbing an impressive six places from last year’s listings, 2016 is set to be another positive year for Istanbul’s housing market.

Despite the recent political uncertainty that could have potentially deterred investment, these most recent findings suggest that Istanbul’s young demographic, coupled with the influx of new-build property, will keep its real estate market at the forefront of many investors’ minds. According to Cushman & Wakefield research, by Q2 of 2015 there were 1.9 million square metres of space under construction in Istanbul, and this increasing demand for property looks set to continue.

Adil Yaman, Director of Universal 21, the largest management company based in the city, is confident in Istanbul’s investment potential and believes that Turkey’s largest city is definitely one to watch for international investors throughout 2016. He comments,

“Istanbul has made significant advances in recent years, especially in relation to its real estate market and its ability to attract overseas investors. Property in Istanbul is still in high demand and I believe investors will be able to see its abundant potential shining through.

“We would expect 2016 to be another successful year for Istanbul’s housing market and PwC and the Urban Land Institute’s latest findings only confirm its place amongst key European cities with the best investment and development prospects.”

Turkey’s Prime Minister, Ahmet Davutoğlu, recently expressed his own confidence in the country’s future. Writing for The Wall Street Journal, he suggested that “Turkey’s economy has become synonymous with stability and success”, and one that will continue to appeal to both domestic and international investors. Looking towards a positive future, he added “the success of the past decade hasn’t weakened our resolve to go even further”.

Situated in the Beylikdüzü district of Istanbul, the newly launched Crest Plaza Residence from Universal21 offers an ideal investment opportunity for 2016. Just a 20 minute drive from Ataturk international airport, Crest Plaza Residence offer spacious living and  benefits from an array of facilities that include a fitness centre, swimming pool, Turkish bath, steam room, sauna, and health club. Prices start from only £60000. With a huge demand for rental properties this is a very attractive step into this market.

For more information about Universal21, visit www.universal21.com or call 0203 287 8700.

• 2016 will see more buyers choose homes with sporting attributes than ever before (Universal21)
• Turkish government to focus on growing sports tourism
• Turkey golf offering expands by 58% in 18 years (‘Turkey The Rising Star of Golf 2015’, KPMG)

“2016 is set to see a growth in demand for Turkish properties with sporting attributes, with more buyers choosing homes with a greater number of added health and leisure benefits than ever before,” says Adil Yaman, Director of Universal21.

A bold claim by the largest property management company in Istanbul, indicating an evolution in the country’s real estate market, but not an unfounded one.

The most recent figures from the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB) reveals that 2014 saw more than 550,000 ‘sports tourists’ visiting Turkey, spending on average near-on double that of a standard tourist, a total of over $900 million in 2014. Already an important part of the burgeoning tourism sector, this is an arena that the Turkish government have realised could be a hugely successful area for future growth.

Turkey’s sports tourism currently contributes around 1.5% of the nation’s tourist market, yet with a global worth of $180 billion, Turkey wants to increase their slice of the pie. Head of TÜRSAB, Başaran Ulusoy, explains about the renewed focus,

“The share of sports tourism reaches up to 25 percent in some countries. Turkey needs to increase the share of this sort of tourism”.

One sport in particular is drawing increasing numbers of tourists to Turkey: golf. With the country being referred to as “golf’s rising star” by President of the Turkish Golf Federation, Ahmet Ağaoğlu, and the latest addition to the European Tour calendar, the Turkish Airlines Open, placing the country on the international stage, golf tourism is increasingly big business.

Highlighted in the recently released ‘Turkey The Rising Star of Golf 2015’ report by KPMG, the demand for Turkish golf is seen to be rising, with impressive expansion in both the number of top courses available (an increase of 58% in the past 18 years) and the number of tourists playing them, this looks only set to continue in 2016 and beyond.

Whilst the majority of the current courses are centred around Belek, there are plans to extend the golfing reach throughout Turkey, with the excellent climate and transport links major draws for international golfing interest, according to the report. And with the country increasingly sports-tourism-focussed, this has been confirmed by the global head of sport at KPMG, Andrea Sartori, stating that “golf in Turkey looks to have a very bright future”.

Within this context of the increase in golf and sports tourism in general in Turkey, growing numbers of international visitors are already beginning to see the country as a sporting, fitness and health-centric location, with this predicted, in turn, to be reflected in the property market. Growing numbers are expected to look for a sports-focussed property in the coming year, whether to lay down roots full-time or for use as a holiday home.

Adil Yaman of Universal21, explains,

“It is wonderful to see the growing numbers of people discovering Turkey as a sporting destination, whether it is to enjoy a round of golf at one of our increasing number of internationally-acclaimed courses, watch a football match or make the very most of the stunning climate and swim in a pool or play a round of tennis under the Turkish sun.

“More and more buyers are responding to this move to a sporty lifestyle, and looking to purchase a property that supports this by providing them with additional on-site facilities to enhance a healthy lifestyle. We predict that this will emerge as a key trend for 2016, and are in fact already beginning to witness a growing number of enquiries into those projects with fitness or sports facilities on offer.”

One such project is the newly launched Crest Plaza Residence from Universal21. Situated in Beylikdüzü in Istanbul, the project offers an array of facilities that includes a fitness centre, swimming pool, Turkish bath, steam room, sauna, and health club. Just a 20 minute drive from Ataturk international airport and the new third airport and near to all amenities, Crest Plaza Residence is also close to the beach meaning that those outdoor types can swim in the sea or take a run along the sands.

With the majority of apartments offering balconies, a range of spacious one, two and three bedroom apartments are available, with the additional choice of duplex roof apartments. All either overlook the landscaped gardens or a newly appointed park soon to be completed and the project also has the benefit of 24-hour security. One bed apartments are priced from £60,000 / €86,000; 2 bed apartments from £84,000 / €120,000; 3 bed apartments from £141,000 / €202,000.

For more information about Universal21, visit www.universal21.com or call 0203 287 8700.