• Istanbul property sales to overseas buyers hit record peak, with increase of 56.7% in May 2015 compared to previous year (TurkStat)
• Growing interest in Istanbul property projects from Bahraini buyers (Universal21)
• Over 700% growth in number of Bahrain tourists visiting Turkey in past decade; new flights launched

Increasingly popular as one of the world’s hottest travel destinations, Turkey’s largest city of Istanbul is now also welcoming huge numbers of foreign buyers looking to make a savvy investment by buying into its property market. Latest figures from the Turkish Statistical Institute (Turkstat) uncover a surge in overseas purchasers in May this year, with an increase of 56.7% compared to the previous year, far outweighing the still impressive increase of 23.1% in the number of foreigners buying in Turkey overall, and registering a record level of sales.

Highlighting massive potential in terms of investment growth, as demand outstrips supply and new developments emerge to meet the rapidly increasing interest, there is one region that is particularly focussing on the Istanbul property market, increasing their interest and pouring money into the sector – Bahrain.

Leading property agency in Istanbul, Universal21, has certainly noticed this growing trend. Adil Yaman, Director of Universal21, explains more,

“The city is certainly seeing a Bahraini boost to its coffers as more and more investors recognise the open possibilities associated with buying property in Istanbul. With a rapidly expanding population and hugely increasing tourist market providing endless opportunities, now is certainly the time to purchase as part of the expanding property market and buyers from Bahrain are definitely seeing this, as has been shown in the growing numbers showing interest in our projects.”

In line with this increased Bahraini interest in Istanbul, the country’s national airline, Gulf Air, is adding new flights to its schedule from 11^th July, the result of which will mean up to 7 weekly flights to the city. This is in answer to the growing demand for such connections following an unprecedented increase in the number of Bahrain tourists visiting Turkey in recent years.

The past decade has seen a huge growth of over 700% in figures of Bahrain citizens arriving on Turkish shores, reaching the impressive rate of 24,305 in 2014 and these levels of touristic interest are only set to increase. This is especially true given Turkish Ambassador Hatun Demirer’s recent emphasis on the importance of the growing relations between the two nations. She commented,

“It is a source of pride for Turkey to attract an increasing number of Bahraini nationals to buy properties in Turkey either as holiday homes or for investment purposes. This is a clear indication of the confidence of Bahrainis in Turkey’s economy and a strong sign that they feel at home in Turkey.”

One such development that is attracting particular interest from overseas purchasers, and especially those from Middle East nations including Bahrain, is Universal21’s latest project, Diamond Residence.

Located in a quiet, relaxed area of the middle-class district of Old Beylikdüzü, Diamond Residence is just a 20-minute drive from the main Ataturk airport, a 10-minute walk from the major shopping centre of Marmara Park, and in close proximity to the beach and all amenities and restaurants.

Comprised of 148 beautifully-designed apartments of one, two and three bedrooms, there is a full range of excellent facilities available to ensure a luxurious and relaxed stay, including a fitness centre, vitamin bar, indoor swimming pool, children’s games room, cinema room and 24-hour security.

One bed apartments are priced from £57,000 / €78,000, with two bed apartments from £98,000 / €132,000. Find out about the rent guarantees offered to make this a perfect armchair investment!

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

• Construction area covered by new building permits throughout Turkey 39% higher in first 9 months of 2014 compared with previous year (Colliers)
• Istanbul new house sales increase by 40.1% in April 2015 vs April 2014 (TUIK)
• Turkish construction sector’s turnover increased by 4.6% in 2014 (ITE Group)

As Turkey continues to thrive as a top tourist destination for visitors from around the globe, its housing market continues to follow suit with growth in the construction sector reaching 2.9% for the first nine months of 2014. The latest Colliers Turkey Real Estate Review reveals that, within the same time period, the total construction area covered by new building permits throughout Turkey increased by 39% in comparison with 2013.

The rising demand for residential property can clearly be seen at a national level however it is most noticeable in the illustrious city of Istanbul, with sales of brand new houses in April 2015 increasing by 40.1% compared with the same month last year. A new record high, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK).

Adil Yaman, Director of Universal21, the leading property agency in South-West Istanbul, comments,

“Turkey’s construction sector is flourishing, increasing their total turnover by 4.6% in 2014, and Istanbul’s property market is at the forefront of this demand for new build projects. Proud to be central to Istanbul’s expanding real estate industry, we have definitely noticed an increase in enquires regarding new build properties.”

Recent analysis published by ITE Group suggests that with approximately 70% of Turkey’s population living in cities, the need for both housing and major infrastructure projects is critical, with the two often inextricably linked. Adil explains further,

“Before taking on any of our projects, we ensure that the location and surrounding amenities will fulfil the needs and expectations of our potential clients, as well as the design itself. Part of the success of Istanbul’s housing market is due to the progression of the city and the infrastructural developments that have and are being made throughout.”

Of three new developments due to be completed by the end of this summer, the most recent project in the Universal21 collection is Diamond Residence. Located in a quiet, relaxed area of Old Beylikdüzü, whilst still being in close proximity to all amenities and restaurants, the residence is comprised of 148 beautifully designed apartments. With both one and two bedroom apartments available, Diamond Residence is just a 20 minute drive from the main Ataturk international airport and a 10 minute walk from the area’s major shopping centre, Marmara Park.

More than just a residential development, the property also offers an array of excellent and functional facilities, including 24 hour security, a Vitamin Bar, fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, children’s game room and cinema room. With one bed apartments starting from £57,000 and two bed apartments from just £98,000, Universal21 are confident that Diamond Residence will meet the growing demand and high expectations for housing in Istanbul.

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

• Wellness tourism economy to increase 9.1% annually until 2017 (Global Wellness Institute)
• Middle East wellness tourism market rises by 39% in just one year (Spafinder Wellness 365)
• Significant growth of wellness Tourism features being transferred to the home (Universal21)

According to the latest report from the Global Wellness Institute, the wellness tourism economy is worth $439 billion, accounting for an incredible 14% of all tourism spending worldwide in 2013. This figure is projected to increase by 9.1% annually until 2017, totalling a growth rate that is nearly 50% higher than that of overall global tourism.

A trend set to impact tourism on an international scale, wellness has indubitably started to influence property markets around the world, with health and wellbeing related facilities becoming key features in many homes.

Indeed with travel now an integral part of everyday life, this emerging demand to make healthy choices whilst on the go is growing, for both business and leisure travellers. And although the success of wellness tourism is affecting the global market, it is the Middle East and North and Sub-Saharan Africa which have seen the most growth. The 2015 Spafinder Wellness 365 report highlights this industry development, with the former region showing a 39% growth and the latter 57% from 2012 to 2013.

With many wellness travellers now choosing a destination for cultural experiences, as well as its ability to optimise their health, Turkey is a becoming a favourite location due to its modern-day dedication to wellbeing. A recent study by Euromonitor International indicates that this touristic trend is now developing within Turkey’s domestic population, with their findings suggesting that as income and education levels rise, so does the consciousness of Turkish consumers when it comes to their health and wellbeing.

Monica Anca, Director of Universal21, the leading property agency in Istanbul, Turkey, further explains how this change is being implemented, with features of wellness tourism entering the home,

“The World Health Organisation defines ‘wellness’ as an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. There has been a definite shift in the tourism market towards wellbeing and the demand to provide services that do not only maintain a level of health, but also encourage and enrich such a lifestyle. Inevitably this trend is beginning to appear within the property market, with owners looking to benefit from similar features on a more day to day basis in their homes.

“We have certainly noticed an increase in health and wellbeing related enquiries especially within the Middle Eastern market, as investors look to ensure that properties are able to meet this growing demand. Constantly striving to guarantee client satisfaction, we take all the needs and demands of potential buyers into account when choosing new projects and hope to continue leading the market with original and contemporary real estate facilities.

“We are certainly surprised at how many people are using Istanbul for health reasons including such treatments as hair transplants, eye laser treatment and a whole host of operations and treatments. It is certainly a booming market especially when you consider that the city of Istanbul provides medical services with fifty-five public hospitals, five University hospitals and one hundred and six private hospitals from which twenty-one are in the process of being accredited. It’s the city with most accredited private hospitals by JCI.”

Universal 21’s latest development, Diamond Residence, is one such example of a development where we have organised an array of health and wellbeing amenities that are often more associated with luxury resorts and spas, the innovative design of this modern property allows for exclusive features, including a vitamin bar, fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, massage room and a Turkish bath.

Diamond Residence is located in a quiet, relaxed area of Old Beylikdüzü, a district of Istanbul renowned for its green open spaces. Similar to many European cities in relation to high amount of green space per person, Beylikdüzü houses an abundance of nature, with trees lining roads and walkways in addition to a stunning botanical park. Research published in the journal of Environmental Science and Technology 2014, demonstrates that living near parks and green spaces in towns and cities boosts your mental well-being, making Beylikdüzü a perfect setting to enhance a lifestyle of proactive health and wellbeing.

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

• 6% increase in numbers of foreigners buying properties in Istanbul in past 12 months (TurkStat)
• Turkey takes second place in Knight Frank Global House Price Index
• Istanbul registers 49.88% of Turkey’s visiting population, increase of 8.99% in numbers of foreign visitors arriving in Q1 2015 (Tourism Ministry)

Recent figures released by the Turkish Statistics Institute (TurkStat) have revealed that there has been a huge surge in property sales to foreign buyers in the past twelve months in Istanbul – but why such a momentous increase?

Comparing March 2015 figures with those of the same month in 2014 shows an impressive 14.6% growth in the numbers of foreigners buying properties in Turkey’s largest city, with these figures today forming 34% of all property sales in the city. Savvy investors are recognising that now is the ideal time to get on the Istanbul property ladder, with the city maintaining its top spot on the list of to-purchase Turkish destinations, taking close to 19% of all of the property transactions in the country.

And it is not just overseas buyers that are increasingly looking to Istanbul for a property purchase, the city is today a hugely popular location for transactions of this nature in general terms, registering a massive increase of 32.4% property sales in March this year compared to 2014 statistics, according to TurkStat.

Adil Yaman, Director of Universal21, the leading property agency in South-West Istanbul, notes some of the reasons why,

“With an expanding infrastructure, new ground-breaking projects under development and historic and cultural charm that is second to none, combined with a mesmerising feeling of east meeting west, Istanbul has much to offer both the short-term visitor and the longer-term property purchaser. There is a really positive, exciting vibe of growth and evolution in the city today, drawing international attentions and increasingly so.”

It is hard to ignore the national context of stand-out property price growth too, which has earned Turkey worldwide recognition. The Knight Frank Global House Price Index for Q4 2014 placed the nation second only to Ireland in terms of its house price growth, an increase of 16.2% growth year-on-year and an impressive 10.3% change in just 6 months. Making it clear why it is gaining so much attention from those around the world looking to make a shrewd property purchase, Turkey is relishing its place as the country with the second highest worldwide change in the last twelve months.

A noticeable increase by any standards but what is also helping to draw so many from overseas to make a purchase in Turkey is the outstanding economic growth the country is also witnessing. The European Commission, in releasing its Spring Economic Forecast this month predicted that Turkey would register a 0.3% increase in GDP this year, placing it ahead of 24 EU member states. And this is not set to be a flash in the pan. The Forecast also flagged an additional 0.5% growth in GDP next year, taking figures to 3.7% for 2016, making this another point of consideration for longer-term investors.

Alongside this, Turkish tourism is booming – especially in Istanbul. The opening quarter of this year saw a growth of 1.3% in tourism revenue (taking it to a total of $4.87 billion), generated from an increase of 5.5% in visitors to the country (taking Turkish tourists to 5.3 million in Q1 2015). In Istanbul in particular, Turkey’s top to-visit destination, there was an above the curve increase of 8.99% in the numbers of foreign visitors arriving, according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

For those looking to purchase a property that can be rented to these visitors, such investors are also in luck. Taking 49.88% of Turkey’s visiting population, Istanbul registers far more visitors than its closest rival of Antalya with 15.89%, according to the Tourism Ministry. And there are many property options that are perfect created to suit this growing demand. Diamond Residence from Universal21, for example, comprises a range of 148 beautifully designed apartments of one and two bedrooms situated in a quiet relaxed area of Old Beylikdüzü, Istanbul’s upmarket neighbourhood.

Just a 20 minute drive from the main Ataturk airport, a short drive from the beach and a 10 minute walk from the area’s major shopping centre, Marmara Park, Diamond Residence also offers an array of excellent and functional facilities including 24 hour security, a Vitamin Bar, fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, children’s games room and cinema room.

One bed apartments are priced from £57,000 / €78,000, with two bed apartments priced from £98,000 / €132,000.

For more information, contact Universal21 on 0203 287 8700, or visit www.universal21.com

• 30% increase in Qatari tourists to Turkey from 2013-14 (Turkish Airlines)
• Foreign property sales increase by 28% in comparison with 2014 (TurkStat)
• Istanbul agent sees 400% increase in sales to Arab investors, doubling Arabic speaking Salesforce (Universal21)

2015 marks the Year of Culture between Turkey and Qatar, an event to celebrate the cultural partnerships between Qatari and Turkish organisations, institutions and individuals. As the strong relationship between the two countries continues to develop, the General Manager of Turkish Airlines in Qatar confirms that Istanbul has now become a favourite tourist destination for Qatari nationals, with a remarkable 30% increase in the number of Qatari tourists who visited in 2014.

With over five direct flights a day between the two countries, Turkey is now an extremely viable holiday hotspot for both Qatar and many other Arab nations. The dramatic surge in tourism from Qatari nationals, as well as other Arab citizens, has had a positive effect on foreign investment in Turkish property. A statement from the Turkish Statistics Institute (TurkStat) last month highlighted that foreign property sales have increased by 28% since this time last year, with Istanbul being the most popular area of interest.

Monica Anca, Director of Universal21, the leading property agency in South-West Istanbul, comments further,  

“As Turkey becomes more popular throughout the Arab nations as a tourist destination, prospective investors will be able to see the undeniable potential the Turkish property market has to offer. We have definitely noticed an increase in interest and subsequent sales to Arab investors, with our figures showing that they now comprise 25% of our total sales.

“2014 figures revealed that approximately 1 in 20 of our clients were from other Arab countries. This proportion has already inflated dramatically this year, with 1 in 5 clients now coming from Arab nations, an increase of around 400%. Currently 65% of our lead enquiries are coming from Arab nationals outside of Turkey and I believe that this trend will continue, with foreign investment becoming significant to the future of Istanbul’s property market.”

As the rising interest in Turkey’s property market, and specifically in the economic hub of Istanbul, continues to grow, so too will the demand for high quality investment opportunities. With an increasing number of Arab buyers seeking to become part of Istanbul’s appeal as a property hotspot, Universal21 has a range of property options available in order to meet this growing need in the market.

Universal21’s Anfa Life Residence, for example, is a masterpiece in construction, with finishes of the highest quality and located in the heart of Beylikdüzü, an upcoming district in Istanbul. With 13 floors of residential apartments, Anfa Life boasts a range of shops as well as an array of excellent facilities on the top floor, including a cinema, Hamam, spa, sauna, health and fitness club, cafeteria and a children’s play area.

Properties span one and two bedroom apartments, each luxuriously planned and taking full advantage of the space. All apartments are beautifully finished with high standard kitchens and granite-style worktops, with sunken spotlights throughout and with stunning bathrooms, ensuring that finishing standards for Anfa Life are one of the best seen in Istanbul, with special attention paid to all details, making them the perfect investment choice. Rental yields are up to 7%, with a 5-year rental guarantee, and prices for one bed apartments start at $102,000, with two bed apartments priced from $163,000.

We are also offering other developments more suitable for residential lifestyle, such as 3 bedroom and 4 bedroom apartments in quiet residential areas and Eco Friendly villas with up to 7 bedrooms, lake and sea views and a high standard of specification. We cater for most clients requirements, including assistance with residents’ permits for the whole family.

For more information on this and other investment options in Istanbul, contact Universal21 on 0203 287 8700, or visit www.universal21.com

Universal21 is the leading property agency in South-West Istanbul, with a range of projects that offer investment opportunities in a growing market. Director Adil Yaman explains more about the company, his role and the exciting Istanbul market.

As Director, what does your role include?

“I am responsible for developing sales through our own sales force and contracting local agencies; added to this I also look to develop our media coverage and lead generation. I am always seeking to source new contacts and developments for our pipeline; this involves carrying out thorough due diligence on each project of interest and regrettably many do not make the grade. Our focus is always on maintaining the highest of standards.”

How did you become involved with Universal21?

“I am one of the three Founders of Universal21. I met Philip Skorochod and Monica Anca, the other partners, on previous projects they were selling to the international market. My team was focused on dealing with local sales and we worked on two projects jointly and discovered a good synergy between us – the rest is history! Last year our sales turnover was in excess of 20 million Turkish lira ($8mil USD) and we are looking to double that in 2015.”

What do you think 2015 holds for the Turkish property market?

“The market is being forced to grow due to rapid migration and expansion of the local population and as more foreigners see the investment potential. Outside Istanbul’s CBD prices are still sustainably cheaper compared to other European cities such as Prague, Budapest, Bucharest and Sofia. Istanbul has a ready-made market for rental management as there is such a huge influx of students each year and a lot of transitional employees whilst there is also very little progress in respect of campuses because the cost of land is prohibitive.

“The high percentage of young people in terms of the overall demographic will ensure that the rental market remains buoyant and with the new airport and canal developments in the close vicinity of Beylikdüzü, continued demand and growth is ensured.

“The spectacular changes since the Arab Spring is making Middle Eastern buyers look at Istanbul as a safe haven and we expect a rapid growth in this area of our business. We are also seeing the beneficial effects of the new capital gains tax in the UK and this, together with some of the issues surrounding the student market, is starting to drive traffic to Istanbul. The government’s plans to increase the international student market by 500% in the next decade will also naturally assist this growth.”

With Istanbul tourism at an all-time high, what would be your top tip for an investor currently looking at the options available in the market?

“Do not buy in tourist areas as the prices are far too high and yields low. Deal with a good rental management company who have the same values as yourself and look to studios and one bedroom units for high growth potential and higher yields if you are looking purely at investment as larger properties do not give the same returns.

“As is written in all property books the essence of investment in property is always location, location, location! Buy close to major shopping centres, near metro links and all necessary local amenities as most people in Istanbul do not want a car because it is too expensive to tax, buy and insure, petrol is very expensive, roads are congested and young people prefer to walk or use public transport to get around. They prefer to spend their money on renting a fully furnished apartment in a good residential development.

“It is always a challenge for any foreigner to buy overseas and as a company we understand the concerns and lack of familiarity with local laws and customs so take care of all of this for our clients. We make sure we walk our clients through the buying process step by step and we are there afterwards 24/7. Universal21 understands the fundamentals of investment and client care and we see a sale as an opportunity to build a long term relationship based on trust and confidence in our ability to deliver.”

Do you have a favourite Universal21 project and if so why?

“Yes, Anfa Life. This project is developed for both family life and investment, it is competitively priced for the area and is within easy walking distance of local shops, shopping malls and public transport. The beach is close by, the existing airport and new airport are within 20 minutes of the development – it ticks all the boxes.”

What is it about Beylikdüzü that sets it apart from other districts within Istanbul?

“Beylikdüzü is the fastest growing district in Istanbul. High population growth has been predicted, it boasts superb educational standards with more than 20% of people having a degree, it has five universities, lots of shopping malls and the main Istanbul exhibition centre. Being located close to both airports is also very important to overseas clients, as of course is price, and it is still relatively cheap in comparison to central districts.”

At Universal21, you pride yourselves on the rental management and rental guarantee options available. What are the benefits of this service and how does this differ to other Istanbul-based property investment?

“If a client chooses to use a mortgage to finance their purchase then they need guaranteed income, they cannot afford void periods and we take away the insecurity of this, as well as all dealings with the tenants. We also provide to clients the service of a regular visit to clean and check the property if the purchase is used as a holiday home.

“As a company we pride ourselves on always offering the best located projects, other developers and agents often fail to provide any aftersales services or use third party agents who quite frankly are not up to the task. Our motto says it all: ‘What we provide after the sale is what makes us exceptional’.

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

• Istanbul ranked 20^th in PWC’s Emerging Trends in Real Estate Europe 2015 report – Prime locations hold best growth prospects
• District of Beylikdüzü has seen 30-40% growth in rents for furnished apartments in past 2 years
• 6% growth in number of property sales to foreigners in Istanbul in 2014 (TurkStat) – Universal21 offering excellent investment opportunities and range of property management services

Istanbul is a buy-to-let dream. Not only is the population growing at an unprecedented rate but the city is today ranked 20^th in PWC’s Emerging Trends in Real Estate Europe 2015 report as a market to watch, with the very same document claiming “Istanbul has a lot of growth potential… Projects are coming alive in prime locations” – and this is certainly true.

The district of Beylikdüzü is one such prime location: upmarket, a shopping haven and a true cultural melting pot, home to increasing numbers of Istanbul’s middle-class population. Beylikdüzü is the symbol of Istanbul’s contemporary transformation: big scale on-going international projects combined with a good infrastructure. It is here that the population has doubled in the last five years and rents for furnished apartments have grown by around 30-40% over the past two, meaning that increasing numbers of savvy investors are looking to this growing location to purchase buy-to-let property.

Adil Yaman, Director of Universal21, the leading property agency in South-West Istanbul, explains more,

“Beylikdüzü is certainly a destination to watch. On the coast, with its own marina, five universities, the largest exhibition centre in the city, three private hospitals and as home to Istanbul’s very best shopping centres, whilst offering an array of choices for luxurious property options and modern resort-style living, it is clear to see why the district has become synonymous with the upper middle-classes, and in turn with amazing buy-to-let potential.”

This growing interest in Beylikdüzü is part of an impressive 55.6% growth in the number of property sales to foreigners in Istanbul in 2014, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat), resulting in a total of 18,959 properties having been purchased by buyers from outside of Turkey. Confidence in the Istanbul market is growing and these figures are on track to grow further still as 2015 unfolds.

In line with this growth, three Istanbul streets are now ranked in the top ten streets in the world for rent increases, as has been revealed in the ‘Main Streets Across the World 2014-2015’ report by Cushman & Wakefield meaning that the city is today well and truly a major player on the world stage of property investment, with buy-to-let investors from a diverse range of regions from Europe to the Middle East and all between, looking to the region to grow their bank balances.

And as more and more eyes turn to this Turkish hotspot, the blossoming figures can be said to have attributed to the healthy growth in Istanbul’s ‘investment prospects score’, according to the PWC Emerging Trends Europe 2015 report, from 3.07 in 2010 to a 2015 figure of 3.4. The local property market is in fine fettle and this is sure to be only the beginning for Turkey’s largest city.

In line with this, the leading property agency in South-West Istanbul, Universal21, have a range of property options in Beylikdüzü for Istanbul residents that make the perfect investment for those looking to purchase for buy-to-let. Not only are the properties of the highest standard, the company also offers a management service that ensures that any rental is simple and profitable. With its proved experience, Universal21 are offering not only a guaranteed rental income, but also an investment opportunity that is flourished with a wide range of professional services that are supported by a British company structure.

Universal21’s Anfa Life Residence, for example, is a masterpiece in construction, with finishes of the highest quality and located in the very heart of the district of Beylikdüzü. With 13 floors of residential apartments, and due to open next month, the development boasts a range of shops as well as an array of excellent facilities on the top floor, including a cinema, Hamam, spa, sauna, health and fitness club, cafeteria and a children’s play area.

Properties span one and two bedroom apartments, each luxuriously planned and taking full advantage of the space. All apartments are beautifully finished with high standard kitchens and granite-style worktops, with sunken spotlights throughout and with stunning bathrooms, ensuring that finishing standards for Anfa Life are one of the best seen in Istanbul, with special attention paid to all details, making them the perfect investment choice. Rental yields are up to 7%, with a 5-year rental guarantee, and prices for one bed apartments start at $102,000, with two bed apartments priced from $163,000.

For more information on this and other investment options in Istanbul, contact Universal21 on 0203 287 8700, or visit www.universal21.com