Frequently asked questions:
Health:
One of the number one concerns for expatriates going to live abroad in a country like Turkey, where there is no reciprocal agreement with the British NHS and where there is a large discrepancy between the quality of infrastructure and services in different locations, is healthcare – both the availability of it and the quality of care.
However, the good news is that for expats in Turkey, there is actually very little to worry about! In this guide to the essential healthcare information for expats living in Turkey we will explain everything from how the healthcare system works to who should get insurance in place and from whom.
For those with a property in Turkey who just travel to and from it every year for a holiday or two, there is probably no need to get any form of private medical insurance in place in Turkey – rather it should be sufficient to get a decent holiday insurance policy. For those who travel relatively frequently an annual policy can be more cost effective, and just ensure that Turkey is on the list of countries covered by the policy for medical expenses.
The good news for those living in Turkey – whether for all or just extended periods each year - is that healthcare is not exorbitantly expensive. The vast majority of highly dense population centres in Turkey have private hospitals as well as private clinics and a whole range of chemists that can dispense many medicines over the counter without the need for a prescription. In other words, getting medical attention is not difficult.
We have watched the ADA PRIVATE HOSPITAL being converted from a hotel over the past 2 years. Aside from cosmetic surgery, dental care and the full range of medical facilities it has a 24 hour, 7 days a week Accident and Emergency unit with a fast response ambulance service.
In Turkey many of the doctors and physicians have received extensive training and experience in the likes of the US and even the UK or Germany, meaning that not only are they of course well trained, but they are experienced and also experienced at working with people of all nationalities. English is spoken by all key staff.
Because Turkey’s medical system is therefore international, and because the quality of the facilities available are so high-grade and yet affordable as day-to-day living costs in Turkey as well as wages for everyone from the hospital porter to the top physician are far lower than in the UK for example, Turkey is gaining a reputation as an affordable overseas destination for quality cosmetic surgery. Other medical services that people travel to Turkey for include fertility treatment and cosmetic dentistry, and this should just go to show that for an expat living full time in Turkey, not only is the level and quality of care available first world, but that it is not so highly priced as to be impossible to afford.
You can take a risk and pay as you go for healthcare in Turkey, but the majority of those living full time in Turkey take out an insurance policy. There are various levels of cover, but the most basic will cover for a limited number of doctor’s appointments and hospital treatment. Other levels of cover can include covering the cost of prescription medicines and even services such as physiotherapy, outpatient care and home assistance for the elderly or infirm. Naturally, the more comprehensive your policy, the more it will cost. British and international insurers will all offer quotes for cover in Turkey, but you might just be better off taking out insurance with a local Turkish insurer. Just ensure there is no period that you will have to wait before you can be covered, that any pre-existing conditions are taken into consideration and that the insurance company is substantial, backed by a large financial institution, is reputable, has been in business for a long time and isn’t likely to disappear on you if you have to make a large claim!
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Getting there:
All year round flights to Izmir from Heathrow, Gatwick and many major UK and Irish cities with BA, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa and many more. The flight takes under 4 hours and the time difference works in your favour. Kusadasi is about 45 minutes drive from the newy built Izmir airport. There is a fast motorway or you can take the coastal scenic route. Taxis cost about 50 Euros and car rental is comparatively cheap.
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Rental potential:
There is a growing holiday rental market which will give you a return on your investment or pay your Turkish mortgage. Comparitive prices of similar Villas suggest that a rental of £600 per week could be realised on your Villa in the summer months. However these Villas are not 'similar' to the type, style and design of Tuba Village. We are confident that the completed development will create a good deal of rental interest from the discerning family market.
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After - sales and Maintenance:
TVL have contacts with a local firm who specialise in taking care of foreign owned property. All repairs, gardening, pool cleaning etc can be arranged. Your villa can be prepared for you for your arrival.
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Can I choose my kitchen and bathroom?
Of course; we can offer any specification to your choice from the specified ranges or subject to cost and availability any specification you want.
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Can I have a different layout?
We are seasoned property people and can offer you a bespoke design. Obviously this will need to be within planning and regulations but we can consider any request you might have. If you require A bigger Villa this can be done subject to cost. Should you require specialist design for example wheel chair access we can do it. Just ask.
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Can I get a mortgage?
Yes. 80% mortgages are available to foreign nationals. These can be obtained in the UK from both Turkish and Dutch banks.
How much of my property is available to mortgage?
DenizBank and others offer 80% to non-Turkish citizens. This will vary dependent upon construction, as a building framework must be complete before application granted.
How long will the mortgage approval process take?
On the condition that a full list of details required is received – approval for Horizon Sky owners should take no longer than 7-10 days.
Will I need to travel to Turkey to acquire a mortgage?
Non-Turkish citizens will be required to go to Turkey around completion for the whole process to be approved and to sign the contract.
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Who can buy property in Turkey?
According to the law passed in January 2006 on property purchases by foreigners in Turkey, foreign nationals are able to purchase property in Turkey in their own name as long as reciprocity exists between their home nation and Turkey, in the case of the United Kingdom this does exist. Foreign nationals may also buy property through a Turkish Company. Foreigners are required to seek 'military clearance' which ensures the land has no strategic significance. This takes about 6 weeks.
Should I Use a Solicitor?
The use of a solicitor is not compulsory, but you are perfectly entitled to seek separate legal advice for comfort if you wish. There are many very good English speaking lawyers in Turkey. TVL have close links with trusted Turkish Solicitors and can advise.
Does the property have clean and good legal title?
This is easy to check with the TAPU (Land Registry) office, all our land is thoroughly checked to ensure there is a clear and unencumbered title which can be passed on to each property owner.
Are properties Leasehold or Freehold?
Whilst this sort of distinction is not commonly used in Turkey, the type of ownership that is offered on our project is what most people would understand as ‘freehold’ - fully registered legal title in perpetuity.
Can I buy more than one property?
Yes, you can purchase up to a maximum of 2 Hectares in your own name.
Is military permission hard to get?
Not at all, it is an administrative process that takes around six weeks to complete and costs a few hundred pounds. If you purchase a property through a Turkish company you do not need military permission. We have never heard of this being denied.
Is it difficult to open a bank account?
Opening a bank account is quick and easy, the bank will open accounts for you in any currency you may need to use.
How much money can I take to Turkey?
There are no restrictions on the amount of money, in either local or foreign currency, that you can take to Turkey.
How much money can I take out of Turkey?
In cash any amount as long as you have declared it on the way in, if not a maximum of $5,000 or the equivalent foreign currency.Through a bank or financial institution there are no limits to the amount of money you can take out of Turkey.
What is my tax liability?
You may be liable for the following taxes:
- Property Purchase Tax - This is payable on receipt of your TAPU (deed) and is 3% of the value of the property.
- VAT - When buying real estate of less than 150m2, from a company there is VAT of 1%.
- Stamp Duty - This is not the same as UK stamp duty, this is a charge for the notarising of contracts and is a small administration fee.
- Real Estate Tax - This is an annual tax of 0.1% of the stated value of the property, subject to annual increases by the government.
- Personal Income Tax - You are liable for personal income tax on rental income and capital gains, however, capital gains tax can be avoided if the property is held for more than four years, and remembering that the capital gain is based on the stated value of the property. Personal income tax is currently on a sliding scale from 15%-35%.
- Inheritance Tax - This is dealt with under a reciprocity agreement, and is currently on a sliding scale from 1%-10%.
- Environmental Service Tax - This a local water and management charge by the local council, it is relatively inexpensive and is currently 0.13 YTL per m3 of water used.
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To Do
For the kids; the beaches are really suberb, well kept and very safe. There are numerous centrally and all around the city. There are 3 water parks which are a great day out. Have a cold Ephes beer while the little ones do what they do best - have a lot of fun!
For a picnic and leisurely swim in warm waters, theNational Park is within 20 minutes drive.
Want to be more active, no problem, like to sail, swim, scuba dive or fish in some of the cleanest waters in the world? Kusadasi has the 2nd deepest harbour on the Aegean, it has a huge marina where people come from far and wide to berth or maintain their boats. You can hire a boat and a crew to sail you into the blue horizon.
The antiquities in Turkey are famous; Kusadasi is well located for many of the most important of these. Hundreds of cruise liners dock here to allow their guests to visit Ehphesus, Virgin Mary's House and a host of ancient Greek stone villages.
Or maybe some wine to take home?
Golf anyone?
A new 18 hole Golf Course is under construction just 2 KM from the site. This will be ready in 2009 and will make your investment even more attractive. It might also improve your golf.
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About Kusadasi
The early settlements in Kusadasi were by the Lelegians and Carians who moved from the central Anatolia around the year of 3000BC. They were the establishers of a colony on the skirts of Pilav Mountain in Kusadasi, and founded the cities Ania and Melia. Mild climate allowed the inhabitants to grow essential products such as olive, grape and figs for extracting oil or making wine and sweets on the fertile lands around the city.
In the 10th century BC "12 Ionian Cities "-Samos, Khios, Miletos, Priene, Ephesus, Teos, Erythrai, Priena, Klazonemi, Lebedos, Phokaia, Colophon, Smyrna, were established and reputed to be the most developed cities of that age. As the annual meeting place of the Ionian League, Panionian, was founded around Kusadasi; the cities of Phygale, Marathesion and Neopolis were established within the borders of the city. During the period, the ports of Phygale and Neopolis were not busy and necessary, as they were close to the famous trading centres and ports, Miletos and Ephesus.
The city was invaded by Persians around the year of 546BC. In 200BC Kusadasi and its environs were dominated by the Roman Empire, and with the division of the Roman Empire, became a state of Byzantine. As the changes in climate caused serious earthquakes and changed the route of Caystros River, Ephesus was mostly destroyed and lost its prior importance and prosperity. The result had forced Byzantines to search for a new port and a new road that would be suitable for trading. The area around Neopolis was found convenient by the Greek, Jewish, and Armenian merchants as a port in place of the port of Ephesus. "Scala Nova" was the name of this new port which added a new trading center to the prior historical cities such as Ania, Melia, Phygale and Neopolis, that have created the early foundations of today's Kusadasi. By the coming of the 15th century, "Scala Nova" was under the domination of the Venetian and Genoese sailors and traders who established consulates here.
The Turkish domination in the area entered upon the invasion of Seljukian Kilic Arslan the 2nd. The advantageous position of Kusadasi as its being at the end of the important trade roads such as Silk Road -once held by Ephesus, influenced the development of the city in trading, positively.
Kusadasi began to be ruled by the Ottoman Empire after the invasion of Sultan Mehmet Celebi in the year of 1413. During the reign of Ottomans, Kusadasi was introduced to glorious structures, giving a new look to its former spectacular view. Okuz Mehmet Pasa Caravanserai is the principal of Ottoman architecture in the city, was built by the man of the same name, who was the vizier during the reigns of Sultan Ahmet1 and Osman2. The fortress gates and walls and many mosques in the centre of Kusadasi, as well as the citadel of the castle on Pigeon Island, were built in the Ottoman period, reflecting the architectural style of the era. "Kusadasi " that means "bird island" took its name from the Pigeon Island.
After the First World War, Kusadasi was invaded by the Greeks (1919). The city won a long struggle for in 1922 and became a part of Turkish Republic. Izmir was the capital of Kusadasi until 1954. Then the capital was changed to Aydin and the city of Kusadasi has shown a good deal of development, especially in tourism.
Today, Kusadasi is one of Turkey's most sophisticated holiday centres; a perfect place for vacation with its sandy beaches and glassy water. The contrast of the lively holiday life with the quietness of ancient ruins create the special atmosphere of the city.
Kusadasi, one of Turkey's principal holiday resorts, offers an excellent environment for an unforgettable holiday. Situated on the west coast of Turkey- 90km south of Izmir, Kusadasi, is reputed for one of the most attractive city of the Aegean, as it is close to the important historical sites including Ephesus, Didyma, Priene, Miletos-the principals of ancient times, and ideal for sightseers.
Kusadasi has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, providing a long tourism season.The city is bathed in sunshine for 300 days of the year.
Numerous powdery sandy beaches with warm&clear waters, providing a peaceful atmosphere, allow a great variety of water and beach facilities. Windsurfing, water skiing, sailing and beach volley are only a few choice for the lovers of active life. After sunbathing restfully during the day, the city awaits the superb sunset. As the sun sets, the attractive cafes and restaurants through the palm-lined boulevard, get busier. It is a great delight to watch the comings and goings of the yachts and ships together with the panoramic view of the sunset, and a pre-drink before the dinner. The restaurants, serving a variety of fresh seafood &fish and Aegean specialties, offer a delicious meal in Kusadasi. Dancing and entertaining at a lively bar or a disco until dawn, may end an ideal day in Kusadasi.
According to the latest datum in 1995, the number of inhabitants in Kusadasi is about 50000. The population, consisting 99% Turks, increases rapidly with the beginning of the tourism season. The city has shown a rapid development and incredible growth since the 1970's, with the introducing of tourism.
The Kusadasi Setur Marina is one of the largest and best equipped marinas in Turkey with the capacity of 629 yachts both afloat and on shore, visited by between 2500-3000 boats each year. The marina is on the latitude of 37 52' 20''N and on the longitude of 27 15' 46''E. Custom, repair service, security are some of the 24 hour services in the marina.
Apart from the great historical beauties around Kusadasi, the city is also preserves excellent examples of Ottoman and Turkish mosques, located in the centum. "The Fortress Mosque", built by the vizier Okuz Mehmet Pasa in the 17th century, is the most impressive and monumental mosque in Kusadasi. Constructed in the area of 1800m2, the mosque has 550 person capacity. The main part of mosque is square-planned and covered by a large leaden dome- with the supports of 12 arches. Inner part of the dome is ornamented by geometrical designs and plant motives. The entrance door exemlifies the best of wood- working of Ottoman, decorated with mother of pearl. Between the 16 stained-glass windows, are the oil paintings decorated with Ion styled columns. "The Hanim Mosque" was constructed in1658 in the name of Haji Hatice Hatun, but was destroyed in 1922. The mosque was rebuilt by the inhabitants of Kusadasi between the years of 1951-57. The foundation walls of the minaret belong to the original construction. The simply decorated mosque is surrounded by a leaden dome. "Haji Ibrahim Mosque" exemplifies a different 17 century style of Ottoman architecture. The wooden ceiling of rectangular planned mosque is covered by roof tiles. "The Turkmen Mosque" and "The Camiatik Mosque" are the other sights located inside the centre of Kusadasi, in different districts.
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