Straight Talk: Why buy property in Antalya, Turkey's Mediterranean centre


Considered the very heart of Turkey's Mediterranean coastline, Antalya has been a central hub for millennia.

Since it was founded in the second century BC, Antalya has been home to the Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and the Ottomans - and today it's still considered one of Turkey's most important cities.


Ancient and new

The city is a fascinating blend of modernity and history. Exploring Kaleci, the old town, allows you to step back in time, echoing the generations that have walked the cobbled streets before you. Leaving the old town is like stepping forward in time, says Property Turkey director Cameron Deggin.

"When you come out through Hadrian's Gate you'll find one of the fastest growing metropoles, with a population of 2.5 million," Deggin says.

But not just any city, he explains. The beautiful Konyaalti Beach (which has Blue Flag certification) and Lara Beach are within easy reach of just about everywhere in the city. There are world class museums, theatres - including the incredible Aspendos Theatre - international schools and top medical facilities.

And the wider region holds a wealth of incredible destinations: Belek, which has become a world-class golfing centre; sunny and friendly Side, green and beautiful Kemer, and bohemian Kas.

"There really is something for everyone," Deggin says.

Konyaalti Beach, Antalya


My Antalya

"The first time I came to Antalya was as a teenager in 1988," Deggin says.

"At the time the population was 250,000, now it's 10 times that. But the interesting thing that amazes me, unlike other parts of Turkey there was some excellent urban planning, milestone works."

As the city has developed, uniformity has helped maintain Antalya's profile, he adds.

"They've kept it stable in terms of building heights, shape of building, urban planning."

This stable growth has resulted in a sea resort with a large metropolitan centre, Deggin says. This means that unlike other Turkish resorts, which tend to be seasonal, Antalya is a year-round destination.

Antalya region


A seaside resort with heft

Strolling the streets along the Konyaalti beachfront, it's impossible not to notice the distinct feel of a seaside town, he says.

But more than a beach resort, the city has everything one could possibly want.

"You're in a 2.5m population city where you can find anything and everything you would want to sustain year-round life. And visitors will discover there are at least 20 languages are spoken and a large existing expat population."

Antalya Airport has grown along with the city, and passengers can now take direct flights to 365 destinations across Europe and Asia.

Antalya Old Town


Investing in Antalya property

Few Turkish cities have the property investment potential of Antalya, Deggin says.

Antalya property is high quality, and in high demand. The city's growth has been driven by young professionals moving to Antalya for work. And they need rentals, Deggin says.

"You can do long term rentals easily. Put your property in the market: you'll find a tenant in two days."

Short-term holiday lets are also possible, especially given Antalya's year-round lifestyle.

"Unlike other centres where the tourism is confined to a four-month season, in Antalya you don't have a season. In summer you have the beach brigade and in the winter you have the golfers. And the ski season is developing, too."

There's "massive diversity" in price, Deggin says. Buyers can find anything from small one-bed apartments for $60,000, to luxury seafront panoramic properties for $850,000. And everything in between.

But the main point is, a beach resort lifestyle is not out of your price range, Deggin explains. "You can find a three or four-bedroom apartment that's spacious, within walking distance to the beach, for 250-280k euros.

"What more do you want? You can't buy a shed in London for that."

Antalya is being discovered more and more as a property destination, Deggin says. "It's always been a tourist destination, but I'm seeing more and more people enquiring about Antalya. Over the next two or three years i can see Antalya's star rising rapidly further afield."

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