Turkish property & economy news

Turkey's geographical significance as a bridge between east and west has played a large part in the country's fortunes. Now, its pivotal position is set to turn the country into an energy hub. Turkish President Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin have signed an agreement signalling the beginning of the new pipeline that will bring natural gas resources from Russia, through Turkey and to the European market. It's a chance for Turkey to transform to a world energy leader, and will have significant impacts on the country's economy.

The Banyan Tree has a global reputation for delivering discreet, high-level service in its luxury hotels. Now, the brand has partnered with a top local developer to develop a new project on the shores of Yalikavak. The Banyan Tree Residences offer incredible design and facilities a stone's throw from Bodrum's most sought-after centre. The high-calibre residences offer not only an incredible lifestyle opportunity, but a sound investment for anyone wishing to buy in at the ground level.

Istanbul's Media Highway region has become an investment hotspot as new developments draw buyers attracted by quality builds, favourable capital gains and high rental returns. The government has ploughed almost a billion dollars into the region's infrastructure and construction, improving links from Media Highway around the city and beyond. Discover why investors are turning to this central city area.

“The coup attempt did not have even a shadow of effect on the economy,” Turkey's prime minister has said. Cashflow into the country surpassed cashflow out, he added. In other news, record takeoffs and landings at Ataturk Airport, as well as the return of Russians to Turkey herald an improvement in the tourism sector.

Istanbul's third bridge opened last week to great fanfare. The eight-lane bridge has eased congestion in the city, shortening commuter journeys all over the city. What's more, according to 

A Knight Frank report shows us that Turkish property prices are the most buoyant in Europe, with an increase of 65% since 2012. Prices are being pushed higher by domestic demand with the country's burgeoning mortgage industry, and a strong economy, which continues to outperform expectations. Read on to find out more economic and real estate news from Turkey.

The Turkish tourism industry is taking measures to boost visitor numbers after falling numbers of tourists this year. Showing the resilience Turks are famous for - the same resliliance that saw Turkey go from a economically crippled country to one of the most economically powerful on the globe - the country is determined to win back numbers for its tourist sector. Read what the industry is doing to ensure visitor numbers bounce back.

Turkey's agreement to rehome thousands of Syrian refugees in exchange for greater freedom around EU has sparked controversy around Europe, especially in the UK where both sides of the Brexit camp are weighing in on Turkey's possible EU accession. We explore Turkey's history with the EU - and discuss how likely it is that the country will be granted EU membership.

With the aim of boosting the property market, the government is planning to offer work permits to anyone who buys Turkish real estate above a certain level. The move follows the 2013 offer of residency visas for home buyers, and will probably extend to allowing buyers to become Turkish citizens. Turkey's property market is booming, with properties increasing by 93 percent in the last five years. However, critics say the market still has room to grow.

The days of 3G mobile data are long gone - in Turkey, anyway. With the roll out of 4.5G data across the country, Turks can now stream, download and make video calls faster than ever before. With 5G data tipped to arrive in 2020, 4.5G is an interim data measure that will be most welcome in a country of voracious mobile users.

Istanbul's Selim Bridge, the third link between the Asian and European sides of the city, was completed on Sunday in an official linking ceremony attended by Turkey's president and prime minister. The enormous suspension bridge will officially open in August and  will help ease traffic in the city, as well as being an important link to the Marmara Motorway. The bridge is one of a number of city-changing infrastructure projects championed by President Erdogan.

News from around Turkey: A Turkish town is up for a Nobel Prize for its acceptance of and work with Syrian refugees; an unauthorised Banksy exhibition flies in the face of the artist's anti-commercialisation stance - but might just raise awareness of refugees in Istanbul; an Antalya company is hoping to start tourist submarine trips from Alanya; EXPO 2016 could see the likes of Justin Bieber and Madonna visit Antalya; and Turkey's Grand Bazaar is set to receive a facelift.