The lira's loss in value has prompted a scramble by the Turkish public to exchange their dollar reserves into lira or gold - and inspired a wave of patriotism amongst the public, with businesses offering incentives for people with proof of currency conversion. Meanwhile, President Erdogan is assuring the public that the volatility will not affect the economy in any significant way in the long term.
A 41% rise in the number of properties bought from July to August clearly shows any lingering doubt after July's coup attempt has passed. The number of property sales around the country has risen, with Istanbul retaining its top spot and Antalya coming in second place. Property Turkey director Cameron Deggin says the numbers are testament to Turkey's enduring economic success.
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.
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.
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.
Turkey's property market is set to receive a huge boost with the introduction of a "Golden Visa" scheme, like that already in operation in Portugal and Cyprus. Anyone investing $500,000 will receive automatic residency, a move likely to attract more investors, especially in Istanbul, Turkey's number one spot for overseas property buying. The move will also net billions for the Turkish economy.
It's been a rocky few months for Turkey. Following an inconclusive general election in June, majority party AKP failed to form a coalilition with any of the opposing parties. A second general election, held this past weekend, yielded much more decisive votes: AKP is back, and with enough votes to lead without need of a coalition. Whatever you think of President Erdogan, it's clear the economic reforms he spearheaded in the past decade or so have brought the country incredible prosperity. With Erdogan back holding the reigns, the lira has rallied and investment will surely follow.
Recently you may have seen that the Turkish Lira has weakened against the USD and other hard currencies in the world. In this news post, we take a look at why this has happened, and answer the question of whether Turkey is still a strong nation for investors to place their money.