A Spark is Enough to Start a Fire!

Hello everyone,Today we will talk about a sensitive issue, forest fires.

With the increase in temperatures in the summer months the forest areas are very dry and often forest fires occur.

Since Alanya is one of the regions with the highest temperature in Turkey, we experience forest fires in the region every year.
Forest fires can be caused by many natural causes such as high temperature, lightning strikes and so on.

However, the most common causes of forest fires today are uncontrolled burning, smoking and agricultural work.

In other words, forest fires that are started by humans.
 
Fire Fighting Aircraft in Turkey

When forest fires need to be extinguished, ground interventions are often insufficient.

That is why firefighting airplanes and helicopters are very important for all countries.

Turkey has 2 unmanned aerial vehicles, 3 airplanes, 1 unmanned helicopter and 38 helicopters for aerial firefighting.

When a fire is reported, these helicopters and planes take off from their base and intervene in the areas where the fire is burning.

This is a very dangerous operation and is quite spectacularly to watch.

So our deepest respect goes out to all the pilots and crew involved in this kind of operation.
 
How to Report a Fire?

'112' is at the top of the emergency assistance numbers in Turkey. It is an emergency number created for 6 different institutions.

By calling this number, you can report police, ambulance, gendarmerie, fire brigade, coast guard and forest fires.

With the number '112' you can contact the emergency call center in English, Arabic, German and Russian and you can request Emergency Assistance with this number even if you are using a foreign phone number.

This beautiful nature belongs to all of us and we should all do our best to protect it.

We therefor urge everyone to be careful when visiting the forest areas during the dry periods.

Hello sellers, this is happening in Alanya

For those of you following the trends of the real estate market in Alanya you have seen how the curve has been only upward over the last couple of years.

During the last quarter of 2022 the market peaked created by a high demand combined with a shortage of properties to sell.

Hence properties that were previously sold at around 75.000 Euro would now sell at 179.000 Euro.

In other words, for some properties prices went up almost 150%.

Since then, the market has slowed down and prices have dropped slightly since the absolute peak around October 2022.

But still we are at a level that doubles the prices over the last couple of years.

Currently there is no shortage of properties in the market and the demand has settled back into a more normal level.

This means that standard key points are back in play and that the market currently is just as much sellers as buyers market.

As a seller you there for again need to pay attention to the following key points:
 
Pricing

Properties above market price will not get sold. Some agents will deliberately promise to sell your property for an unrealistic high price, and then later try to make you accept a lower offer at the real market price. Do not fall for this trick.

Appearance

Your property should look fresh, clean and appealing. Make sure that it is clean and not cluttered with your private belongings, clothes and shoes. Maybe spend a little money doing a fresh-up. Make sure that your agent will help you achieve this.

2Base does and you can read more about it here.

https://www.yumpu.com/xx/document/read/65356632/fresh-up-english

Marketing

In a normal marked no properties get sold be themselves. They need to be marketed and presented professionally. 

Make sure that professional photo and video presentations are done and most importantly make sure that your agent will market your property. By marketing we mean paid marketing, not just sharing a link on some social media platform.

 
To sum up, it is still possible to sell your property in Alanya for an excellent price compared to what was possible 3-5 years ago.

But it is not possible to sell for quite as much as end of last year. So expectations must be adjusted to the current market and do not forget that currently as buyer has several alternatives to choose from, so you should always try to make your property as presentable as possible.
 

 

Latest info for buyers of properties in Alanya

A lot has been going on in Alanya over the last couple of years, and for a long period seller was king and the market belonged fully to the sellers.
 
Those times are over and the buyers have again gained a good position in the market, leaving us with a market dominated equally between seller and buyer.
 
So for those who are potential buyers, here are our recommendations for key points that you should definitely keep an eye on:
 
Pricing 
Some sellers still believe that they can sell for the same price as last year when the market peaked. Be careful that you buy at market price, not at a overprice based on last years market.
 
Off plan vs ready build 
The upward trend has increased the number of new constructions significantly. Many of these constructions are done by newly established constructors. When choosing a off plan property please only do so in close collaboration with a market professional that can clearly point out the risks related to this.
Dont get us wrong, going for an off plan property can be the perfect choice and a great investment. But the risk is significant, so make sure that you are fully aware of what you are getting into.
 
Finally we want to give some sellers and buyers a little tip, or at least something to think about.
 
Currently a major part of all properties are sold to customers who want to settle in Turkey for a longer period. This means that the customer needs a resident permit, and currently the easiest way to have a resident permit issued is by buying a property.
 
But not all properties can be used for this, since some areas or no longer issuing more resident permits to foreigners since the quota in those particular areas has been reached.
As an example, a property purchased in Kargicak, Mahmutlar, Kestel and Avsallar can not be used for obtaining a resident permit, since the quotas for resident permit on those area has been reached.
But a property from among others Demirtaş, Oba, Cikcilli or Alanya center can be used.
 
This is nothing new and has been a hot topic of discussion on both local and social media.
Obviously, it is a positive thing for a property to be located in an area that is still open for resident pemit whereas it has a negative effect on the price in case the property is located in an area where no more resident permits are being issued.
 
This can change any moment and these changes often happen with very short notice and without any prior warning.
 
So here is something to think about:
 
I am trying to sell a property in an area where resident permits are still being issued 

All currently open areas are at risk of being closed down for issuing more resident permits, so be careful that you do not try to squeeze the lemon too much and by that do not manage to sell before the area - possibly - stops issuing resident permits.
 
I am trying to sell a property in an area where resident permits are currently not being issued 

This has already had a negative impact on the price. In case you are not in a hurry to sell, then maybe consider waiting until the area again starts issuing resident permits. Then prices should go up in your area.
 
For all scenarios mentioned above, the risk is obviously that it might take a long time before any changes happen, and they might not happen at all.
Also, even if they do happen, no one knows what the market trends look like at that time.
 
Timing is everything but when it comes to properties in Alanya the timing is impossible to get right, since changes are happening fast and without prior warning.
 
Furthermore, the market in Alanya are influenced and affected by so many local, foreign and international factors that trying to forecast the upcoming market trends is more or less impossible.

Even with 20 years of experience we can never tell what tomorrow brings in Alanya. 

All we can do is make our best guess and use our gut feeling.

Getaway on a small Greek island

 

Just a few kilometres of the coast of Turkish resort town Kaş you will find a small Greek island named Kastellorizo.
 
For those looking do to something different this is a good and exiting opportunity, and everyday small ferry boats sail the 7 kilometres between Turkish Kaş and Greek Kastellorizo.
 
Once on the island there is not much to do, but definitely enough for keeping your entertained for a couple of days.

 

The sea is crystal clear, the marina is cosy with many fish restaurants and just wandering around the old town and beautifully painted houses is worthwhile.

 

For the more adventurous, there are great hiking trails on the upper plateau and a boat trip to a gloving and hidden cave.

 

So here are our best tips for visiting Kastellorizo.

 

Getting there

Several ferry companies sail between Kaş and Kastellorizo. We used Meis ferry boat and it worked quite well.

  

Accommodation

Accommodation on the island is limited and the price range is quite wide.

Try international booking web sites, Airbnb or contact the few hotels on the island directly.

Another option is to use a travel agency on the island, we had a good experience using Papoutsis Travel Agency  .

 

Eat

Most restaurants are located next to each other at the marina. Our favourite place though was located a 5 min. walk from the harbour and is named Ta Platania.

Generally speaking the food on Kastellorizo is nice and tasty without being fantastic.

 

Swim

The sea is clear and blue. There are no sand beaches on the island but instead you can swim from the western side of the harbour or the beach club located at the end of the eastern side of the harbour.

 

What to do

• Stroll around the old town

• Walk around the small castle area

• Visit the local museum

• Hike up to the top of the plateau.

• Visit the island

• Explore the cave by boat

• Chill and relax

 

Good to know

Even it takes just 30 min. to sail between the mainland and the island, the journey in total takes longer.

Since you are traveling from Turkey to Greece there are custom procedures on both sides so in real life you will be at the harbour in Kaş around 8:30 and arrive onto Kastellorizo at around 11.00 o'clock.

 

So when going we definitely recommend staying a couple of nights on the island.

 

3 pro tips

- If possible, try to be among the first to disembark the ferry boat, since the custom officers on both sides work really slowly.

So before the boat reaches the harbour on either side, go down to the main deck and take the line for disembarking.

 

- Remember that you need to either be a EU citizen or to have a Schengen visa to travel to the island. There are no visas issued on arrival.

 

- From Kastellorizo there are frequent ferries to other Greek islands such as Rhodes and Kos. There is also an airport with flights to Athen and Kos.

 

Links

Kastellorizo on Google Maps

Meis Ferry lines

Papoutsis Travel Agency  

 

Ta Platania

Alexsandras

Little Paris

Faros Beach club

 

400 steps

Blue Cave

Saint George Beach

Buying a property in Alanya? Then you need a "DAB" certificate...

 

Buying a property in Alanya? Then you need a "DAB" certificate...

In today's blog we will tell you what you need to know about the "Döviz Alım Belgesi (DAB)" which translates into "Foreign Exchange Purchase Certificate".

 

It is a document that proofs that an amount equal to the public evaluation (satış bedeli) of the property has been exchanged from foreign currency such as Euro or dollar and into Turkish lira.

 

The document must be presented to the land registry office upon commencing the application for the deed transaction.

 

How to do a DAB certificate
The exchange from foreign currency into Turkish lira must be made from a personal bank account of the buyer, seller or their legal representative and it must be done via a Turkish bank.

 

After the exchange has taken place the bank will issue a physical document which must include:

- Passport number and full name of the buyer

- Full information on the property for which the certificate is used to purchase.

 

This document must be presented to the land registry office upon commencing the application for the deed transaction.

 

The bank will also issue a digital version of the document which the land registry office will have access to.

As with many other documents and procedures in Turkey the DAB certificate is easy to do once you know how to do it.

 

But for the unexperienced there are several pitfalls along the way and in case the DAB certificate is not made correctly the authorities will not accept it.

Common issues are spelling mistakes and lack of information on the certificate.

 

For those who wish to know more about the DAB certificate, we can recommend reading our blog post from when the certificate was originally introduced.

 

Link: http://turkeyblog.2base.com/2022/02/a-new-rule-has-seen-light-of-day.html

 

Happy reading and let us know in case you have any questions.

What You Need to Know About Title Deed Transfer Procedures for Foreigners ?

Today we will talk about how the deed transfer process is done, the documents required for the deed transfer process and the cost of this process.
 
How is Title Deed Transfer Processed?
 
For title deed transfer, the required documents can be uploaded into the system through the Web Land Registry system.
If there are documents from abroad, these documents must be translated and verified with the Apostille legalisation.
 
Apart from this, an appointment can be made by calling ALO181 or by calling the title deed appointment system.
 
After that, you will be informed about the next transactions via SMS. If the documents you have submitted are deemed sufficient, you will be notified of the fees and taxes to be paid as well as your appointment time for the finalisation of the transfer of the title deed. Please note that the final stage of actually transferring the deed from the sellers to  the buyers name, takes place via a physical meeting at the land registry office.
Currently there is no such things as a fully online and digital process to finalise the transaction.
 
There can be many obstacles and conditions that will either delay the process or require special attention and additional documents. A few examples worth mentioning are if the seller of the property is deceased, if the seller has gotten a name change since the property was purchased, if the seller has changed his signature since the property was purchased.
So it often happens that the process is not as straight forward as it may sound.
  

Buying or Selling Property Before Arriving in Turkey

At 2Base we of course make sure that title deed transactions are done as fast and easy as possible.

We usually get a power of attorney from our customers which allows us to represent our buyers and sellers at the land registry office and other government institutions.

 

This saves our customers a lot of time and trouble because 2Base will take care of everything on your behalf.

Even if you are in another country, we can complete the title deed transfer procedures on your behalf.

What are the Documents Required in Deed Transfer Processes?

- Original or photocopy of the deed
- Photocopy of the passport
- Document showing the current value of the real estate purchased from the municipality
- Tax number document obtained from the tax office
- DAB (Currency Purchase Document)
 

Please note that the list above is the standard list of documents required, but often additional documents are requested and needed.

How many days does the deed transfer process take?

After all documents have been submitted, approved and confirmed the final process will usually take between 5-15 working days.

If both seller and buyer are Turkish citizens is usually just takes a few days.
 
How Much is the Cost of Deed Transfer Transactions?

As of 2023 the tax to be paid is 4% of the official sales price.

Furthermore there is around 6000-6500 TL in extra fees.

 

As a final reminder please note that all the above information is given and written in general terms. The process, fees and procedures can vary a lot from application to application.
 

Applying for and following the title deed transaction procedures is not rocket science, but it is also not something that everyone can just do.

It requires knowledge of the process and most importantly experience on how to navigate the system and solve the many small issues that often occur along the way.

 

 

 

How to Change Electricity and Water Subscriptions?

After buying a property you must change the electricity and water subscriptions of your new property into your name.

How to Change Electricity Subscription?
In order for foreigners to get electricity subscription in Turkey, they must apply to the electricity distribution company that provides the service to their region of residence.

In Alanya it is CK Akdeniz Elektrik.

There are documents required for the transfer of electricity subscription;
- The subscriber application form given by CK Akdeniz Elektrik should be filled out.
- Tax number
- Title deed
- DASK (The address on the deed must be the same as the address on the DASK)
- Passport Number
- Turkish mobile number

 
Please note that you will not get a new subscription number to your property, you will take over the existing one and just change the name of the subscriber to your name.

The subscription you are going to take over should not have any old-term debt. If there is a debt belonging to the old period, it is paid first and then the transfer process takes place.
During the transfer, you must put a deposit of 450-500 TL.
This deposit amount will be returned by CK Akdeniz Elektrik when you cancel the subscription in your name.

How to Transfer Water Subscription?

In order to get a water subscription in Turkey, foreigners should apply to the water distribution company that provides service to their region, such as electricity subscription. The water distribution company serving in Alanya is ASAT.

Documents required for Water Subscription;

- Tax number
- Resident permit (if applicable)

- DASK (The address in the deed must be the same as the address in DASK)

- Passport

- Turkish mobile number

 

Please note that you will not get a new subscription number to your property, you will take over the existing one and just change the name of the subscriber to your name.

The subscription you are going to take over should not have any old-term debt. If there is a debt belonging to the old period, it is paid first and then the transfer process takes place.
 

In the water subscription, if you have a resident permit, you will pay a deposit fee of 200 TL,  otherwise the deposit is 2470 TL.
Again, this deposit fee will be refunded by ASAT when cancelling the subscription.

 

At 2Base we help our customers with this process and make sure that subscriptions for both water and electricity are transferred to your own name.

 

Of course, you can also do this entirely by yourself if you want. But why spend your time, when 2Base do it for free for all of our customers.