Spring is slowly coming to Alanya.
The freezing and windy days are almost gone and among the tourists you even start to see short sleeves and shorts.
For those of us who live here permanently long sleeves are still the preferred option, but the warm days are increasing in number.
In this blog post it is time to sum up what is currently happening in and around Alanya.
The local elections are soon coming up and as usual the campaign buses from the various parties are circulating the streets and distributing their message via gigantic speaker systems.
This time the AKP has sided up with the MHP party and are competing against the coalition between CHP and IYI parties.
We would like to make this clear: If you use your holiday home yourself or lend it to friends or family, then no one has to register with local authorities.
When buying and selling housing that involves foreigners an evaluation report must now be prepared to determine the value of the unit involved.
This is going to make it a bit more expensive to transfer a title deed to a new owner.
Why this only applies to foreigners is not entirely known, but rumor has it that this is due to the upcoming election.
Since the authorities fear losing votes they will not apply this new regulation to the Turks until after the election.
Yes, it sounds completely crazy and is therefor probably also correct.
We have started production of new videos from our many complexes and for sale properties.
The videos can be found both on our website under the individual properties and complexes as well as on the video website Vimeo.
We also started creating some short informative videos about Alanya and these can also be viewed at Vimeo.
Go to Vimeo and watch all the videos.
Finally we would like you to remember to follow us on our social media platforms.
Not all information is published here on the blog, so especially our Facebook page is definitely worth following.
The Facebook page is updated with news, latest videos, important information and funny stories.
If you like a beautiful picture we also have an Instagram profile that is worth following.
In Turkey there is unfortunately a lot of illegal construction.
One of the most well-known types are the so-called "gece kondo" which basically means smaller houses that has been build overnight.
Also in many villages and farm areas houses and even buildings have been constructed without permissions.
The authorities has for many years mainly turned the blind eye to these kind of structures, knowing that touching them would create anger and probable cost a great deal of valuable votes.
Recently a new approach has been taken, which is legalizing these illegal buildings by making owners pay a small sum.
Not very fair to those who has kept within the limits of the law, but that is another story.
So a recent issued decree has allowed owner of illegal buildings to apply to the relevant authorities with the purpose of legalizing what was previously illegal.
Obviously a lot of applications has been filed and these are now being reviewed one by one.
The application must be filed no later than end of this month and currently it seems like the decree will not be extended.
As one can imagine there has been a lot of talk going on about this, and especially on social medias the rumors quickly got going with comments such as "if you do not apply to legalize your penthouse" the government will come and demolish it.
So just to make it clear.
If you are a owner of a holiday home in Alanya this decree has nothing to do with you or your property.
Do not listen to all this facebook gossip, because that is just what it is: Gossip.
In case you are doubtful or just needs double confirmation, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will assure you that your holiday home is legal.
Best moments of this summer - Alanyas best property magazine is back!
As always we were active on both our social channels as well as our beloved blog.
All of these news and updates we are stuffed into the newest edition of our FREE online magazine.
As an extra spice we have added a lot of beautiful property photos and of course the latest and best offers from the property market.
So in case you need to catch up on what has been going on in Alanya, this is your chance.
- Ferry to Northern Cyprus and flightlist of Gazipasa Airport.
Furthermore we have collected the best stories and pictures from our Facebook pages.
That is something you should not miss!
Click on this link or the picture at the top to access and read the magazine.
Recent month have not been very kind to the Turkish economy and particularly the Turkish lira has taken a deep fall loosing 40 percent to the United States Dollar.
As a counter measure the Turkish government and Central Bank has taken several initiatives to counter measure, some of which are related to the real estate market.
So lets take a look at these.
The lending benchmark has been increased by more than 6 percent and is now 24 percent and will eventually make it more expensive to get a mortgage on your Turkish property.
This will primarily affect the local Turkish buyers since they are the primary loan takers of Turkish mortgages.
Europeans tend to either pay cash or obtain mortgages from their home countries since this is a lot cheaper and easier.
And with the market for Turkish buyers already being effected due to the general crisis, this increase of lending rate will not have a big effect, since the damage has already been done on the local markets.
Many of you most likely did not even know this, but Turkey actually has a "invest for citizenship" program and have had it for many years.
This is obviously not of any interest to any Europeans, but for many Arabs and Middle East citizens obtaining a Turkish citizenship has several advantages.
Now this has become a lot easier and you can apply for Turkish citizenship in case you invest for property worth 250.000 USD, with the old limit being a whooping 1.000.000 USD.
Such an investment program is never going to make a big impact in the market but surely these lower investment levels will not be bad for the sector.
In a more controversial move the Turkish government has banned use of foreign currencies for all contracts forcing the use of the Turkish lira.
Currently it is quite common to use either the Euro or USD when buying and selling real estate, for rental contract and other more valuable contract and agreements.
As of middle of October 2018 this will no longer be allowed.
This new law had some potential to do some real harm in the real estate sector, since especially foreigners would have a hard time understanding why they should stick to the weak and unstable lira.
So when it was also announced that foreigners and Turks living abroad is exempt from this law there was a huge relief.
Surely some domestic developers will have a hard time living up to the new law, but overall it will again have only minor effect on the market.
Lets round this blog of by bringing you the latest figures from TÜIK, Turkish Statistics Institute.
- There was a 67 percent yearly decrease in mortgaged sales.
- Iraqis topped the list of foreign buyers with 944 properties, followed by Iranians (394), Saudis (275), Kuwaitis (271) and Russians (192).
- Top destination was Istanbul with 1,141 sold units, followed by Antalya (which includes Alanya) with 675 units, Bursa with 307 units and Ankara with 305 units.
That was it for now - let us know in case you have any questions or comments.
As always we are available on many different platforms, just pick the one that suits you the best and hit that send button.
Today you just arrived and even though the trip to Alanya is not that long, today is for relaxing.
You go for a short walk to the local vegetable shop and fill up the fridge with seasonal fruits.
It is very cheap and you pull out your blender and make some fresh smoothies.
Do not forget sun lotion and to drink a lot of water.
In the evening you go to the nearest local restaurant. It is within walking distance and the waiters will surely recognize you from your last visit.
You get up early because the sun is strong these first couple of days.
You hit the beach as one of the first and are awarded with a sun bed in first line to the sea.
Until lunch you swim and enjoy the sun.
Around lunch time it gets too hot and you move into the shade at the beach bar.
Here you can order a small lunch and a cold and refreshing Efes.
After lunch you walk back to your apartment. It is hot but luckily you can spend the rest of the afternoon in your cooled apartment.
You find the time to finish your book and make a few Skype-calls to friends and family.
After sunset you get into a taxi and drive to the city center. Here you walk along the lively and busy Atatürk street.
All the shops are still open and there is a lot going on.
You end up at the harbor area and enjoy a perfect dinner at one of the many upscale restaurants.
You wake up late. After having breakfast on your balcony you go down to the pool for a couple of hours.
After that you go shopping, since you will eat at home tonight.
Luckily supermarkets in Turkey are not that different to supermarket at home, so you have no problem getting what you need.
The rental car is delivered to you exactly at 9 o clock as agreed.
After this you drive directing Gazipasa and take a swim at an unspoiled beach while the sun sets.
Gazipasa has a cozy bazaar area with local fish restaurants. You order "levrek" and drink "salgam" with the locals.
Beaching all day - no chance in hell that you will return to work looking like a pale fish like your co-workers.
Your last day in Alanya. Time to go shopping and get something for friends, family and of course yourself.
In the bazaar you find an overwhelming amount of cheap copy products.
At the main street it is more the real deal, just cheaper than at home.
You end up having to buy an additional suitcase, and keep your fingers crossed that this will not mean having overweight.
Finally the best purchase of the day is done at the local jewelry shop.
Here you can really save some money, so your conscience is clean.
The shopping tour sees its end at one of the many cafes with a cup of coffee and a piece of cake.
You have not had time to think about dinner, so your order some kebab from the local restaurant and they deliver to your door step.
Before going to bed it is time to pack and go for at last swim in the pool.
Bye bye Alanya, or "güle güle" as your Turkish friends are saying.
Despite all the shopping you have only minimal overweight and the staff at the check-in counter turns the blind eye to it.
A week has passed and you could easily have spend seven more days.
Big is good but not always best and when it comes to adventures the smaller ones can often be just as good as something complicated.
So here is a list of some micro-adventures for everyone to try out in and around Alanya.
- Order and eat fresh fish at Yeni Hal and drink salgam.
- Go inside Alanya Museum. We bet you have passed it several times, but have you actually entered?
- Buy a freshly cooked corn from one of the many street vendors.
- Join the locals for lunch, go for "sulu yemek"
- Go out Turkish style at "Harem Bar".
safe passage all the way to Kargicak.
- Use your imagination and take the opportunities that are handed to you. Always keep and open and positive mind.
Hopefully you will enjoy Alanya just as much as we do!
Here at 2Base we love a good picture.
And most of all we love a good picture that is related to our beautiful Alanya.
Beach, sunset, a fantastic pool area or from some of our many fantastic sights.
So finally we have decided to collect the very best of them on our brand new Instagram profiles.
We hope that you share our live for nice pictures and wants to join us.
To make it even better we have dedicated Instragram profiles for each of the following languages.
And since we do not publish the same pictures on each account everyday, you can easily follow us on more than one profile if you prefer.
In case you do not have instagram, you can still see all of our beautiful pictures be clicking the links above.
Families with children love Alanya.
The climate here is perfect for both smaller and bigger children and the list of activities for children is long and exiting.
For older children we have go-carting, paintball, cinema, tree climbing (parkour), ATV excursions and much more.
Younger children will surely enjoy all the playgrounds in and around Alanya.
Last couple of years the municipality has put a lot of work into building small parks with playgrounds all around Alanya.
As a foreigner you should not be afraid to take advantage of this, even if you might be the only foreigner there.
Trust us when we say, that the local parents and kids will be more than happy to see a foreign face on their playground.
Even playgrounds might not meet European safety rules 100% it is very close and generally speaking the equipment and facilities are safe and extremely well looked after.
So next time you visit Alanya with a kid try out the local playground - we are sure you will like it.
An unofficial list showing all flights in and out of Gazipasa airport has been published.
This list is showing not only the airline and flight destination, but also the periods of which these flights take place.
Please note that some of the flights are charterflight and can therefor not be booked via the airline, but only via the travel agency who is responsible for the flight in question.
Also starting this year it will be possible to sail from Alanya to Girne. The trip takes app. 3 hours and the price for a return ticket is around 350 TL for at return ticket.
This will make for a great little weekend get-away.
To read more about Girne on Northern Cyprus click here (Lonely Planet).
To obtain the title deed for your Turkish holiday home is a swift and pretty straightforward procedure.
Not that we recommend anyone trying to do this themselves, but for those of us doing this on a daily basis the rules, regulations and procedures are fairly easy to deal with.
And now a new update to the Turkish laws has made it even simpler.
As you can see on the picture it was a front page story in the local press.
Previously any building needed to be approved for sale to foreigners by the Turkish military.
This to prevent foreigners buying property in zones of military interest, land zones or other restricted areas where foreigners can not buy a property.
In Alanya for example this has always been a pro forma process, since there are no such restricted areas.
Most building already had the approval but sometimes a property was sold in a building that never got this military approval and so we had to apply for this which would delay the entire title deed process for several weeks.
Good news is that all such restrictions has been removed from the Alanya area and the military permission is no longer needed for foreigners in any building in the area.
And now what we have your attention please be aware of a minor but important change that electricity company CLK Akdeniz has implemented.
Even that most advertisement about Alanya claims the opposite the sun does actually not shine all the time.
It might come as a shocking surprise but at times we do get both rainy, grey, stormy and windy days in Alanya.
The big question is what to do when the sun decides to take a break.
Especially kids can be very inpatient and hard to entertain when outdoor activities are limited.
We have therefor made a list of 4 great activities for kids on a rainy day in Alanya.
All kids loves game lands and luckily one is to be found in the shopping center "ALANYUM" easy accesible on the 35 meter road in Cikcilli.
The 3 storey shopping center has a foot court and gameland on the topfloor. Here you will find all kinds of arcade games, flipper machines, air hockey and other entertaining games and activities for kids of all ages.
Even that Turkey is a real "tea-drinkers" country also a lot of coffee is consumed.
Especially the younger generations has accepted coffee, and cafe-visits with friends are getting increasingly popular.
This is no different in Alanya where several of the bigger European coffee chains has established themselves side by side with the local coffee shops.
We therefor want to provide you with this mini-guide to the best places for having your coffee in Alanya.
We of course have to start with Starbucks, who has several coffee shops in Alanya.
The very first opened is situated close to the Atatürk statue on the main street, in an area where several coffee shops and cafes are found side by side.
Besides the usual selection in freshly brewed coffee drinks also cakes and sandwiches are served - just as we know it from other Starbucks Coffee shops around the word.
With beautiful and nice decor this is one of the absolute top cafes in Alanya.
If you enjoy sitting enjoying life at a cafe, a visit to Robert's Coffe at Damlatas is a must when visiting Alanya.
Also food, snacks and cakes are served, so Robert's Coffee is always worth a visit, that can easily be combined with beaching or a walk in the nearby park and recreational area.
Another popular cafe is Shakespeare Coffee & Bistro, where also music are played during weekends.
Sit at the street side and watch daily life as it happens, or relax inside in the cozy and appealing cafe area.
And not to forget: The pizza at Shakespeare in Alanya is really, really good and the place is also open for evening dinner.
This is how you find Alanyas biggest shops!
Shopping is and will always be very popular way of spending time.
So we have made a quick guide to the biggest shops and shopping centers in Alanya.
There are actually a lot more than you think.
We have also included links to Google Maps, so that you can start navigating to your new favorite shop in just a single click.
Don`t forget that Google Maps allows you to download an area allowing you to view the map and navigate without having access to the Internet.
This can be done via the Google Maps application on your phone.
But lets get started with the list.
Shoppingcenter in Cikcilli in two floors with a variety of shops and a supermarket.
Also cinema and several fast food restaurant.
The biggest supermarket in town and located in Cikcilli.
Everything for your kitchen and house.
It is cheap and mostly plastic.
Located next to Kipa in Cikcilli.
Located at the 35m road in Oba.
Like Koctas but smaller and with cheaper selection.
Like you know it but also open for private persons.
A good place for buying fresh fish, meat and foreign groceries.
All you need in electronics.
At the 35m road from Kipa and all the way to Tosmur there are many difference furniture stores.
In the center of Alanya from the post office PTT to the area after the Atatürk statue you will find many shops selling branded clothes.
This is in general a good area for shopping and sipping coffee.
Shopping center with a broad variety of shops and cafes.
One hour drive away in Manavgat.
Plenty of shops and a place where you can easily spend several hours.
All there is left to say is "shop `till you drop" and remember that if you can carry all of the shopping bags by yourself, then you did not shop enough!