The Turkish government is driving a major investment strategy to further develop its tourist industry. In 2000 around 10 million tourists visited and by 2020 this figure is forecast to reach 40 million. It's also highly desirable for investors as property prices on the Aegean coast have been showing exceptional growth of up to 20% in some areas and as a EU candidate, expected to join in 2015, interest from UK investors in the Turkish property market is growing fast. Basically what happened in Spain and the Algarve 15-20 years ago is happening in Turkey. We expect today's current prices to double or in some cases treble over the next 5-10 years.

One of the areas in Turkey we have identified as offering the best possibilities for future growth and stability is the Bodrum peninsula in the southwest. This area has all the right ingredients to become the next major quality resort destination in Europe, with a climate almost identical to that of Spain’s Costa del Sol. Over the last decade the Bodrum peninsula has received increasing numbers of overseas visitors and well heeled Turks from Istanbul and Ankara. Unlike many areas on the Turkish coast which are becoming blighted by high rise developments, the Bodrum peninsula restricts all new builds to a maximum of two floors.

As Bodrum is already established as a leading holiday destination, there’s no shortage of flights to the area, with flight times of around 3hr 40mins, it is just as accessible as Greece and the Canary Islands.

There are resorts and towns within the peninsula to suit all tastes and requirements, all within 20 to 40 minutes of Bodrum airport. There are now established several top quality 5 star hotels in this area and an impressive new ‘state of the art’ Hilton is planned for the next season. Gumbet, just 10 minutes from Bodrum, is the place to head for lively nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs and restaurants open until the early hours. Bodrum town itself, set on the beach with its beautiful castle, has numerous bars and restaurants including the fashionable, beachside Cafe del Mar, offering more of a Marbella style feel. It is possible to buy a 2 bedroom apartment within walking distance of the town from as little as £60,000, a 3 bedroom detached villa from £100,000 with fantastic views over the Aegean Sea and the numerous Turkish and Greek Islands lying offshore, while a larger 4 bedroom detached property can be purchased from as little as £150,000.