Miss istanbul and you miss out, say turkish agents

Miss the opportunity to invest in Istanbul and you miss out, Turkish agents are warning buyers.

Statistics from the Turkish Statistical Institute confirmed that the country's economy grew by 3.3 per cent during the first half of 2014, after GDP rises of 4.7 per cent and 2.1 per cent in the first and second quarters respectively. According to the Central Bank of the Republic Turkey, Turkey attracted $6.8 billion worth of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first half of 2014, representing a 28 per cent hike compared to the same period in 2013. Of that, real estate purchases by foreigners accounted for $2 billion, while the European Union accounted for 68.1 per cent of FDI, worth $3.6 billion.

“These latest positive statistics are especially poignant as they come at a time when a negative vibe has returned to economies in Europe, making Turkey a more attractive option for international investors from outside Europe,” said Mr. Walker at Spot Blue International Property.

“According to the Markit Composite Purchasing Managers' Index, business growth in the Eurozone cooled in September for a second consecutive month, falling to its slowest pace since December.”

Foreign investors welcomed commentary from the fifth Istanbul Finance Summit held in September, which brought together leading finance experts from around the world. With its regulated markets and structure, Istanbul was labelled a candidate to become a global financial Centre, according to renowned international economist Cornelia Meyer. Turkey was again in the global investment spotlight at the Cityscape real estate exhibition in Dubai, where it had the largest pavilion of all foreign exhibitors and the highest number of exhibitors after the host nation the United Arab Emirates.

Meanwhile, in June this year, Turkish Airlines added its tenth route between Istanbul and the Americas. Turkey's national carrier now flies to Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Toronto, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Washington and Boston.

"Travel links between the USA and Turkey have improved hugely, thanks largely to Turkish Airlines, while arriving in Istanbul with dollars to invest puts you in a strong position," added Mr. Walker.