Turkey has surged in popularity with foreign property buyers in recent years, overwhelmingly along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts. Currency fluctuations have meant that being outside the eurozone has boosted the number of property sales in Turkey.

Superb hot, sunny weather - average temperatures of around 28C/82F can be expected in July and August - coupled with a very low cost of living, wonderful beaches, great hospitality from the locals and a truly exotic culture make it an inspired choice for a second home. The widespread availability of cheap Turkish property helps! Most of the country has not been heavily developed and Turkey enjoys a rich, fascinating history and culture.

Properties to buy in Turkey that most foreign buyers are keen on are generally located in new developments with purpose-built holiday facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, children’s play areas and other sport and leisure features. The most popular areas are around Fethiye, Bodrum, Kusadasi, Marmaris, Izmir, Kalkan, Antalya, Belek and Kas. Istanbul, one of the most exciting cities on earth, has many properties ripe for development and therefore particularly good value and offering great investment potential.

Laws governing properties for sale in Turkey are increasingly being eased to encourage foreign buyers, however buying property in Turkey in military areas or security zones and certain villages and towns, or outside the boundaries of certain municipalities is not permitted.

There are plenty of flights from the UK to Istanbul and also a good choice of flights to the coast at Bodrum, Izmir, and Dalaman, taking around six hours.

Turkey is a large country with a wide variety of climates and ways of life. Although much of eastern Turkey is very undeveloped and in parts winters can be harsh, the areas popular with buyers have a Mediterranean climate with more than 300 days of sunshine each year as well as mild winters.

It is worth bearing in mind that outside the main cities and tourist areas, English and other major languages are rarely spoken. The cost of living is far lower than that in the UK, crime is low and medical facilities are generally more than adequate, while infrastructure is improving all the time.

By Ben West