A Room With a View
A room with a view — a sea view. That was the deciding factor behind Sue and Dale Roberts' decision to invest in a Turkish retreat, despite the fact that at first sight they described it as a 'shed'.
The couple, from Prestwich, had never been to Turkey before, but after reading from a number of newspaper, magazine and internet reports that Turkey was the latest emerging property market with huge potential for investment, they decided to look more closely.
"We did our homework and felt it was right for us, so we decided to remortgage our home and buy property in Turkey as an investment for the future," recalls Sue.
After researching a variety of areas and airports, they settled on the Bodrum Peninsular and met a property consultant from International Property Agents, who showed them around various properties in the area.
"Eray was very patient and couldn't do enough to help us," says Sue. "Initially we spent an afternoon at one property with fabulous uninterrupted sea views. Although we weren’t keen on the inside layout of the property the views were decent, so it became a possibility. At this point we were already torn between two properties, both of which were ready to move into. However, Eray then asked us if we'd be interested in a property which needed renovating, in fact, he said he was saving the best to last.
"A renovation wasn't on our original plan, but we had nothing to lose so decided to take a look. When we arrived it could only be described as a shed! It had never been lived in and needed an awful lot of work. I remember upstairs had a very dilapidated wooden balcony.
"Then we saw the view. It was absolutely breathtaking, so much so that we immediately saw the potential and fell in love with the shed. We had a good look around the area, and saw what other people had done with their homes, and the possibility firmed up to a probability. The fact that Dale is a builder and knew exactly what was needed probably helped us to make up our minds further."
To help with the decision process the couple took numerous photographs of each property and made detailed notes, to remind them which property was which once back at the hotel.
Having returned a couple of days later to make sure their initial instincts about the 'shed' were correct, the couple decided to pay £63,500 for the four bedroom property. Since then they have spent little over £20,000 on the renovations, and are very impressed with the standard of work.
Buying a house in need of some work was obviously a good decision, as equivalent properties on the same development are estimated to be worth around £125,000 to £130,000, potentially earning the couple a profit of around £45,000. "There's no way we'll sell it," says builder Dale, "we can’t wait to move in!"
"International Property Agents arranged the project manager, and they've regularly e-mailed photographs of the work in progress and been in regular contact," says Sue. "We've visited Bodrum several times to view the progress and are very impressed with the outcome and know we made the right decision.
"The agents' knowledge and expertise has been invaluable. They helped us open bank accounts, obtain tax numbers and took us shopping for furniture. The carpenter even went to the house to check the measurements of the wardrobes!
"We're so happy with our purchase that we've invested in a great duplex on International Property Agents' development Marina Vista, to rent out for some extra revenue.
"It has been a great experience, we've already met some good friends in Bodrum and each time we visit it gets harder and harder to come home. The property looks great and looks set to be a decent investment too. All we can say is roll on retirement!"
A room with a view — a sea view. That was the deciding factor behind Sue and Dale Roberts' decision to invest in a Turkish retreat, despite the fact that at first sight they described it as a 'shed'.
The couple, from Prestwich, had never been to Turkey before, but after reading from a number of newspaper, magazine and internet reports that Turkey was the latest emerging property market with huge potential for investment, they decided to look more closely.
"We did our homework and felt it was right for us, so we decided to remortgage our home and buy property in Turkey as an investment for the future," recalls Sue.
After researching a variety of areas and airports, they settled on the Bodrum Peninsular and met a property consultant from International Property Agents, who showed them around various properties in the area.
"Eray was very patient and couldn't do enough to help us," says Sue. "Initially we spent an afternoon at one property with fabulous uninterrupted sea views. Although we weren’t keen on the inside layout of the property the views were decent, so it became a possibility. At this point we were already torn between two properties, both of which were ready to move into. However, Eray then asked us if we'd be interested in a property which needed renovating, in fact, he said he was saving the best to last.
"A renovation wasn't on our original plan, but we had nothing to lose so decided to take a look. When we arrived it could only be described as a shed! It had never been lived in and needed an awful lot of work. I remember upstairs had a very dilapidated wooden balcony.
"Then we saw the view. It was absolutely breathtaking, so much so that we immediately saw the potential and fell in love with the shed. We had a good look around the area, and saw what other people had done with their homes, and the possibility firmed up to a probability. The fact that Dale is a builder and knew exactly what was needed probably helped us to make up our minds further."
To help with the decision process the couple took numerous photographs of each property and made detailed notes, to remind them which property was which once back at the hotel.
Having returned a couple of days later to make sure their initial instincts about the 'shed' were correct, the couple decided to pay £63,500 for the four bedroom property. Since then they have spent little over £20,000 on the renovations, and are very impressed with the standard of work.
Buying a house in need of some work was obviously a good decision, as equivalent properties on the same development are estimated to be worth around £125,000 to £130,000, potentially earning the couple a profit of around £45,000. "There's no way we'll sell it," says builder Dale, "we can’t wait to move in!"
"International Property Agents arranged the project manager, and they've regularly e-mailed photographs of the work in progress and been in regular contact," says Sue. "We've visited Bodrum several times to view the progress and are very impressed with the outcome and know we made the right decision.
"The agents' knowledge and expertise has been invaluable. They helped us open bank accounts, obtain tax numbers and took us shopping for furniture. The carpenter even went to the house to check the measurements of the wardrobes!
"We're so happy with our purchase that we've invested in a great duplex on International Property Agents' development Marina Vista, to rent out for some extra revenue.
"It has been a great experience, we've already met some good friends in Bodrum and each time we visit it gets harder and harder to come home. The property looks great and looks set to be a decent investment too. All we can say is roll on retirement!"