Once you’ve made the decision to buy property in Turkey, it’s time to work out what you want from your new home. There’ll be no shortage of opinions from friends, family, and even complete strangers on the internet – there are numerous forums and Facebook groups dedicated to offering advice.

You’d be forgiven for feeling a little overwhelmed in the face of so much information. It’s a good idea to make lists of the kind of features you want – and don’t want – in your new home, setting out both essentials and nice-to-haves.

It’s also important to remember everyone is different, with their own habits and lifestyles – for every person that dreams of a sea view villa in Kalkan, someone else would prefer a modern apartment in Antalya city.

Another key consideration is whether to buy an old or new property. If the latter, you might even decide on a custom-built villa, or perhaps the idea of choosing your Turkish property off-plan appeals. There are, of course, pros and cons to whatever you decide.

Buying new – the advantages

There’s something irresistibly exciting about a brand-new property. Nobody else has ever lived there. You don’t have to put up with their taste in décor until you get around to changing it. Your new Antalya home is pristine and ready for you to put your personal stamp on it.

If you opt for a custom-build, you’ll be able to ensure your piece of Turkish real estate is exactly what you want. Or, if you choose off-plan, you’ll still usually get a say in some style and design elements.

Your villa or apartment will be modern and you’re unlikely to need to budget for maintenance or repairs for some time. You’ll also have the reassurance of the builder’s guarantee for several years, giving you redress in the event of any problems or if anything isn’t as promised.

Buying new – potential pitfalls

New homes can look similar to each other and may be more tightly packed as developments can be intensive. Construction might not be as robust as older builds and rooms may also be smaller, with lower ceilings.

New homes often give you less bang for your buck than an older property. If you’re considering newly built properties in Antalya it’s also vital you check the small print and ensure you understand the terms of your purchase, your rights of ownership, the details of your guarantee, and the extent of any after-care service that is provided.

‘Snagging’ – the term given to identifying and rectifying minor faults – is common for new-builds; most construction firms are very good at taking care of any issues but be aware there might be some inconvenience while you wait for them to do so.

Older properties – the advantages

If you’re looking at a traditional stone-built house away from the main tourist resorts in Antalya province, it’s likely to be an older property. This means it should be built to last – it will be of robust construction with thick walls and solid floors.

You might find the rooms are more spacious or that it’s set on a sizeable plot of land. This could give you options for extending and remodelling, or for developing the garden, and really turning it into your dream home in Turkey.

Older properties – potential pitfalls

One issue with older homes is that they are more likely to be poorly insulated. Large rooms with high ceilings are harder to heat, especially if there are gaps in the walls or around the window frames. Although Antalya enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate, winters can still be cold and wet – and homes aren’t centrally heated as standard.

Be aware you might need to spend money on repairs and upgrades if you buy an older property in Antalya and allow for that in your budget. It’s also a good idea to find out about any local planning restrictions if you do hope to extend or redevelop.

Other points to consider

If you’re facing a choice between a resale and a new build, take a careful look at your budget. While you might think the older home gives you more for your money, be aware that repair and/or maintenance costs could be higher.

How you plan to use your property in Antalya may also have a bearing on your decision. If you intend to live in Turkey full-time and make it your permanent home, you’ll want something as close to your dream home in Antalya as possible, or you might be prepared to live with some dodgy décor choices for a while. If you are considering a buy-to-let holiday home, however, you’ll be more concerned with meeting the needs of your future guests and choosing a property that will be ready for rental almost immediately.

Can we help you?

We have a wealth of experience in matching our clients with their ideal home in Antalya, and we’d love to do the same for you. We’re committed to making the buying experience as smooth as possible, supporting you at every step from identifying potential properties through to purchase completion. Feel free to get in touch to start the process, or if you have any questions.