Natalie House hunters can find plenty of reasons to buy property in Bodrum. Sitting in western Turkey, Bodrum is a hot spot for foreign property buyers. Among other select places on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, the peninsula attracts several nationalities looking for either holiday homes, investment homes or permanent relocation.
There are many reasons why, and whether buyers have unlimited cash or a set budget is irrelevant because the real estate market moves quickly. House hunters will find what they want regardless of taste, budget, or requirements.
But what attributes does it have to make potential buyers choose it over other locations?
How can buyers have confidence that their long-term real estate investment has potential?
This complete guide aims to provide valuable insights and answer any more buyers questions.
9 Excellent Reasons to Buy Property in Bodrum
Understanding Bodrum
Firstly, it helps to understand the geographical importance. Sitting on Turkey’s Aegean coast and belonging to the Muğla province, Bodrum has, for decades, been a favourite retreat for wealthy Turks and retirees. In Turkey, Bodrum doesn’t have a shambles of a reputation but is instead associated with wealth and prestige. Boasting natural beauty and fine dining restaurants, the reputation stems in part from the long-standing excellence of sailing.
Blue voyage routes belonging to the Turkish Riviera were born here. Of course, where there is sailing excellence, yachts and mega yachts will always head. Indeed, don’t expect a cheap and cheerful destination because the esteemed presence carries weight. The other central claim to fame is the vibrant nightlife scene often called the best in Aegean Turkey.
1: Architecture Styles and Property Types
With the best architects designing homes and business and leisure facilities, homes are no longer just practical but cosy, geared up with technology, and designed to fit in with the landscapes to maximise sea views. Otherwise, in days gone by, the architectural style of properties, traditionally used wood and stone, and this type of home has an iconic status within Turkey, which buyers sometimes hamper after. Occasionally, traditional resale homes appear for sale. However, some newly built homes incorporate old architectural styles, and buyers get the best of both worlds because they include modern cons.
Luxury Villas: The demand for luxury properties is high, which is when million-pound villas shine through. The modern architecture is impressive, from six-bedroom villas to detached villas with a private swimming pool and garden. For exclusivity, head to Yalikavak, which is compared to LA in the USA. Famous Turkish and international architects have designed some exclusive villas here. Don’t expect to find a luxurious villa for a bargain price. Yalikavak is where the rich and famous parties, including Saudi royalty, are located.
Apartments: Many modern apartments are in large lifestyle complexes with community amenities. Naturally, property prices are higher for seaview or beachfront apartments. Most foreign buyers like the large complexes and pay an annual fee to maintain communal areas.
Historical Homes: Mainly in the city centre, you will see white-washed houses that have become the face of tourism. Some sit on hills overlooking views of beaches and water. Rather than having private pools, they have courtyards with trees to relax during summer. Some old houses are now boutique hotels.
2: Excellent Public Transport Network
Most buyers want easy access to transport networks, and this is where the peninsula excels. Bodrum Airport has just an hour’s transfer time to the main centre or two hours to surrounding coastal resorts. With frequent flights during summer, property owners use Izmir airport during winter. The central bus station offers cheap and frequent bus routes to most other towns and cities. Access to international and domestic transport is right on the doorstep, and ongoing infrastructural development is coping with the ongoing demand for tourism and house sales.
3: Laid-back Atmospheres
The country’s reputation as the birthplace of a hedonistic lifestyle attracts artists, writers, spiritualists, and celebrities in droves. Individuality has been encouraged for decades, with pleasure and fun at the forefront of a life worth living.
The fisherman of Halicarnassus, aka Cevat Sakir Kabaagacli, is credited with giving birth to this bohemian vibe in 1925, and this partly explains the reputation as a top holiday destination for international tourists and Turks. Boredom will never be part of your vocabulary again. Known for five-star luxurious accommodations, beach lovers adore it, and nightlife seekers flock from all over.
As a significant Turkish Riviera hub, it attracts sailors and yachting enthusiasts worldwide. Even those who do not like to get their feet wet will find plenty to do, from art and photography courses to exploring historical sites and natural landmarks. Expect plenty of water activities and delicious seafood thanks to its coastal position.
4: The Foreign Presence
Bodrum is a top holiday destination that attracts foreign owners, some of whom have formed an established expat community. Hence, you don’t have to worry about settling in; locals speak many languages, especially English. The mishmash of nationalities evokes a multicultural feel. As a foreigner, settling into the port city and peninsula and accessing help and advice when needed is easy.
5: Warm Climate for Summer Vacations
While life on beautiful beaches scales down outside the primary tourism season, from Spring to Autumn, the peninsula attracts millions of people with the ideal climate. Those who prefer to tour the scenic beauty often come from April to June, when temperatures are cooler. Those who like golden sun tans should hit the sandy beaches from May onwards for ideal temperatures that peak in July. Some people say the peninsula has a Mediterranean climate, but being in the Aegean, temperatures are slightly lower.
6: Fast and Efficient Buying Process
One thing that amazes people the most is the quick and easy purchasing process. As a real estate agent, if all finances and paperwork are in place, we get our client’s deeds on the same day; however, most take as little as 2 weeks. The process is the same for foreign buyers as for Turks, so there is no discrimination.
7: Turkish Citizenship
For foreign investors, the citizenship by investment scheme operates around houses for sale worth more than $400,000. For the return on investment, the applicant receives full citizenship so they and their dependents can live, work, and study in Turkey. You can keep dual citizenship and live wherever you want. Just pledge to keep the home for at least three years. With an easy application process and quick processing times, this is one of the world’s best golden visa schemes.
8: Sailing and Beautiful Marinas
Expect world-class marinas in upscale resorts. One coastal town that stands out for its marina is Yalikavak, which hosts mega yachts and often hosts Saudi royalty and wealthy celebrities. Bodrum town centre has been around longer, and of course, people dine while admiring those stunning sea views in the marina. Sailing enthusiasts can even buy their six-bedroom villa with a private pier!
9: Luxurious Lifestyles
This attractive destination does have budget facilities, but if you want five-star pampering, the variety of high-end amenities will more than please you. From fine dining restaurants to boutique shops to marina lifestyles, prime locations are home to fantastic hotels that excel in hospitality. Likewise, if you want to invest in luxury real estate, charming villas and stylish apartments are the best fine living in Turkey. Most affluent individuals make their way here for upscale lifestyles. (Article – where to find the luxury lifestyle in Bodrum)
Comparing Bodrum to Other Central Locations in Turkey
Some people compare Bodrum to other Turkish destinations, like Antalya, yet the vibes differ. The Antalya region is more significant for beach tourism, and average apartment prices make for another type of property investment. There is nowhere like Bodrum in the Turkish property market. The peninsula operates in a league of its own and always has done so, especially with its reputation with Turks. International buyers often choose the Antalya region, but essentially, it is simply because of lower property values.
Popular Destinations for real estate investment
Yalikavak for Dream Homes
Yalikavak is great for high-end foreign investment. There is a small but busy centre and a harbour where fishing boats moor, but Yalikavak marina is the Aegean best. Expect an active nightlife scene, high-end restaurants, and easy access to amenities. The town centre’s wide selection of bars, cafes, and restaurants attracts high-net-worth individuals. The ancient inland city of Yalikavak was called Sandima, and its remains remain. In today’s Yalikavak, few tombstones and city walls still bear witness to history. If your investment goal is a luxury villa with expansive gardens, Yalikavak is the place to head.
Gumusluk Coastal Village
Gumusluk oozes picturesque landscapes and is ideal for quiet living with limited nightlife. Snorkel or scuba dive in the clear waters of Gumusluk and discover the ancient ruins of Myndos. The seafront area is famous for seafood restaurants and great tea gardens, perfect for evenings out. For villas for sale with a spacious garden, peace, and tranquillity, Gumusluk is ideal for short-term vacation rentals or permanent living.
Gumbet for Varied Property Options
Gumbet, named after domed water cisterns that speckle the countryside nearby, is the closest town to the town centre, only a 10-minute drive by car. This resort has always attracted British holidaymakers, many of whom stay near the beach and venture into the centre later at night. Perfect for buying a one-bedroom apartment or looking at short-term rentals, there is more than one type of property to choose from.
There isn’t a rich history because the town was built to cope with the tourism industry’s overspill from the main centre, but it does make a great vacation spot. Gumbet offers lively bars and restaurants that are popular with the young crowd. The long sandy beach, lined with hotels and pensions, attracts young people and water sports enthusiasts, with windsurfing schools and diving courses. Other beachfront water sports are popular in Gumbet, including parasailing, Ringo and water skiing.
Torba
This small but notable tourist resort, with modern amenities and pebbly and golden sand beaches, has an excellent reputation. Ancient remains well worth seeing include a superbly preserved round structure built by the Lelegians more than 2500 years ago, probably a tomb, which crowns a prominent hill overlooking the village. Nearby lie the ruins of a Byzantine monastery. Torba is the port where ferry services from Didyma arrive and depart. Property styles vary, but Torba does have a slightly upmarket reputation with glamorous beach clubs.
Gundogan for Tranquil Atmospheres
This charming fishing village, once famed for sponge diving and olive and citrus orchards growing, boasts stunning sunsets. The main centre sits inland on the major highway between Yalikavak and Golturkbuku. Gundogan Beach beautifully sits among the tangerine, olive and pine trees. Since the North often experiences fresh breezes, surfers prefer Gundogan. Like other towns, Gundogan excels in seafront bars, cafes and restaurants, sitting alongside charming fishing boats. This is the best spot to enjoy both the sunrise and the sunset.
Konacik for Real Estate Investors
Konacik is just a short Dolmus ride from the centre, only 3.5km away, but you won’t find any beachfront property for sale. The area is growing in popularity in tourism sectors because of its location. It has its own more traditional centre with a market and restaurants. This area retains woodland appeal and is closed in by pine and olive trees. Even though Konacik is inland, the sea is seen from higher points. For long-term capital growth, expect lucrative opportunities.
Gulluk for an Authentic Village Experience
Gulluk, a traditional fishing village with a lovely small harbour area to stroll around, flanked by small traditional-style restaurants and bars, is an ideal place to find your dream property. There is a small ferry which runs across the bay to Iasos daily about three times a day. The good thing about Gulluk is that it is only a 10-minute drive from Bodrum airport. The dolmus runs from here into the centre regularly, making it an excellent location for peace, yet it is easy to get to the livelier centre. Like all other resorts around the Peninsula, there is always a local market day, and expect clear waters and stunning views.
Tuzla for a Relaxed Ambiance
Tuzla is near the airport and only 10 minutes away; it is a golf course. Vita Park, an two 18-hole Golf facility, has been developed around nature. The lake is home to more than 260 different species of migrant birds, including magnificent flamingos. It is near Bogazici, with a few small shops and a traditional village with old-fashioned tea shops boasting panoramic sea views. To make special memories, Tuzla could fit the bill.
Bodrum Centre for a Strategic Location
This beautiful town is a popular tourist destination in Turkey. The luxury resort amplifies Aegean living with millionaire beachfront villas, plenty of water sports, and traditional seafood restaurants. Prices are high around the Bodrum marina area. The upscale marina has an excellent gourmet restaurant with a rooftop terrace. This is where you can find traditional Turkish houses, and history enthusiasts love the castle, the old harbour area, and traditional Turkish baths. Don’t forget the bustling bazaar, which leads to Bar Street. However, the one thing to be aware of is that as the centre, this highly popular destination gets crowded.
People Also Ask
Is Bodrum a Smart Investment Choice?
Bodrum is an excellent opportunity for profitable investments. However, understand the local instead of the regional market, especially the potential for capital appreciation. The range of properties varies from district to district, as do the prices per square meter, rental yields, and potential capital appreciation. More affordable prices are in outskirt resorts, while places like Yalikavak command top prices. Additionally, remember to factor in extra buying costs, although we give a detailed breakdown to all our clients before they sign the contract, so they know exactly what to pay and when. Also, don’t forget the property management costs if you are not permanently in Turkey.
What is the Rental Market Like?
We don’t advise investing in commercial properties for rental potential. Get to know the new laws and legal requirements for residential rental properties. Although there are excellent rental returns, you need licenses and can only rent your home for 100 days before it is classed as a long-term rental. For this reason, some investors choose branded international hotel chains with private beaches, where they handle the rentals and prevent costly mistakes with legal procedures that result in fines.
Is Bodrum a good place to live?
Yes, Bodrum is a good place to live, but the cost of living is higher than that of other places like Didim. However, this does come with benefits, mainly a prestigious reputation and upmarket living. Some people ask about the language barriers, but foreign nationalities have lived here for decades, and most locals speak English. The social scene is fantastic, and expat groups get together or organise charitable events. There are scenic views and water sports facilities. There is a different cultural richness than the rest of Turkey, but the whole peninsula is a blank canvas for you to start your new life.
What types of properties are for sale?
There are endless possibilities when looking at houses for sale. All around the peninsula, modern apartments range from one to four. In places like Gumusluk, the architectural style reflects the cultural heritage. For traditional whitewash houses, Bodrum town is an attractive option. For high-end properties, head to Yalikavak. The varied housing market has ample choices, so take your time when viewing and researching.
How is the property market?
Sales have slowed in the last two years as Bodrum, like other global places, experienced rapid house price growth. However, steady demand keeps the market strong, with prices ranging from 997 euros to 4,895 euros per square meter. The market will rise again this year, as demand usually increases during the peak tourist season. Our advice for a profitable opportunity is to do local research rather than look at the peninsula.
Use Our Services
We are Spot Blue real estate experts and specialise in properties for sale in all major cities and towns of Turkey. We hope this comprehensive guide has been helpful. Our real estate agency will help you with all aspects of purchasing a home in this desirable location. Whether you are looking for urban living, promising returns, or the luxury lifestyle, call us today and chat with an agent about reasons to buy property in Turkey. Also, start your property search by browsing our portfolio of apartments and villas. Use the contact details to learn more from a real estate representative or arrange viewings of homes in Bodrum.
