Managing your Turkish property

Although some developers and estate agents in Turkey offer after-sales services, independent companies are springing-up in the main resorts to cater for a growing demand from foreign property owners for professional management. If you are not living in Turkey a reliable management agent to check your property regularly, carry out any necessary maintenance work and look after the garden is essential, particularly if you are letting out the property.

"A good management company is of the utmost importance," comments Heidi Yildiz an estate agents in Fethiye. "Not only can you be safe in the knowledge that your property is being looked after, but you don't have to deal with all the day-to-day hassles of ownership. Also, if you are renting a seamless service is paramount."

In an increasingly competitive market place, developers themselves are becoming more aware of the importance of after-sales services to their clients and several companies have introduced sophisticated online systems through which property owners can manage their properties, book services like airport pick-ups and even pay their bills with a credit card.

For an annual or monthly fee developers or independent management companies generally provide a weekly 'property check and air' service, along with additional services such as airport transfers, cleaning, laundry and welcome baskets. Most companies can also help with more unusual requests like babysitting, household shopping and help with bookings for golf, horse riding or other sporting activities and obtaining a telephone line or ADSL connection. Assistance with clearing personal belongings through Turkish customs is also sometimes available.