Survey reveals İzmir’s foreign property map

A recent survey has revealed there are over 4,000 foreigner property owners in the Aegean city of İzmir.

The study revealed the number of foreign residents owning property was 4,301, while the number of properties owned in the city 4,256, according to the data of General Directorate of Land Registry Information System, or TAKBİS.

There has been a sharp increase in these numbers after a new law that eased the property ownership of foreigners was approved, despite resistance from the opposition party.

Various countries
According to the figures, the foreign home owners in November 2008 came from 42 countries. By nationality, the Germans were the leading property buyers in İzmir. The number of Germans buying property was 1,580, who own a total of 1,600 properties in İzmir. Greeks are the runners-up in the list, with 1,137 owners of 1,214 properties.

The British rank third with 322 properties, while the Italians fourth with 189 properties. The French are fifth with 158 properties, followed by U.S. nationals with 116.

There are also property owned by citizens from Brazil, China, Macedonia, Mexico, Egypt, Pakistan, Romania and New Zealand in İzmir.

When it comes to which districts are preferred most by foreigners, Konak takes the lead. The other districts that are running in front are Karşıyaka, Karabağlar, Bornova, Buca, Çeşme, Dikili, Foça and Menderes.

Some 624 residents in Konak district own 561 properties. Italians prefer Konak the most, as 149 Italians own property in Konak, with the Germans trailing them with 103.

The district where Greeks own the most property is Bornova. Some 294 Greek nationals own 289 properties in the district.

There are 525 foreigners owning property in Çeşme, the famous holiday resort in İzmir, with the Germans taking the lead with 195 properties, followed by 114 for the British.

Another popular holiday resort, Foça, has properties owned by 378 foreigners, with the Germans being the majority.

Deputy’s request
The research was held after a request for formal motion by Ahmet Ersin, an İzmir deputy of Parliament from Republican People’s Party, or CHP. Ersin requested the statistic data of foreigners buying property in İzmir.

"The country in Europe where foreigners own property most easily is Turkey. They can buy as much property as they desire", said Ersin, adding the ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP, had canceled the principle of reciprocity in foreigners’ purchasing realty in Turkey.

"Foreigners mostly prefer the agricultural lands and summer houses. The new law eases the purchase of land or property by foreigners."