Have you ever dreamed of a life away from the stress of Blighty? If so, why not think about Turkey?

Whether you'd prefer an isolated cottage or a luxury penthouse apartment, the low property prices in Turkey make one’s dream home easily attainable. You could own a luxury villa with your own private pool in Alanya for less than the price of a dreary London flat that has nothing more to offer than a view across rooftops and rain sodden streets.

In addition to the low purchase prices, the maintenance fees on apartments in Turkey are low so the hidden costs often associated with owned property are pretty much eliminated.

The low cost of living gives also helps many of those living as ex-pats in Turkey attain a life style they simply couldn't afford at home. In Turkey you can live for a month on what you’d normally spend in a week back in the UK!

Why choose Alanya?

Nestled on the southern coast known as the Turkish Riviera, Alanya is just two hours from the airport. With many daily flights to and from the area during summer, the UK is easily accessible for those living in Turkey.

The Mediterranean climate, clean beaches and unpolluted sea make swimming or boating fabulously enjoyable and the nightlife in Alanya ranges from Oriental to Western. Whatever you want, Alanya has it!

The rich history of Turkey with its ancient cities and monuments is awe inspiring. The old town of Alanya is dominated by the castle, originally built by the Selcuk Turks and enlarged in the Byzantine era. It's here you'll find the old narrow streets and ancient buildings that act as a contrast to the more modern areas of town that stretches along the peninsula.

For those buying an apartment in Turkey, property that's situated high in the hills surrounding the town are extremely popular. These apartments and villas offer fabulous views across the old town and harbour and very often you’ll find that your neighbours are ex-pats like yourself.

Although the Turkish cuisine is famous, restaurants in Alanya offer menus from Chinese to Italian. Ex pats in Turkey can even find good old Fish and Chip shops, both in Alanya and most other major Turkish towns and cities.

The Turks themselves take their food very seriously with delicious snacks being sold from tiny booths dotted throughout the town. The abundance of top quality fruit and vegetables makes home cooking a joy.

Turkish people are friendly, helpful and tolerant of other cultures. Children are cherished and never considered a nuisance.

A low crime rate adds to the relaxing atmosphere. Living in Turkey means you can walk through town at night without the fear of what lurks in the shadows - a fear that’s all too common in the UK.

There’s a vibrant ex-pat community in Alanya with people who will be more than happy to answer your questions and help you settle in. Don't worry, within just a few short months you'll be feeling as though you've always been part of the neighbourhood.

The medical facilities and hospitals in Alanya are modern and of international standard so no worries there, either.

Shopping in Alanya is exciting and different. Leather shops, wonderful Turkish carpets and kilims and pottery nestle along side the latest designer boutiques and electrical goods stores. There are fascinating local markets selling everything from vegetables to local handcrafts and modern supermarkets and corner shops that cater for all your basic needs.

Living on the south-west coast of Turkey has to be a dream come true. If you miss my friends and family, remember that a visit to home shores is just a few hours away. Winters are mild and warm and those living here are part of a caring community that’s only a step away from a varied social life. Living in Turkey means you’ll have time to live instead of merely existing.

If you’ve ever been envious of the kind of life style an ex-pat in Turkey enjoys, remember that you could have it for yourself, either full time or for part of the year. It is no longer a daring step into the unknown - it's a step into a quality of life so many of us dream of.

By buying an apartment in Turkey, you too could be part of the Turkish ex-pat experience.