Permanent exchange but not a permanent move! We would spend time in each place. We like Bodrum because it’s got loads of shops (Kim not me) lots of different nationalities mixing together; it is obviously a lot more established with nice places to eat and drink and of course nigh time entertainment. We also like it here in Altinkum because its not so busy, not so many people (certainly not a lot of non-Brits) (other than the local populations of course)) the local people are on the whole very genuine (not suggesting they are not in Bodrum) it has a far nicer beach-front than Bodrum (except for the castle) and of course we have our own Marina now.
We have two properties here and only use our apartment. So rather than let the Villa sit there empty (don’t want to rent it, more problems than its worth) so we thought why not do a swop! No hidden agenda (there are no resident demons in our villa, the neighbours are lovely, and it’s a really nice property), we just prefer to live near the resort front here in lovely Altinkum.
Properties are difficult to sell at the moment not because they are no good but because of the credit crisis not everyone can now afford a place in the Sun, and of course glut of properties on the market (see today’s Zaman) and some peoples fears of a dramatic crash in property prices (fed by rumour, probably instigated by some unscrupulous people looking to make a killing at other peoples expense) perhaps just a glitch, lets hope so, only time will tell))
The swop would be like for like, or of similar value! Don't know about the paperwork side of it, I thought it would be more or less straightforward (but then again this is Turkey) it probably would involve a new Military Search. Surely a contract to exchange all title with declaration of no debt etc, with an independent valuation (from the Beledyre) would suffice? Otherwise, perhaps a purchase with a nominal fee; don’t know! I suppose the tax man would be suspicious!
Anyone actually been through this process? As you can see not really thought it through, and we were just testing the water as it were. There are lots of brainy people on here who may have some ideas of how to go about it.
If we manage to pull this off, I will donate some money to help the poor beleaguered Members of parliament with their expenses…not!