Turkey is known as a popular destination for vacation packages and has recently been one of the most sought after areas for property in the Mediterranean. The stunning beaches of Turkey amazing scenery, stunning beaches, and low prices have attracted many potential holiday home buyers. While 2005 was not an easy year for the Turkish market, with thousands of transactions being held up for six months as a result of changes to the country's laws The future is bright. New golf courses and marinas, better roads and expanded airports, are adding to the countrys appeal, while the possibility of EU membership in the not-too-distant-future, also bodes well for those investing in Turkish property. The rental market is starting to grow in the major resorts such as Bodrum, Altinkum, Fethiye, Kalkan, Side and Alanya With short-term and holiday rentals arranged by travel agents, tour operators or one of the numerous new rental websites. It is important to be cautious in selecting your rental property for dependable rental yields in a market that is becoming increasingly competitive.

So where are Turkish Riviera's most popular areas to purchase?

We decided to buy a villa in Fethiye because it's an official town and doesn't close in winter, says Tim Goodman, who moved out from Newcastle with his wife Jenny in 2004. We're loving our new lifestyle even though it took us a while to adjust to certain things, like the crazy Turkish driving and the heat of summer!

Tim and Jenny felt frustrated that they could not communicate with their Turkish neighbours. They began language classes every week for two hours.

Jenny states that Turkish people are friendly and warm and she was hoping to be able to have a conversation. It is also possible to use simple phrases to communicate with those working inside the house.

Belek is the most prestigious golfing resort, offering six courses of international quality. About 20 minutes drive from the city of Antalya and the airport, the resort has an extensive strip of golden sand, too. As you might expect, Belek is a property hot-spot with more than 35 projects being developed in the area. Be sure to conduct your due diligence since not all developments offer value for price. Compare the details of each development, including the sizes of the units and the specifications for building. Prices start from 119,000 for a three-bedroom semi-detached villa or 145,000 for a detached property bought off-plan.

Belek is an extremely exciting area because of the golf and easy access to the airport, says Taylan Gundeslioglu, owner of Letsgototurkey , a construction and estate agency. But, it was only recently that good property come on the market.

Side, once a Roman slave-market, features a white sand beach and impressive old-fashioned remains like an amphitheatre. The area is safe from expansion due to its archaeological importance. However, there are numerous villas and apartment developments within the vicinity. A two-bedroom apartment typically costs from 55,000-80,000.

Alanya is MLS listings a well-known area for property owners in the Mediterranean region due to its Blue Flag beaches and excellent entertainment. Another draw is the Selcuk Turkish sea-girt castle. Apartments dominate the local market for property. Two-bedroom homes in the middle of town start at about 65,000. However, a bus ride of 15 minutes from the city to Mahmutlar and prices drop to just 50,000 for the same size place on a new property with excellent facilities.