Renovating an old Turkish property is a dream for some and a nightmare for others. Standing amongst a weed filled garden looking at a rundown shack begs the question whether it is even possible to turn it into a semblance of a home and more to the point at what cost. At this point many people walk away but one of the advantages of buying a renovation property in Turkey is that you get so much more for your money especially when you take into account the amount of land often included in the deal.
Hidden Delights
Property in need of renovation comes very cheap in Turkey costing as little as 15,000 Euros. For this price you don’t just get an old stone house, but lots of land often with enough room to build another house on, established orchards and more often than not, barns and outbuildings , which can also be converted into other properties, an office, accommodation for paying and non-paying guests, stables workshops or indoor pools. Old Ottoman town houses often reveal a wealth of interior features, which are still intact like original mouldings and wooden shutters. You need to spend some money before you even consider renovating to determine the true structural state of the buildings and then speak with a reliable builder to set a renovation budget. Once all of this is in place and you know that you realistically can afford to take on the project, you can sign on the dotted line and buy the property.
Architectural Salvage
Another hidden treasure is the amount of materials you will be able to re-use from your site. Before building work commences, scour the site for re-usable materials. Old stone may be re-used in the build or for the garden; old pots can be cleaned up and used as planters. Old fashioned garden tools can be used as decorative features. Old oak or solid wood beams can also be re-used in the build to add charm and character or to build a shed, the aged appearance of old wood cannot be faked. Discarded cart wheels can be used to separate herbs so that they grow in an attractive circular fashion. If you are buying what was formerly a Greek residence you may found the occupants left many things inside the house because when the Turkish – Greek Exchange of peoples took place many just packed a few bags and left and few had the means to transport their furniture to their new destination.
Keeping the Same Footprint
Your survey will give you all of the information you need as to whether the project is feasible or not; usually if the walls and roof are sound then there is a solid shell to build around. Then it is just a matter of finding out what structural work needs to be undertaken and how much it will cost to ‘dec’ out the interior. If you are not making any alterations to the original footprint you will save yourself much time and money in that you will not have to apply for planning permission or architectural plans. The more you stick with the original the more money you are likely to make on the project. Budgets soon run dry the minute you start adding extensions and an upper storey.
Small is Beautiful
Old Turkish houses do tend to be very small compared to today’s modern alternatives and considering the price of new villas and apartments in Turkey these days, you may question whether it really is worth taking on such a project. Only you will know the answer to this question, but some of the benefits of renovating mean that you will have an original and unique home full of character. You will also be giving something back to the country by restoring a part of its heritage and you stand to make a profit by buying cheap, renovating cost effectively and eventually selling on at a profit. Your home may be smalls, but with Turkey’s hot climate, most of your daily life will be spent outdoors and a home in the country is ideal for this healthy lifestyle.
Hassle and Hard Work?
You may be put off by tackling such a project seeing nothing but physical graft and specialist jobs. However, this need not be the case. There are many reliable building companies out there with experience in renovation who will take on the project for you. All you need to do is ensure that you have a formal, legal contract stating what work will be done and at what cost. Many people who look for renovation projects actually want to take more of a ‘hands on’ approach and relish the idea of rebuilding what at first sight looks like a crumbling shack. If you are one of these enthusiasts then all the better because doing most of the grafting yourself you will save a lot of money and on the completion of the project, will be able to sit back and savour the fruits of your labour.
Think long and hard about taking on a renovation project and make an organised plan of the jobs and work you need to do and most of all if you do go ahead you will be adding something meaningful back t the country, which has given you your new home.
