"Why didn't we do it sooner?"

When my wife and I decided to look for a second / holiday home, we scoured many websites and also visited some exhibitions. The majority of exhibitors wanted to sell us just ‘off plan’ properties on their specific building areas or countries. It really seemed a maze of similar people doing the same thing, quite pressured and not very enjoyable. Nobody had anything tangible to show us! Computer generated drawings only! Then we met with Graham.

We were, at the beginning, really unsure where we wanted to purchase and looked from Florida to Florence! We met Graham Howman (from Overseas Connections ) at one of these exhibitions and from the beginning he was extremely open with us and gave the pro’s and con’s on different properties and locations and when he was unsure, he found out and came back to us.

He took our contact details and telephoned us every few weeks (very laid back casual chats) to see where we were looking at and if he could help in any way. We changed our mind so many times; we thought he would get fed up with us!

We decided that Turkey may be an option for us (had never been before) and contacted Overseas Connections. A trip was arranged for us and as I work in a sales environment myself, looked forward to a ‘hard sell’ when we hit the ground in Turkey! This did not occur, ever! An employee of the builder (known as smiley) picked my wife and me up and took us to Apollo Court (a very nice apartment complex), where we would be picked up by a director of the company the next morning. Kerem picked us up at 10.00 and we were taken for a short ride around the area, before insisting that we must be in need for some breakfast. The entertaining was simply fantastic, time was never an issue and we were really put us at ease. Not once were we asked to make any decisions whatsoever. Good products sell themselves and in this case, it was perfectly true.

On our check / wish list were the following:

Climate – Needed to be good - We have had 5 trips this year alone, starting from February and each and every time the weather was lovely – low 20’s up to 100+ in the middle of August. One thing we noticed was the lovely dry heat, not at all humid, just perfect!  

Food – We are quite adventurous with our dining and Turkey scored in all areas, from Pizzas and pasta through to traditional Turkish dishes which were always very well prepared and full of flavour. We also like spicy food and this is available also. What’s quite incredible is that most restaurants will pick you up from your villa or apartment and return you when you are ready, no cost, no pressure – brilliant! There is also a restaurant that has huge floating, private tables on the sea and the waiter comes in a small boat to take and serve your meal!

People – Possibly the friendliest we have ever met, so accommodating, well spoken and very polite. Even in many shops, you are offered free refreshments. Also, the Turkish are a race that seem to love us, the English!

Geography – Where we purchased our property, we have access to superb beaches, really warm (extremely flat) and turquoise seas. The Turkish terrain is simply breath taking - huge mountains, mega lakes (flat, clean, clear), blue skies, cotton fields, thousands of acres of olive groves and fantastic coastlines. The sea can be so warm, gently slopes and doesn't seem to have any ‘nasties’ in (even my wife and youngest daughter swam – a real first)

Shopping - Inland slightly the main towns are excellent and very interesting; the local markets are just fantastic and the cost of fruit and vegetables just staggeringly low and excellent quality. You will never want to shop at a UK supermarket again! Even Turkish chain supermarkets have beautifully presented fresh produce (not wrapped in cling film, or all the same size, shape etc) Visit shops for all items of clothing, buy a pair of designer jeans and they even cut and sew them to your own length.

Property – The builder we chose had a great portfolio of buildings in various states - finished, half way through and just at foundation level. This showed us how the construction process worked. They have their own earthmoving machinery and also a window glazing company, which also gave us confidence and knowledge that they were not just middle men.

We also met many people who were living in properties, who, due to the fact they were so happy, had purchased more than one. We met dozens of clients, who frequently visit the builder’s office in town, simply for a chat and a complimentary cup of Turkish ‘Chi’

We looked at properties in the centre of towns and villages, large apartment complexes and individual plots, bungalows and villas. They are so accommodating and really can and do, build people their dream homes. The finish of the properties is quite extraordinary and I was so amazed by what was included. We have friends who had purchased in Spain and everything and I mean everything was extra. It’s much easier to budget in Turkey.

We had a villa built with our own pool. They even put some extra walk in steps for us at one end. The garden was landscaped to include trees, perimeter lighting, many tap points for hosing down and a very large tiled area for seating and sun bathing. The plastering is fantastic and the finish breathtaking. Lots of lights, plenty sockets and lovely, fully tiled bathrooms. I could go on forever, but to say that we are delighted is an understatement.

 At first it was a bit daunting and we both were pretty nervous buying abroad until completion. We needn’t have been, everything is wonderful, best thing we have ever done!

Just one compliant – why didn't we do it sooner?

Nearly forgot to mention…value for money, quality of life, simply fantastic!

Since buying, Graham at Overseas Connections calls occasionally to ensure that everything is okay and to keep us in touch with the market, which is very reassuring. He also to asked me to write this testimonial for him – no problem, more than happy to do so!

Graham Brindley