Merseyside couple Valerie Winward and husband Ian can’t wait to spend time at their new holiday home in Turkey, which they bought in January using equity from a second home Valerie owns in Liverpool.

Article written by The Overseas Guides Company

“We were £25,000 short of the agreed purchase price of £56,000 when we planned to complete in December,” said Valerie, who lives in Ainsdale, near Southport. “However, I was able to release equity from a property I own in Liverpool so we were able to complete in January. We’re so excited about our next visit.”

Valerie and Ian’s property is a two-bedroom duplex apartment in Hisarönü, near Fethiye and the stunning Ölüdeniz lagoon. On a small gated complex called Lymra Homes, which has communal pools and views over the pretty town, the property was on the market for £59,000.

“We made an offer of £56,000 in October through estate agent Spot Blue, which was accepted,” continued Valerie. “Spot Blue’s agent was extremely helpful. Things happen differently in Turkey, people are much more laid-back, which can be unnerving, but the agent was able to reassure us throughout the buying process. We gave power of attorney to him to oversee completion.”

Valerie and Ian first went to Turkey 16 years ago, when they stayed in Alanya on the south coast. Two years later they discovered the Fethiye area, including Ölüdeniz, fell in love with it and returned for numerous holidays. Hisarönü is a 10-minute drive from the colourful harbour town of Fethiye.

To reach their Turkish property, Valerie and Ian’s simplest option is to hop on an easyJet flight from Manchester to Dalaman, then they have just an hour’s transfer to Hisarönü. The couple plan to rent out their property in July, August and September, and visit as much possible with their children during the remainder of the year.

For details of more property for sale in Turkey, visit the Turkish listings on Rightmove Overseas. One way to save money when buying or living in Turkey is to use a currency specialist when transferring your pounds into lira, euros or dollars. For more information on this, contact Smart Currency Exchange or visit the Currency Zone.