Turkey's low prices highlighted

The low cost of buying and living in Turkey is a reason for its attractiveness to UK buyers, it has been stated.

Head of private clients at property firm World First Elisabeth Dobson noted that many British purchasers are looking for homes at the lower end of the market, commenting: "People are attracted to properties in the region of £30,000 as they know that in the UK they will have to spend that on a new car."

She noted that the country is also affordable because it does not use the euro as its currency - making exchange rates more favourable - while the equivalent of council tax costs £150 a year and there are many cheap places to eat and drink.

Ms Dobson also remarked that the country has a range of cultural attractions that would appeal to people whose interests extend beyond "cheap beer and discos".

Figures from overseas mortgage specialist Conti showed that the number of mortgage applications for homes in Turkey was 65 per cent higher in the first five months of this year than the final five months of 2008.