It was house tourism that drove the Spanish property market in the past 10 years and now Turkey has experienced year-on-year increases in tourism of between 18 to 25%. It would rank as one of fastest growing tourism destinations in the world. Combined with strong GDP growth of 5.1% in 2006 and a strong local market, Turkey was chosen as the top real estate development market by Urban Land Institute/Pricewaterhouse Coopers.

Prices have increased between 50% to 80% in the past two years and while mortgages are not readily available, Irish buyers can avail of up to 70% mortgages from a Turkish bank.

Aquarius Properties has launched the Flamingo Golf Resort in Turkey, which comprises villas and apartments on an elevated site overlooking the first golf course in Bodrum, called Vita Park Golf Course. The villas are each on a plot of 500sq m, have a private swimming pool and prices start from 180,000. Apartments cost from 90,000.

Aquarius Properties will be holding free seminars in Dublin on Sunday 12 August at the Stillorgan Park Hotel and on Sunday 19 August at Clontarf Castle, where they will also be promoting developments in the Algarve and Spain.

Further Information from Aquarius Properties: 0870-334 5288; www. aquariusproperties. com.