The debate is currently ongoing as to whether Home Information Packs (HIPs) should become compulsory for those selling property in the UK. The HIP, or 'Seller's pack', is a document that sellers may have to buy and have produced before they put their house up for sale in the UK.

So, was the UK potentially ahead of the game in planning to introduce such legislation, or does such data standard when buying property in Turkey and Cyprus?

"In Turkey, there is no equivalent of the home information packs," answers Paul Benedek from Solaris Villas. "However, there are mechanisms that protect a buyer and although they are not quite as sophisticated as a Home Information Pack, their purpose is still the same and that is to protect the rights of a buyer so that they can make an informed purchase choice."

"Sellers of property in Turkey should provide evidence on several levels," adds Charles Bentley from Oruc International. "Contracts should be provide in both Turkish and English and gone through in detail with an interpreter as well as having independent legal advice.

"The first contract is the Tapu (title deed) which shows that the property is owned outright with no one else having a claim on ownership. Secondly, there should be no debt on the property or land, that is, a loan taken with the property as security and if there has been then this must be cleared before the sale. Thirdly, if it is a new build the seller should have evidence of the six stages of inspection that are required for it to be classed as a fully legal build. These are inspection certificates at the various stages, foundations, electrics, roofing and that the local legislation on size and position and materials is adhered to."

"Finally, all utilities and bills should be included in the deal so that the client, with their tax number, can set up regular payments to ensure they are fully protected on all fronts."

Sue Pelekanou, Managing Director at Islands Blue, also states that "each house has to have a 'Dansk' in order to get earthquake insurance." This is a certificate requested by the builder or developer of a property on completion and should be easily accessible for the buyer to check.

Taking a closer look at the property on offer, the resort of Bodrum, by the Aegean Sea, is popular amongst tourists. Blue Water Bay features two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom duplex apartments, set against some great sea views. Other perks of the properties include modern fitted kitchens, en-suite facilities, air conditioning and marble flooring. Two-bedroom apartments are priced from £66,950.

Over in Cyprus, Fraser Fernhead from Armchair Property Investor says, "The Cypriot property market is less developed than that of the UK, so there are no calls for HIPs. However, bank warranties, which are usually around one per cent of the property's value, guarantee that you won't lose your deposit if the company were to go into liquidation." 

As with buying property in Turkey, it is recommended that you do your research and seek independent legal advice. Fraser points out that agents will usually have researched the developers they are working with to ensure they are reputable, but buyers should still double check the information they are being provided with. He says, "Southern Cyprus property law is very similar to that of the UK, so it will be more familiar to British investors but you should cover yourself by visiting the site that you are buying into, looking for the potential negatives, such as busy roads, which sellers are not compelled to tell you about. Also, make sure that you completely understand your contract, your lawyer should summarise it for you, and that it matches what it is that you are expecting to receive and be entitled to."

There are 28 two-bedroom Ocean View Villas currently on the market through Arm Chair Investments. Based in the Larnaca area, the villas, with private pools, are close to both a new golf course and sandy beaches. Due to be completed in 2010 they can be purchased from CYP£170,000 (approx. £198,500).

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Pictured: Four-bedroom restored villa with a private pool in Antalya available through Islands Blue. Price: 175,000 euros (approx. £119,000)

Article first published 1st June 2007