There are also a plethora of leisure opportunities and amplified investment from government, construction and business sources, which means Turkey is proving to be an increasingly popular destination for overseas property buyers.

The IMF reported in May last year that Turkey has experienced a dramatic economic turnaround, with its economy growing at an average of 7.5 per cent per annum since 2002.

Tourist figures in Turkey are also on the rise with the resultant increase in 'tourist spend' up 8.6 per cent in the third quarter of 2007 compared with the same period in 2006.

Hinting at Turkey's popularity with overseas tourists, recent Airport Council International statistics showed that Antalya International Airport ranked as the second-busiest terminal on the Mediterranean coastline in 2006, with more than 2.5 million passengers using the airport.

With 40 per cent of all tourists flying into Turkey disembarking at Antalya, it is little surprise that both BA and BMI are introducing flights to the city early in 2008.

Twenty three per cent of Antalya's real estate is already owned by overseas property buyers, and increasing flights and numbers of tourists is anticipated to have an impact on this percentage, driving the growth of investment and the potential of the Turkish property market.

Alanya, located 130 kilometres from Antalya, is also set to become more popular with tourists and property buyers when the airport at Gazipasa, 33 kilometres from Alanya, launches an international service in mid-2008. Already a firm favourite with UK tourists, Turkey's Mugla Turquoise Coast is also continuing to grow in popularity with homebuyers and holidaymakers alike.

"Izmir, Bodrum (pictured) and the new international airport in Dalaman triangulate to give easy access to Mugla's resorts," says Colin Bentley from Oruc International. "Tourist numbers swelled to 25,000 in 2007, justifying the government's massive investment into the region. The advent of major new golf developments, marinas, beach resorts and year-round tourist infrastructure has attracted business and commerce, as well as homebuyers from all over the UK." Property agent Spot Blue currently has a range of property available in Bodrum, including the Tuzla apartments. Featuring two bedrooms, leisure facilities on-site and a location near the seafront, these properties are available from £58,000.