Around four thousand people live in the coastal town of Gundogan, one of the lesser-known holiday resorts on the Bodrum peninsula in Aegean Turkey. Nestled near the ancient city of Madnassa, Gundogan proudly showcases its unique rock formations and maintains a traditional ambiance, unaffected by modern-day pressures, which is evident throughout the town and its local culture.
The nightlife in Gundogan is low-key, attracting property buyers who prefer a quieter life. Instead, the focus is on the beach, popular with sunbathers and swimmers thanks to its jetties and bars, and also favored by locals who rely on fishing and sponge diving for income. Olive and citrus production in nearby fields remains a traditional income source. Since mainstream package tourism took off nearly 30 years ago, tourism has become a viable option for locals who have opened bars, restaurants, and hotels. A laid-back, relaxed lifestyle makes it seem as if the hustle and bustle of the 21st century have bypassed Gundogan.
Situated between the holiday resorts of Golturkbuku and the highly publicized Yalikavak, Gundogan has joined other Turkish towns in attracting potential foreign property buyers. However, while Gundogan may sound like an idyllic haven, is it the best place to buy property in Turkey? Will foreigners get a good deal for their money? Let’s explore important factors to consider if you plan to buy property in Gundogan:
Investment Considerations
Naturally, as one of the smaller districts of the Bodrum peninsula, the property portfolio of Gundogan is more select. There is a distinct lack of land available for building, so the town is unlikely to expand, which in turn has made land more expensive. Consequently, property in Gundogan is pricier than other villas and apartments in Turkey.
Two-bedroom apartments in Gundogan start at an average price of £100,000. Most are located within larger complexes where onsite management teams take care of facilities and amenities such as swimming pools and landscaped gardens. A good example is this 2-bedroom resale apartment. Meanwhile, the majority of properties for sale are villas scattered over the green, pine-clad hills. The good news is they vary greatly in appearance and architecture, making it easy to find a property that is both pleasing to the eye and affordable.
For instance, a three-bedroom, three-bathroom beachfront villa on the outskirts of Gundogan with a private jetty and spacious green, landscaped garden is selling for just £240,000. In cities like London, the same amount wouldn’t even buy a one-bedroom apartment. If money is no object, luxury beachfront villas in Gundogan, selling for £1,850,000, represent the pinnacle of Turkish Riviera living and perfectly display the finer side of life on the Bodrum peninsula.
Buy-to-Let Investment Potential
If the purpose of your property investment is to generate rental income, Gundogan has potential because it is a prime spot on the Turkish Riviera. This is evident from the stunning view in summer of large and small yachts docking in the bay. A three-bedroom sea view villa, with numerous onsite facilities such as a fitness center and a communal beach deck, is perfect for rentals.
As with all buy-to-let properties, a proactive approach to advertising is advisable. Property rental websites, word-of-mouth recommendations, and managing contacts within Turkey all have huge potential. (Our concierge service can assist with this.) However, if you are new to the buy-to-let industry, other places might offer better opportunities to maximize your return on investment.
Yalikavak, a nearby holiday resort of Gundogan, is popular on the Turkish Riviera due to its state-of-the-art marina that hosts mega yachts, and it also has a strong following within the mainstream travel market, especially among British tourists. Alternatively, Bodrum town center operates year-round and has tremendous potential for long-term rentals.
Expat Life in Gundogan
Mainstream tourism and sailors of the Turkish Riviera are not the only ones lured to the Aegean lifestyle of Bodrum. Expats of many nationalities settle permanently in the region to enjoy roughly 300 days of sunshine a year. Reasons include easy access to the airport, which is only an hour’s drive away, and a central bus station connecting the district with the rest of the country.
Bodrum has always embraced a multitude of cultures and nationalities, having become a favorite hangout from the 1950s for creative and artistic types. The result is a hedonistic vibe where the pursuit of self-indulgence, whether in sports, entertainment, art, or literary hobbies, is very much encouraged. Expats who have worked their whole lives adore this community attitude of self-expression.
Another major reason for Gundogan and Bodrum’s popularity among foreigners is that English is widely spoken, making it easy to lead a sociable life without knowing the native language. Those who want to learn Turkish will find locals willing to help, Turkish teachers for hire, and free online programs offering courses. Practical experience is the greatest tool, and while living in Turkey, this happens everywhere you go.
Facilities and amenities are also plentiful in both Gundogan and nearby Bodrum town. Most expats prefer top-of-the-range healthcare, and Bodrum provides it all, with English-speaking opticians, hospitals, and dentists.
While Gundogan itself does not have a large expat community, the Bodrum peninsula does, offering a great support network to help newcomers settle into the country. This includes navigating red tape for requirements such as residency permits or simply meeting like-minded people with common interests.
For more information about living and buying property in Turkey, our buyer’s guide covers it all.