Buying a luxury apartment in Marmaris is an aspiration for many, whether to retire to Turkey and make the most of the perfect climate, purchase an investment property in the heart of the tourist resort, or buy a beautiful holiday home or permanent residence along Turkey’s Golden Coast.
In recent years, Marmaris has emerged as a destination in significant demand from foreign national buyers. This is primarily because of its prominence as a holiday destination with a buoyant tourist rental market, but also because it provides a fairly quiet and peaceful setting with all the modern amenities on hand.
Property Turkey, the Turkish real estate market experts who support hundreds of buyers in finding and securing their ideal property, have shared some insights into the areas within Marmaris that may appeal, based on the lifestyle each buyer is looking for.
Reasons Behind Sustained Interest in Marmaris Apartments and Rental Investments
Marmaris is often seen as a slightly more laid-back alternative to Bodrum or Fethiye. It has excellent weather, a thriving harbour and marina, and countless seafront bars, pubs, and restaurants, ranging from refined eateries and wine bars to a vibrant nightlife scene, providing something for residents and visitors of every age.
The weekly markets are a central focus of Marmaris life, where locals can purchase fresh produce, tropical fruit, olives, cheese, spices, and, of course, Turkish delights. The Grand Bazaar is a mecca for retail, with almost 1,000 shops selling everything from carpets and jewellery to mosaics and home furnishings.
Surrounded by turquoise blue bays, rolling hills scattered with scented pine trees, and the famous coastline with its bright blue waters, Marmaris also has a rich cultural history. It is small enough to be considered affordable while large enough to have supermarkets and other facilities, such as a well-connected public transport system.
However, as always, we’d ask every prospective buyer what their ideal lifestyle in Marmaris would look like, and whether they’d love a home in the centre of the city, somewhere tranquil a little further out, or to have a holiday villa that commands premium rental incomes.
Exploring the Marmaris Districts Before Buying an Apartment
Buyers often look to central Marmaris, where a larger proportion of the restaurants and hospitality services are located. It is worth noting that the city centre might be a popular area to buy a home, but the district becomes much quieter in the winter outside of the peak tourist season.
The marina and harbour are in the historic centre of the town, and properties close to the ancient castle, constructed from traditional materials lining the cobbled streets, tend to be mostly used for commercial purposes today, although occasional apartments become available for purchase.
Apartments within modern buildings close to the centre tend to be listed more often and are a great option for buyers wanting immediate access to alfresco dining along the harbour stretch and close to the nightlife.
Alternatively, buyers with more generous budgets looking to invest in an upscale home or luxury rental property can consider homes and apartments near Netsel Marina, which promises an exclusive lifestyle and is highly desirable for investors who want a property in Marmaris close to a berth.
Buying a Marmaris Apartment in Armutalan or Beldibi
Armutalan is to the west of Marmaris Old Town and is a comfy, residential area where properties are often available to buy. It also has a mixture of family-friendly restaurants, bars, and locally owned hotels. As a main residential district, it offers more affordable property prices and is connected with the seafront by a regular dolmus service.
Beldibi is another good option, located behind the centre of the Old Town, but with a different feel, given that the neighbourhood nestles right up to the edge of the national park and offers incredible views over the coastline and the Taurus Mountains with a long stretch of beach to enjoy.
The benefits of either district over central neighbourhoods are that they are more relaxed while still being urban settings within proximity of Marmaris. They also tend to be in demand from family buyers with children or those who want an apartment near all the bars and shops, but without the noise of the hustle and bustle during the summer.
Areas Close to Marmaris Popular With Buyers Seeking an Alternative Lifestyle
If you’re unsure whether Marmaris is the right spot for you or want to travel around the Turkish Riviera to review all the options, we'd recommend Içmeler, another holiday resort and tourist area that is smaller than Marmaris and has a more serene atmosphere.
Around five miles west of Marmaris, and with a regular bus service between the two, Içmeler has a stunning beach with ample water sports facilities and providers, and a residential district that is highly sought after by families and retirees alike.
Buyers looking for a residential home rather than an investment or rental property can also head further west into the hills. There, they’ll find Turunç, a charming, small coastal resort that is less well-known and considered a secret gem. Groves of citrus and pine trees lead down to the pristine beach, where you can swim in the crystal clear water.
There are dozens more amazing locations nearby, from Kumlubuk, famous for its coastal seafood restaurants, to Orhaniye, home to the spectacular Kizkumu Beach, and Selimiye, which boasts ancient remains that are a draw for history lovers and those keen to explore Turkey's scenic landscapes and coastlines.
Finally, for foreign national buyers who want an apartment that epitomises tranquillity, we’d suggest Bozburun, just 28 miles from central Marmaris, but a place for rest and relaxation, as a small village that is well-known in Turkey for its local boat construction craft.
Read more about Property Turkey – Buying Property in Ölüdeniz, The Inside Guide to Real Estate Around the Blue Lagoon
About Property Turkey: With 20+ years experience in the Turkish real estate market, team Property Turkey are your experienced, friendly and independent overseas real estate consultants. Our head office is located in London, UK with regional operational offices in: Bodrum, Fethiye & Kalkan, Antalya and Istanbul.
Published by: Steve OBrien