Hello

We have been to Turkey on holiday. We love the Country and we have seen a Villa that we would like to purchase. However, we have found a small problem that we do not know how to address.

The villa's are on a complex called "Onurkent" at Gundogan on the Bodrum Peninsular. After lots of research we have discovered that the villa's are part of a co-operative. We are led to believe that if we purchase the villa we will only own the materials that the villa is made of, and not the land that they are build on. Therefore, a Tapu will not be issued. The following paragraph is from the pen of the person who is selling some of the villa's to Europeans:-

"The villas – they were built approximately 8 years ago, however some Turkish owners bought 20 years ago, when the complex was yet to be built. There are roughly 200 villas spread across two sides of a hill – they are built in a “village” like style with streetlighting, paths, roads and communal gardens. They are built in random clusters. The near Olympic size pool (actually 5 meters short) is at the brow of the hill, with a small café, creperie restaurant and showers.. The pool has uninterrupted views to the horizon over the bay of Gundogan. Underneath the swimming pool there is a well stocked market, selling everything you might need at supermarket prices, an electrical store and there are plans for a sauna too.
The villas that we are offering for sale were bought by Turkish nationals and these are private sales on behalf of these people who do not have access to the international market. These villas have never been lived in, nor have they been maintained. In consequence they have fallen into a state of disrepair."

Basically, our reason for this post to you is; - before we purchase this villa is it a sound proposition?
Will we ever be the legal owners of our villa? Is there any possibility of some one else purchasing the land that the villa's are on, and then removing our property?
We have discussed the refurbishment package with the owners, and we are happy with this deal to replace windows, doors etc etc. It is the co-operative thing that is worrying us.
Any advice would be really very much appreciated.
Thanks
Geoff and Olya