Private Islands

In moments of fantasy, we all daydream about escaping to a private island of our own. We imagine a place where the biggest decision of the day would be when to have our next nap or what's for dinner. No more reports and annoying phone-calls.

Living full time on a private island may seem idyllic, but an island lifestyle requires a certain kind of personality. Typical island owners tend to be strong individuals, often placing a premium on privacy. Unless you have a team of staff, expect to get your own hands dirty when things need doing.

Patience and perseverance are in order too; the weather often dictates your schedule and you may not always be able to leave your island at will in order to pick up supplies. You need to plan ahead in order to preserve your independence. Make no mistake, there are a great many up sides to owning a private island too – think of the dinner party conversation alone.

With private islands, as with all things, price is a function of demand. Don’t expect to pick up that tropical, palm tree-laden island with the white sandy beaches for the same price as those in Europe or Northern America.

Availability is another factor to consider. Private islands for sale in tropical locales are more rare, and consequently more expensive. When choosing a private island, don't rule out islands which are located somewhat off the beaten path - you'll spend a bit more in transportation costs to get there, but you'll save a fortune in the long run.

Another factor to consider when purchasing an island is the extent of development. Are you looking for an undeveloped island, left in its natural state, or are you looking for a property with existing facilities? If you're planning on building a home or cottage, bear in mind that construction costs on islands are significantly higher than on the mainland. While untouched islands tend to be cheapest, you may end up saving both time and money by purchasing an island with an existing dwelling.

 

Many island owners rent their properties for all or part of the year, often at rates comparable to a typical hotel stay. Renting an island gives you the chance to "test drive" island ownership, and learn exactly what you're looking for in an eventual island purchase. Renting an island goes a long way towards answering some of your questions.

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