Want to own a private island? Good news – you don’t have to be a millionaire to buy one
If you’re looking for a laid-back lifestyle with plenty of solitude, there are private islands for sale all over the world. Remember to factor in access, planning and ability to build
Island property is one real estate sector where a picture tells a thousand words. Images of white sand beaches, turquoise waters and a hammock slung lazily between palm trees certainly beckon the kind of lifestyle that many seek for a holiday, and could only dream about owning.
But there are private islands for sale all over the world, and while the mega-rich have the greatest choice, you don’t have to be a millionaire to buy one. For example, the Queensland islands on Australian broker Richard Vanhoff’s books range from A$120 million (HK$647 million) at the top end, to just A$385,000 at the lowest.
What is it like to live on one? Paul and Megan Sullivan own Victor Island off Mackay, one of 74 islands making up the picturesque Whitsundays. They bought it in 2015 after returning to Australia from Indonesia, where they had developed a resort. “We were looking for somewhere pretty cool, and the island popped up”, said Megan.
The couple enjoy living off the grid, generating their own solar power, collecting rain water, growing fruits and vegetables, and catching fish off the beach. “We love the peace and privacy; being able to walk to the beach (our own beach); and not having to dress up for work”, Megan said.
Their 7.7-acre island paradise has mobile phone and internet coverage, and is just 2km off the mainland, so easily accessed by speedboat. Since moving in, the couple have renovated the island’s four-bedroom house, shipping the building materials across by barge. It also has a caretaker’s cottage.
Despite being “ridiculously happy” with their island life, the couple have Victor Island up for sale (for A$3.5 million walk-in, walk out), the arrival of a grandchild luring them back to Sydney. Megan concedes that it’s not for everyone. This couple relish the remoteness but “if you are a social butterfly, I wouldn’t recommend it”, she says.
The Sullivans are in a minority: according to several brokers, most owners don’t live on an island permanently.
