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 The Basics 
The Decision The Logistics The Upkeep |
Buy an Island: A Primer
When regular folks think about private islands, images of paparazzi plagued celebrities and evil scientists bent on taking over the world come to mind. Popular media has long portrayed private islands as an exclusive playground for eccentrics and the super rich. The good news is that ordinary people can own islands too.  If you're looking for a private island to call home, no need to pack your bags yet. Just take a short trip over to Google and search for 'private islands'. There are a few sites online that specialize in selling just private islands. You'll be surprised to find that islands start as low at $30,000 in some parts of the world like Nova Scotia, Canada. Even if you're not ready to buy a private island yet, surfing the internet is a great escape from the humdrum of eight hours locked up in your office. With our privacy eroding every single day, a private island is the perfect place to escape for holidays, or for good! If you can stand being alone for long periods of time without being lonely, you could be well suited for island life. If you can't tolerate life without the video store next door and groceries at your fingertips, you are probably not suited to island living. 
Living on a private island requires a certain skill set. Most island dwellers are handy with tools and better than average at fixing mechanical problems. If you're living on a small island with a simple infrastructure, you may be able to maintain the island all by yourself. If you have a large island with a runway and a complicated electrical system, it's best to get some staff onboard for help. Private island caretakers often have diverse skill sets that make them well suited to their position. Staff can also keep an eye on your investment when you're not there. With any real estate purchase, a buyer needs to do their research. And then do some more. If you're buying a private island, make sure you're dealing with a reputable agent and a knowledgeable lawyer. Island are a niche form of real estate, so you need to deal with people who are aware of any special restrictions or laws pertaining to their purchase. You wouldn't buy a house without a thorough inspection. The same rule applies to private islands. Never buy sight unseen. Cost is always a consideration when buying real estate, but with private islands, you need to think about how much it will cost to make the island livable. Some private islands are already fully developed. Others are just a rock in the water without a dock. Never spend your last cent on an island because it's impossible to create an exact budget for developing your island. As a rule of thumb, islands can cost twice as much to develop as a place on the mainland. Water and electricity should be your main concerns if you're island shopping. If there's no fresh water source on an island, a desalination system makes salt water drinkable. Generators and solar panels can supply electricity to run your home. Prefabricated housing provides a more economical alternative than building from scratch. And don't forget to bring your satellite phone so you can stay in touch. Thorough research is the key to a successful private island purchase. If you've ever owned or travelled on a sailboat, you know that careful planning is necessary. The same is true when it comes to owning a private island. You need to be prepared for anything. Owning an island is hard work, but the rewards are many. And bragging to your friends about your latest purchase... priceless. |
