A private island is more than just a piece of real estate or an investment asset; it represents an unparalleled lifestyle. But how much does this ultimate “get-away-from-it-all” lifestyle really cost?
As a global luxury marketplace, JamesEdition is at the forefront of this dynamic landscape. To offer deeper insights into this highly exclusive market, we explore pricing trends in the world’s most sought-after private island destinations.
Leading Destinations for Private Island Ownership
According to JamesEdition, over 100 private islands are currently available for sale worldwide. The market is ultra-exclusive, characterized by limited supply and longer time on the market.
The Caribbean region, particularly the Bahamas, along with the United States and Brazil, are global leaders in this niche.
In recent years, the UAE has also emerged as a significant player, offering artificial private islands in the Arabian Gulf.
In Europe, Italy, Greece, Croatia and, occasionally, Spain present rare opportunities for buyers to own an island in the Mediterranean.
In Northern Europe, individual private island listings occasionally become available in Norway, Finland and Sweden.
In the South Pacific, French Polynesia and Fiji are key destinations for private island opportunities.
In Southeast Asia, Thailand leads the market with larger islands ideal for investment and development, followed by the Philippines and Sri Lanka.
Bonefish Cay, Abaco, the Bahamas | $8,200,000
The Bahamas and Florida remain the highest-priced markets, offering some of the world’s most expensive private island listings, with prices reaching up to $75 million.
Key factors influencing these prices include accessibility by water and air, the size of the property, communal facilities, and available leisure amenities and homes on the island.
Some of the most affordable private islands, priced between $500,000 and $1,000,000, can be found in Los Lagos in Chile; Bahia, Brazil; and Central Abaco, the Bahamas.
In Canada, the provinces of Nova Scotia and Ontario offer private islands priced below $1 million, while those in British Columbia typically exceed this threshold.
2023-2024’s Premier Private Island Listings
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- Maryland’s 575-Acre Hidden Island Treasure Hits The Market For The First Time
- A Private Island in North Carolina’s Lake Norman Hits the Market via JamesEdition
As anticipated, location plays a pivotal role in pricing. To explore this further, we have researched the private island markets across six most sought-after regions: the Caribbean, the South Pacific, South and Southeast Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
The private island listings featured below are either currently listed or were previously offered for sale through JamesEdition and are included in our market data analysis, even if they have since been sold.
The Caribbean
Listing price on JamesEdition: $650,000-$45,000,000
Private island in Cave Cay, The Bahamas | $60,000,000
The Caribbean stands as the premier destination for private island seekers, accounting for over 40% of the global private island listings available on the open market, with the Bahamas recognized as the world’s leading private island paradise.
While the finest private islands in the region are indeed found in the Bahamas, we have also identified a selection of stunning properties in the British Virgin Islands, Belize, Curaçao, and Honduras.
The Bahamas
Listing price on JamesEdition: $650,000-$35,000,000
The Bahamas, an archipelago of approximately 700 islands, is widely recognized as one of the world’s most desirable locations for private island ownership. Currently, about 30 are privately owned. The region’s favorable climate and strategic proximity to the United States make it a prime choice for discerning buyers.
The most sought-after private island destinations in the country include Eleuthera, Exuma, Great Abaco, and Central Abaco. Islands for sale in these areas typically boast upscale infrastructure, featuring main and guest residences, boat docks, private aviation facilities, as well as beautifully landscaped gardens and sports amenities. The properties are well-developed, with pristine beaches and scenic walking trails enhancing their appeal.
British Virgin Islands
Listing Price on JamesEdition: Available upon request
Comprising over 60 islands, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) offers a unique combination of natural beauty and luxury, making it a sought-after destination for private island buyers. While the Bahamas offers a broader selection, the BVI remains an equally desirable market. Within this group, several islands are privately owned.
Ginger Island, listed by British Virgin Islands Sotheby’s International Realty, boasts a picturesque, hilly landscape with stunning views over Sir Francis Drake Channel. The area is renowned for its exceptional diving and snorkeling sites.
Curaçao
Listing Price on JamesEdition: Available upon request
This 7.3-acre (2 Ha) private island listed by Curaçao Sotheby’s International Realty is located within the majestic harbor of the Spanish Water Bay. The property has all perks of an island lifestyle, including beautiful waters and rich marine life. At the same time, mainland amenities, such as a golf resort and high-class restaurants, are easily reachable by boat.
Honduras
Listing Price on JamesEdition: Available upon request
The Bay Islands Department (Islas de la Bahía) of Honduras is home to several beautiful private islands. Listings in this region are brought to market through Roatan Sotheby’s International Realty.
The South Pacific
Listing price on JamesEdition: $502,000-$65,000,000
From Fiji and French Polynesia to New Zealand, the South Pacific region offers a collection of private islands and atolls that boast pristine natural beauty and an unmatched remote lifestyle. These islands present a unique opportunity to reside thousands of miles away from the challenges of mainland life. The Covid-19 pandemic has only further underscored the allure of these secluded havens
French Polynesia
Listing price on JamesEdition: $6,000,000-$23,000,000
Motu Moie, a 20-acre (8-hectare) Tahitian island listed by French Polynesia Sotheby’s International Realty. Situated in the Society Islands of French Polynesia, it is located 90 miles from the capital city of Papeete and 15 miles from the iconic peaks of Bora Bora, resting on the edge of a reef within a serene lagoon. The nearby islands of Taha’a and Raiatea add to its appeal. While ideal for a private retreat, the island also offers potential for development as an exclusive resort
Fiji
Listing Price on JamesEdition: Available upon request
Nanukulevu Island, Fiji | $3,250,000
Nanukulevu offers everything you’d expect from a tropical paradise: white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and coconut palms swaying in the breeze. Located north of Taveuni, Fiji’s third-largest island, Nanukulevu provides stunning views of Laucala Island, which is owned by the founder of Red Bull.
New Zealand
Listing Price on JamesEdition: Available upon request
Pepin Island, New Zealand | $11,000,000
Pepin is a 1,280-acre (518 Ha) island listed by New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty. With convenient road access, it is just a 20-minute drive from the national airport in Nelson City. The island’s breathtaking landscape features rolling paddocks, native bush, sea cliffs, and secluded beaches and coves that are rarely visited. Additionally, the island hosts a sheep farm, orchards, and pine plantations.
South America
Listing Price on JamesEdition: $500,000-$15,000,000
South America offers private islands for sale or rent in Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador. Brazil is particularly notable for its coastal islands in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Bahia, while Chile’s private islands are often found in the southern regions of Los Lagos and Patagonia. Argentina features islands in the Paraná River Delta and Patagonia, though they are less common. Peru offers a few private islands in Lake Titicaca, and Ecuador has limited private ownership in the Galápagos Islands and other coastal areas.
Brazil
Listing Price on JamesEdition: $600,000-$15,000,000
Brazil’s diverse private island market includes listings in the states of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Bahia. One of the finest properties located in Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, is presented by Top Rio Real Estate. The island boasts sheltered surroundings, breathtaking landscaping, and a private beach. It spans 10,500 m² (2.59 acres) with approximately 2,500 m² (27,000 sq. ft.) of built-up area. The property features ample parking, a boat dock, a helipad, a sauna, and a tennis court.
Private Island in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Chile
Listing Price on JamesEdition: $500,000-$1,800,000
Isla Mutri, Chile | $503,000
Private islands listed for sale in Chile are typically located within the Chilean Patagonia region, particularly in the Los Lagos area or near Eberhard Fjord. Isla Mutri, listed by Chile Sotheby’s International Realty, is part of the Llanchild Islands group. This area is a small wildlife paradise, encompassing 62 acres (25 hectares) of land, mostly covered by forests, with approximately 1.3 miles (2.1 km) of coastline.
South and Southeast Asia
Listing Price on JamesEdition: $2,865,000-$159,000,000
In South Asia, the Maldives is renowned for its pristine atolls, while Sri Lanka also presents opportunities, particularly in coastal areas. Southeast Asia features prominent private island markets in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Thailand
Listing Price on JamesEdition: $5,000,000-$145,000,000
276 Rai, Phuket, Thailand | $159,000,000
The 276 Rai, listed by Supreme Real Estate, is situated just a 20-minute boat ride from the immensely popular Phuket and Coconut Island, making it an ideal location for potential developments. The 110-acre (44-hectare) island is equipped with essential amenities, including fresh water, an electric generator, and mobile signal coverage.
Maldives
Listing Price on JamesEdition: Available upon request
Ifuru is a resort island located in Raa Atoll, a secluded enclave in the northern Maldives. The property offers an exceptional return on investment, largely due to the unique advantages provided by the small airport situated on the island.
Philippines
Listing Price on JamesEdition: Available upon request
Sidanao is situated just a 10-minute boat ride from the Tabon Caves Complex, a picturesque nature reserve known as the Cradle of Civilization for the Philippines. The island is covered with lush coconut palm forests and is available for purchase using major world currencies or Bitcoin.
Sri Lanka
Listing Price on JamesEdition: Available upon request
This small and beautiful 11-acre (4.5 Ha) private island is listed by Sri Lanka Sotheby’s International Realty. It currently features only a jetty and a breakwater, but building permission can be easily obtained, as the property is already registered as a resort. It also offers the potential to be developed into a fully private, high-security holiday home. Secluded yet conveniently close to the expressway leading to the international airport, it provides an ideal balance of privacy and accessibility.
Europe
Listing Price on JamesEdition: $1,000,000-110,000,000
In Europe, there are only a few countries where private islands are available for purchase, with Italy, Greece and Croatia standing out as the premier destinations for island seekers. The country offers authentic islands that often feature historic churches, picturesque lighthouses, and traditional houses.
Scenic private islands can also be found in Northern Europe, nestled among the Norwegian fjords, in Finland, or along the Swedish coastline.
Italy
Listing Price on JamesEdition: $1,000,000-$19,000,000
Santa Maria Island, Sicily, Italy | $19,000,000
Santa Maria Island is situated between Trapani and Marsala in Sicily. The crossing from Birgi, Marsala, by a small private motorboat takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. The property is listed by Vladi Private Islands
Croatia
Listing Price on JamesEdition: Available upon request
Ceja, Istria, Croatia | $22,600,000
Ceja, an 11-hectare uninhabited island in Medulin Bay, located in the southern part of Istria, features a restaurant, a residential building, and some of the most beautiful beaches on the Istrian peninsula. Easily accessible by boat from the mainland, the island is listed Biliskov RealEstate.
Greece
Listing Price on JamesEdition: $2,000,000-$18,000,000
Ethereal, Greece | $11,000,000
Brough up to market via Greece Sotheby’s International Realty, Ethereal Island is located in the South Euboean Gulf, a few miles from the mainland and the town of Eretria, and a 15-minute helicopter flight from Athens. The island enjoyed a colorful past and was frequently visited by celebrities, among whom were the Beatles, Winston Churchill, the Greek royal family, and the Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie.
Spain
Listing Price on JamesEdition: Available upon request
Tagomago Island, Balearic Islands, Spain
Just minutes by boat from Ibiza, Illa de Tagomago is renowned as the finest private island in the Mediterranean. The island is crisscrossed with pathways, offering an exceptional setting for water sports, sport fishing, or leisurely yacht cruises to the beaches and coves of Ibiza and Formentera.
Northern Europe
Listing Price on JamesEdition: $900,000-$6,000,000
Engelsøy, Ofotfjord, Norway | $5,500,000
Northen private islands are primarily situated in Norway, Sweden, or within the tranquil archipelagos of Finland. They typically provide an ideal retreat for those seeking privacy and a deep connection with nature, far removed from bustling tourist hubs. Recently, however, the growing trend of “coolcationing” has heightened interest in cooler climates, attracting both travelers and real estate investors.
Middle East
Dubai
Listing Price on JamesEdition: $4,000,000-$34,000,000
Zuha Island, Dubai, UAE
In the Arabian Gulf, private islands are mostly artificial and form a small community featuring a limited collection of residential villas. The Zuha Island project, in development by Zaya company, is a good example of this approach. The private island is built on the basement of Nurai Island, which was one-third the size of the Zuha resort.
North America
USA
Price range: $1,800,000-75,000,000
St. Elmo, NY, USA | By Vladi Private Islands
In the United States, the leading private island markets are primarily concentrated in Florida, the Mid-Atlantic states, and New England.
Florida is particularly popular due to its warm climate and extensive coastline, making it a top choice for luxury island buyers. The Mid-Atlantic states, especially around the Chesapeake Bay, offer a unique blend of accessibility and seclusion, while New England is known for its picturesque islands and rich history.
Beyond these regions, other states also feature significant private island markets.
Michigan and Wisconsin offer islands in the Great Lakes, known for their natural beauty and outdoor activities. Maine has a strong market in New England, with its rugged coastline and serene landscapes. Washington state, with its San Juan Islands, provides privacy and proximity to Seattle.
Additionally, New York’s Thousand Islands region and Minnesota’s numerous lakes contribute to the diversity of private island options across the country.
Private Island in Branford, CT, USA | $3,000,000
This island in Connecticut by William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty offers your own sandy beach and 0.77 manicured acres (0.3 hectares) of rolling green lawn. The house features two wrap-around porches and an outdoor dining area, designed for enjoyment, relaxation, and a retreat from the stresses of daily life. It can easily be retrofitted for year-round use.
Terra’s Key, Islamorada, FL, USA | $15,000,000
Terra’s Key, Florida, is located at Mile Marker 79.7 in Islamorada. It boasts a 2,000-foot driveway that provides convenient access to mainland restaurants and shopping malls. This 15.5-acre (6.3-hectare) island is enveloped by miles of open water views, with the iconic Alligator Reef Light visible in the distance.
Harndon Island, listed by Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty, is nestled in the Salish Sea, a picturesque coastal waterway between the United States and Canada. The island offers breathtaking views and access to diverse marine life. This 2-acre island features a small camping cabin that provides stunning vistas of the surrounding park and nearby Orcas Island.
Canada
Price range: $1,800,000-75,000,000
Spectacle Island, NS, Canada | By SIR Canada
The leading private island markets in Canada are primarily located in British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Quebec
British Columbia’s islands are sought after for their stunning natural beauty, temperate climate, and proximity to Vancouver. Ontario, with its numerous lakes, offers a mix of secluded retreats and accessible locations.
Nova Scotia’s rugged beauty and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean result in a unique selection of private islands. These islands often feature rocky coastlines, dense forests, and picturesque views, making them ideal for those seeking a tranquil, maritime retreat combined with easy access to the mainland and a rich cultural heritage.
Quebec also has a significant market, particularly in the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentians. Buyers are attracted to the region’s rich history, scenic landscapes, and close proximity to major cities like Montreal.
