COMMENT ACHETER UNE ÎLE PRIVÉE ?
From childhood dream to reality, there is only one step. Buying a desert island is a rare luxury, intended for a small handful of buyers. In this confidential market, bits of territory are being traded for several hundred million euros for the most prestigious islands. A special acquisition, which requires turning to a specialized professional to take charge of all administrative procedures. Where can you find the island of your dreams? At what price ?
Islands for sale, a growing market
Surprisingly, the market for islands for sale is one of the sectors benefiting from the Covid-19 crisis. According to the Private Islands agency, which specializes in the sale of these paradisiacal pieces of land, the request for information to buy an island increased by 40% during the spring containment. While not all requests resulted in transactions, the phenomenon illustrates the still significant attraction of some investors for the islands. The price of the territory depends on its location, the infrastructure built on site, accessibility and whether or not essential systems (water, heating, electricity) are installed. The European islands are the most expensive. As a general rule, their price is between 1 and 5 million euros for "entry-level" luxury goods.
For a territory with an equipped residence, it is necessary to invest at least several tens of millions of euros. Emerald Cay, located in the Caribbean is offered for sale for 39 million euros and comprises a large estate with a 6,000-bottle wine cellar, a tennis court, a volleyball court and two infinity pools. The most expensive goods on the market are trading around 200 million euros. Typically, buyers test the islands by renting them out for a few weeks. Rental prices for the most luxurious islands are often over 10,000 euros per night.
The steps to take to afford an island
While the islands are scattered all over the world, not all of them are necessarily for sale. To afford such a treasure, it is essential to negotiate with private owners or ... States. Steps taken through sales.
Each country organizes the sale of its islands as it wishes. In the Philippines, foreigners are not allowed to buy an island, for example. In New Zealand, the good must first have been offered on the New Zealand market for a period of time before it can be purchased by a foreigner. In Asia and the Pacific, most islands are leased for a period of 10 to 99 years.
There is also the question of the ownership of the waters around the island which can either belong to the seller state or be part of an exclusive economic zone. It is therefore essential to use a professional specializing in the sale of this type of territory.
Paradise islands: treasures for sale around the world
Among the most beautiful islands of the moment available on the market, we find the island of Saint Athanasois, located very close to the city of Delphi in Greece. Completely deserted, it has the necessary authorizations to build a home and will allow future owners to bathe in the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Corinth.
In the Bahamas, the Blue Island is making headlines. Over 280 hectares, this Pacific island is one of the few to have its own airstrip. Future buyers will benefit from the turquoise waters that border it and the surrounding flora and fauna, as well as the 5 km white sand beach. A property is already installed there with staff.
The set is offered for sale for 63 million euros. Finally, to confine yourself with friends, nothing like the Water Caye, in Belize. A site where mangrove swamps with white sand beaches and on which there are already several cottages and bungalows accommodating up to 14 people. A unique place where the lucky owners can observe the second longest barrier reef, and offered for sale for 8.4 million euros.