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Buying a private island might sound like a luxury that only billionaires can afford. In reality, several countries offer private islands at prices lower than an average apartment in major cities like New York, San Francisco, or Toronto.
You do not need a mega yacht or offshore bank account. In many parts of the world, remote islands with basic infrastructure or undeveloped land are listed for far less than urban condos. A family in California once paid over $700,000 for a two-bedroom apartment in downtown San Diego.
After facing high property taxes, growing HOA fees, and constant noise, they decided to sell. They searched online using terms like sell my house fast San Diego and ended up exploring alternatives outside the city.
That led them to an unexpected option—buying a private island abroad. Now explore the countries where private islands are listed for less than what you would pay for a small city apartment.
1. Canada
Canada offers dozens of affordable islands, especially in Nova Scotia and Ontario. Many sit within freshwater lakes and are accessible by boat or snowmobile. Some listings cost under $300,000.
Why it is affordable:
- Abundance of lakes and undeveloped land
- Remote areas not connected to tourist economies
- Fewer regulations in rural provinces
What you get:
- Basic cottages, often off-grid
- Wooded land with clean water access
- Low property taxes in many rural counties
Lake islands around Ontario and Quebec sometimes sell for less than urban condos in Vancouver or Montreal.
2. Belize
Belize continues to attract buyers due to its location in the Caribbean and English-speaking population. While some go for millions, others cost under $250,000.
Why it is affordable:
- Small, undeveloped cays available
- Limited infrastructure keeps prices low
- Government encourages foreign investment
What you get:
- White sand beaches
- Simple eco-style cabins or undeveloped plots
- Clear ownership laws for foreign buyers
Belize islands appeal to buyers looking for tropical settings without the cost of Bahamas or Turks and Caicos.
3. Scotland
In Scotland, private islands often sell below $200,000. They may be rugged, cold, and isolated, but for solitude and history, few places compare.
Why it is affordable:
- Harsh climate limits demand
- Lack of development or modern facilities
- Many listings are freehold
What you get:
- Remote beauty with stone ruins or farmhouses
- Rare wildlife habitats
- Potential for small off-grid homes
4. Panama
Panama has islands in both the Caribbean and Pacific. Many are within range of Panama City or Bocas del Toro. Prices start under $150,000.
Why it is affordable:
- Competition with coastal properties keeps prices reasonable
- Some land sold without utilities or road access
- Economic focus remains on mainland areas
What you get:
- Oceanfront land with coral reefs
- Simple homes or undeveloped forested plots
- Easy residency options through investment
Private islands here appeal to expats looking for warm weather and proximity to the U.S.
5. Greece
Greece has hundreds of islands, but not all are famous. Many small, uninhabited ones are available for private ownership below $300,000.
Why it is affordable:
- Economic instability reduced prices
- High taxes for landowners
- Remote islands receive limited government support
What you get:
- Scenic Mediterranean views
- Access to historic harbors and villages
- Limited building permits but legal ownership possible
Lesser-known ones near the Ionian or Dodecanese groups offer entry-level island ownership.
6. Philippines
The Philippines has over 7,000 islands. Private ownership is allowed with some restrictions. Foreigners can lease long-term or own through a corporation.
Why it is affordable:
- Oversupply of remote, undeveloped islands
- Limited infrastructure outside of Luzon and Cebu
- Few luxury developments in rural regions
What you get:
- White sand beaches and turquoise water
- Potential for tourism or private use
- Lease-to-own options for foreigners
Smaller islands in Palawan or Surigao often list for under $100,000.
7. Nicaragua
Nicaragua offers islands in lakes and coastal regions. Some are near tourist destinations like Granada or San Juan del Sur.
Why it is affordable:
- Political instability affected real estate values
- Inland islands receive little international promotion
- Land taxes remain low
What you get:
- Volcanic lake islands with tropical climate
- Modest homes or undeveloped plots
- Short travel times to mainland markets
Lake Nicaragua and Pearl Cays hold some of the lowest prices in Central America.
8. Brazil
Brazil’s coastal islands come with legal hurdles, but many sell for under $200,000, especially in southern regions.
Why it is affordable:
- Legal complexity for buyers
- Limited demand in remote coastal areas
- High costs of development keep interest low
What you get:
- Atlantic forest vegetation
- Raw beaches and fishing access
- Some with rustic homes or old structures
Islands around Paraty or Florianópolis attract buyers interested in eco-retreats.
9. Finland
Finland has over 180,000 islands. Many sit on lakes or along the Baltic coast. Prices vary by location, but many cost less than apartments in Helsinki.
Why it is affordable:
- Short summers limit seasonal use
- Sparse population in eastern regions
- Modest infrastructure
What you get:
- Wooden cottages with saunas
- Dense forest and freshwater access
- Strong property laws
Islands in the Lakeland area often include cabins and sell below $150,000.
10. Croatia
Croatia has become a hotspot for real estate, but some small islands remain underpriced, especially those with no infrastructure.
Why it is affordable:
- Uninhabited islands lack roads or utilities
- Tourism focus stays on large developed islands
- Government requires special approval for sales
What you get:
- Adriatic views
- Access to sailing routes
- Stone ruins or raw land
Some islands near Zadar or Šibenik sell for less than €100,000. Conclusion: A Shift Worth Considering Private islands no longer belong only in the dreams of yacht owners. In countries where urban density never took hold, it cost less than a two-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles or Toronto.
Each country comes with its own regulations, climate, and ownership rules. What they share is the potential for privacy, space, and long-term value. Looking into this market does not require a billionaire budget. It requires research, legal guidance, and a willingness to trade elevators and neighbors for silence and sea air.
Some buyers do not even need to travel far. A search like sell my house fast San Diego can be the first step toward an entirely new lifestyle that swaps traffic for tide. Every location listed above offers its own kind of freedom. For those open to change, that freedom costs less than ever.
