Just the thought of owning a private island seems like a childhood dream made into reality. It harkens back to adolescent days of building furniture-based forts with blanket roofing — only, this time, you’re building your own “fort” on a private island.
Exclusivity and, of course, land aren’t cheap, though, especially when it comes to private islands. Luckily, we have our list of the 10 islands you can buy for $500K or less.
Perhaps you’re looking for cheap islands for sale that are smaller and more manageable: check. Or you can buy an island cheap off the market that spans closer to 20 acres: check. Maybe you want an island free of real estate development so you can start from scratch. No matter what you’re looking for, read on for the cheapest islands for sale available.
Frigate Caye
Location: Belize
Cost: $225,000
Size: 1.41 acres
Move-in ready? This undeveloped island has no structures (that will be up to you to build) and sits on the eastern side of the Turneffe Atoll, making fishing, snorkeling, diving and kayaking easily accessible.
Motu Motu Matatahi
Location: French Polynesia
Cost: $249,000
Size: 1.8 acres
Move-in ready? One hour by boat from Rangiroa airport, this undeveloped Tahitian islet features swaying palms and a white-sand beach — the perfect spot for your new beach house.
Isla Paloma
Location: Panama
Cost: $380,000
Size: 0.75 acres
Move-in ready? Located in the Bocas del Toro region, this move-in ready island is self-powered and features a two-bedroom home, a party shack, a private beach, a boathouse and a swim dock.
Deadman Caye
Location: Belize
Cost: $249,000
Size: 0.7 acres
Move-in ready? This white-sand, fringed island in the Turneffe Atoll is currently undeveloped. Its close proximity to the reef means it’s near some of Belize’s best fishing and diving spots.
Tahifehifa Island
Location: Tonga
Cost: $317,000
Size: 1.09 acres
Move-in ready? Set in the Vava’ua island group of Tonga, the undeveloped Tahifehifa Island would make the perfect spot for your own personal overwater bungalow.
Pink Pearl Island
Location: Nicaragua
Cost: $500,000
Size: 2.5 acres
Move-in ready? Located about three miles off Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast, Pink Pearl Island features a main house, three cabanas, a fisherman’s style shack and a bar/restaurant. The island is currently being run as a turnkey tourism business but could easily be used as a personal retreat.
South Saddle Caye
Location: Belize
Cost: $300,000
Size: 2.3 acres
Move-in ready? This undeveloped island located at the southern tip of Saddle Caye features abundant coral in the surrounding waters and a stretch of sand that will be perfect for sunning and splashing once you build.
Motu Pakirikiri
Location: French Polynesia
Cost: $354,500
Size: 3.608 acres
Move-in ready? This undeveloped island in the Tuamotus, bordered by vibrant, turquoise waters, is an unspoiled tranquil spot to reconnect with nature.
Turneffe Point Caye
Location: Belize
Cost: $350,000
Size: 1 acre
Move-in ready? Located on the northern tip of the Turneffe Atoll and featuring a tiny cottage, Turneffe Point Caye is a dream location for flats fishermen.
Motu Tohepuku
Location: French Polynesia
Cost: $446,500
Size: 18.86 acres
Move-in ready? This large, undeveloped island located in the Raraka Atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago is home to a coconut grove and white-sand beaches. Build a beach bungalow, and make it your home.
