Forget New York property – you could buy these private islands for the same price

Property in world capitals has become so expensive that a luxury home in New York or London now goes for a similar price to that of a private island. This will come as no surprise to those of us who live in places like London, Melbourne, or New York, and, what with the pandemic, permanently relocating to a sunny location sounds more tempting than ever.

• Find more wonderful real homes – from cute English cottages to brilliant self builds on our dedicated page

Covid has made people rethink where they want to live, and if you have cash to splash on a New York mansion or multi-bedroom home in London, you might just want to look at all your options – because they include the Faraway Estate, located on a breathtakingly beautiful private island in Maine. You'd get 4.4 acres of land, and an Arts and Crafts cottage that has seven bedrooms, a 130-foot pier with private mooring for a boat, and a treehouse for the kids.  Faraway Estate is on sale for $5,950,000, which will (maybe) buy you a three-bed in NYC.

Or - how about your very own island in the Bahamas, complete with 400 feet of secluded white sand beaches and potential for extensive development, should you choose to become an hotelier? Big Fish Cay is a stunning, 55-acre island in pristine Caribbean waters and already has a two-bedroom house ready for use. Planning permission has been granted for six more condos that would match the current building's style. Big Fish Cay could be yours for $ 4,500,000. In prime areas of NYC, this will barely get you a two-bedroom apartment.

Thinking of somewhere even more exotic? Head to Belize – the up-and-coming Central American destination favored by the likes of Leonard di Caprio, who is transforming his own private island in Belize into an eco-resort. Featured on a recent edition of HGTV’s popular 'Island Hunters' series, North Saddle Caye comes with its own lagoon, large and deep enough for multiple sea vessels. It also already has a gorgeous homes built and ready for use – twin luxury villas and two guest cottages offering almost 12,000 feet of living space. If only we had $4,950,000, we'd snap this one up in no time. 

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