Methods for Buying an Island in the Bahamas
The Bahamas are known for their scenic beaches, relaxed attitude and abundance of activities. What you might not know is that this country located southeast of the United States boasts seven hundred islands and two thousand cays, many of which are for sale. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway or tropical paradise to call your own, you might want to learn how to buy an island in The Bahamas. While the cost is prohibitive, owning your own island is a rare opportunity for those who are truly looking to get away from it all. When buying an island in The Bahamas, be aware of the following information:
Price
When looking to buy an island in The Bahamas, consider how much money you’re willing to spend. The more money you can commit, the larger the island. You should also consider the cost of developing the island, paying a caretaker to run the island when you’re away, and maintenance and repairs to the docks (one of the most important parts of an island). Of course, money may not be much of an obstacle if you can afford to buy a whole island.
Location And Accessibility
You should consider the location of the island before making a purchase. In a perfect world, the island will have a nearby village where supplies and a staff can be obtained. A nearby airport is also important for getting guests to and from your island. If your island is located in the middle of the ocean, you may not have much of a view. These islands will also have less shelter from rough sea currents and bad weather. Islands located in a bay, however, will have scenic views and be somewhat protected from storms. You and your guests will probably only be able to access your island with a boat, so be sure to factor this into your decision. If you have to travel a great distance to reach your island by boat, make sure you either have a lot of nautical experience or a fine crew to transport you.
Size Of The Island
Here’s a rough guide to what size island might best suit your needs:
- A small island would work best if you only want a small holiday home for yourself and a few others. In this case, an island of two to twelve acres should suffice.
- A medium island between 12 and 24 acres should accommodate a larger home and a guest house.
- A large island of 24 to 37 acres can be used for a small resort, while you’ll need at least 37 acres for a large resort. Only the richest will be able to afford a large island, and development will be more expensive since materials have to be transported from the mainland.
If you’re planning on building a house on your island, make sure to find out how high the water can rise. You don’t want to build a house close to the water and then have it flooded.
Water Supply
When you’re living on an island, a water supply is very important. In most cases, smaller islands will have less water than larger ones.
Before purchasing an island, make sure there’s enough water to sustain life. Other options for obtaining fresh water include running a pipe to a water source on the mainland (assuming the water between isn’t too deep). Desalination plants can also be purchased to convert salt water into fresh water. These can now be purchased in the $20,000 price range.
Utilities
If the island has no infrastructure, you’re going to have to spend additional money to gain electricity, plumbing and communications. Even if you are able to get electricity wired to the island, you should certainly invest a very solid and reliable generator. When visiting an island, it’s a good idea to take a cellphone, hand-held TV and radio to see if any signals are available.
Hire A Caretaker
Unless you’re going to live on the island full-time, you’ll need to hire a caretaker to tend to things in your absence. The caretaker can keep the property in good working order, keep away potential trespassers and perform any repairs which might be needed after a storm. They can also tend to your garden, pick up items from the mainland and provide someone to talk to. For more details about buying an island in the Bahamas, see: