For anyone who has ever fantasised about swapping city life for their own slice of island paradise, a rare opportunity has emerged – and, luckily, it’s not as far as the Caribbean.
Mali Kosma?, located in the Šibenik Archipelago on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, is currently listed for sale for €700,000 (£603,377).
This little slice of paradise is the smallest property currently listed on the Croatian private island market, but the asking price is lower than a terraced house in London.
According to property portal Rightmove, most homes sold in the capital over the past year were flats, with an average sale price of £513,624, while terraced properties sold for an average £775,447.
Situated around 250 metres from the mainland, and around 22 kilometres west of Split Airport, Mali Kosma? offers seclusion without complete isolation.
Mali Kosma? itself covers around 1.2 acres, and, unlike many larger islands marketed as luxury development opportunities, it remains entirely undeveloped.
It is flat and covered in dense macchia shrubland, a typical Mediterranean vegetation consisting of hardy shrubs and low-growing plants.
Rocky shores surround much of the island, making access by boat a little challenging depending on the weather.
Mali Kosma?, located in the Šibenik Archipelago near Croatia, is currently on the market for €700,000 (£603,377) – less than the price of residential properties in London
The island spans 1.2 acres, is flat and surrounded by rocky shores
But while Mali Kosma? provides privacy and stunning coastal views, there is one major catch.
Local planning rules do not allow any construction on the land, meaning buyers cannot build homes, hotels or other properties there.
The island is currently suitable only for farming and agricultural activity.
Despite its small size and developmental restrictions, Mali Kosma? offers a rare opportunity to own a private island in one of Europe’s most popular coastal regions.
Following a very short boat ride, it’s just an hour’s drive away from Split Airport.
Its proximity to Split, Croatia’s second-largest city and the largest urban centre in the Dalmatian region, provides convenient access to international transport links, restaurants, cultural attractions and essential services.
And if you don’t mind venturing further away from the UK for a new life on a tropical island, there are others on sale.
Bikini Caye in Belize is currently listed on the market for $600,000 (£445,491), offering a rare chance to snap up ‘solid land’ inside one of the planet’s most sought-after and thriving marine ecosystems.
Bikini Caye, situated along the Belize Barrier Reef, can be yours for £445,491 – cheaper than a flat in London
Covering 0.39 acres along the Belize Barrier Reef, this undeveloped private island stands out from typical palm-fringed cays.
Its dense pine vegetation offers a rare and distinctive ‘mainland-meets-maritime’ atmosphere, and its ground is high and dry, providing a stable foundation for immediate development – whether a stylish eco-villa or a humble fishing lodge.
A sportsman’s utopia, the island is also a stone’s throw from the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, a 17,875-acre protected area offering some of the best fishing and snorkelling spots in the region.
Right at your doorstep, you can explore vibrant coral reefs or hunt for bonefish and tarpon across the shallow flats.
The island is also perfectly positioned for those who are seeking seclusion as well as connections to the mainland, as it is situated nine to 12 miles off the coast of Dangriga town, also dubbed ‘Culture Capital of Belize’.
Formerly known as Stann Creek Town, Dangriga is home to a population of nearly 10,000 residents, with plenty of shopping centres, convenience stores, eateries, and an airport located close to the shore.
The mainland can be reached via a scenic 45-minute boat ride, where you can easily stock up on medical supplies, access medical care, or connect to your flight.
Bikini Caye is also located within easy reach of other island havens, including the popular Thatch Caye, the luxuriously sustainable Coco Plum Caye, and the rustic Tobacco Caye.
The majority of properties sold in London during the last year were flats, selling for an average of £513,624, according to Rightmove – so maybe a new life in the tropics doesn’t seem a bad idea, after all.
For more details, you can check out Hesed Realty Belize, where the island is currently listed.