You Can Own an Entire Island in Belize For Under $500K

Stann Creek Island—a miniature, kidney-shaped thumb of land nestled off the coast of Belize—was just listed by 7th Heaven Properties with a remarkably approachable price tag. At an initial ask of $465,000, the just-remote-enough property is an exclusive retreat in a paradisiacal Caribbean setting.

The land comes with four quaint cabanas built in 2014—each of which has a couple queen beds, a kitchen, a large dining area, and a bathroom—basically room enough for about 12 folks to sleep and hang comfortably on the eighth-of-an-acre property. Stilted, funky, and festive, the structures are solar-powered and come with a backup generator. 

Scuba nerds and nature nuts will be keen: The dreamy island is a 12-mile boat ride from mainland Hopkins Village, and it's part of an atoll near the Belize Barrier Reef, which is the second longest in the world. Also nearby is the Placencia Lagoon, which hosts manatees, dolphins, and rays, among other regional fauna.

7th Heaven Properties isn't telling prospective buyers what to do with the purchase. "This island would make an idyllic private retreat or it could be converted into a commercial venture such as a diving hotel, guest house, or boutique private island resort if desired," says their website, leaving the door wide open for dreamers of all kinds. As a country, Belize has famously low economic hurdles for prospective newcomers.

There aren't a ton of island listings that land under the million-dollar mark—especially in and around Belize. For perspective, $500,000 will barely buy you a home in many large U.S. cities. Belize is English-speaking, and most major airlines route there. Paradise awaits. 

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