This private Belize island is on sale for $700,000 - less than the price of an average London terraced house and just a 17-minute commute from the mainland

For those who have long fantasised about fleeing the chaos of urban life for a tropical haven, a once-in-a-lifetime chance awaits in an idyllic Caribbean spot. 

Treasure Caye is currently listed for sale for $700,000 (£527,940) - less than the price of an average house and nearly on par with the cost of a flat 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. 

Located nine miles east of Dangriga Town in Belize, Treasure Caye offers seclusion without complete isolation.

The island, which spans 4.878 acres, is ideal for development, with prospective owners given the rare opportunity to build a private estate, multiple overwater bungalows or a charming commercial resort. 

Perfect for water enthusiasts, it offers world-class snorkelling and fly fishing close to its crystal-clear shore, while deep, accessible waters nearby make boat anchoring a breeze. 

From almost anywhere on the island, you can step onto the soft, sandy beaches that encircle it, providing easy access to the water and uninterrupted views of the sunset.

It's also an ideal place to catch fresh seafood for supper. In true island style, owners can feast lavishly on wild fish, lobster, crab, conch and snapper without spending a penny - a welcome escape from the ongoing cost-of-living struggles faced by households in the West.

Just a 17-minute motorboat ride away, Dangriga Town - the capital of Belize's Stann Creek District - offers fast and convenient access to supplies. 

Formerly known as Stann Creek Town, and dubbed the 'Culture Capital of Belize', 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. 

In less time than the 22-minute commute from London to Reading, owners can take a quick boat trip to stock up on fresh produce and medical essentials, or catch a flight from Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE), just outside of Belize City. 

Treasure Caye, currently listed on Private Islands Inc, is also located within easy reach of other island havens, including the popular Thatch Caye, the luxuriously sustainability-focused Coco Plum Caye, and the rustic Tobacco Caye.

The island, which is equipped with a 100 per cent solar and rainwater system, also aligns with Belize's 2026 commitment to sustainable, low-impact tourism development. 

Considering a little piece of heaven closer to home? Mali Kosmać, 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, which currently sells for an average of £775,447.

Situated around 250 metres from the mainland, and around 22 kilometres west of Split Airport, Mali Kosmać offers seclusion without complete isolation.

Mali Kosmać itself covers around 1.2 acres, and, unlike many larger islands marketed as luxury development opportunities, remains entirely undeveloped. 

Flat and covered in dense macchia shrubland, the island is characterised by 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. 

But while Mali Kosmać provides privacy and stunning coastal views to prospective buyers, 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.