Billionaires race to buy islands: The price tag of paradise

From the shores of Australia to the turquoise waters of Fiji, billionaires have purchased private islands, seeing them as the ultimate status symbol.

The chart above, from Made Visual Daily, compares the acreage and price tags of some of the most well-known billionaire islands, revealing just how unbalanced the market is.

PRICES AND DIFFERENCES

Tech giants own the biggest pieces of paradise. Larry Ellison's purchase of Lānaʻi (90,000 acres) outstrips the next-largest island by 25 to 1.

The price per acre varies widely: Bell Island in the Bahamas costs about $286,500 per acre ($100 million for 349 acres), while Ellison paid about $3,300 per acre for Lānaʻi ($300 million for 90,000 acres).

Even medium-sized islands located close to luxury tourist centers or with existing infrastructure can be sold for high prices.

Proximity to the airport increases the price

Island valuations aren't solely based on acreage. Proximity to major airports, protected harbors, and existing resort infrastructure can drive prices exponentially. Bell Island's $100 million price tag for just 349 acres reflects its prime location in the Exumas archipelago in the Bahamas, a renowned luxury yacht destination with established and high-end amenities. The location premium becomes clear when comparing the cost per acre: Bell Island costs approximately 87 times more per acre than Lānaʻi, demonstrating that exclusivity and accessibility often trump sheer size in determining value.

TECH BILLIONAIRE'S LAND GRABBING

Tech entrepreneurs have emerged as dominant players in the private island market. There are several reasons behind this trend:

Unprecedented wealth accumulation: The tech boom has created liquidity that enables nine-figure recreational purchases previously available only to oil barons and industrial giants.

Remote work opportunities: Modern satellite communications and digital infrastructure allow tech leaders to conduct business operations from virtually anywhere and enable isolated islands to be used as workspaces.

Privacy and security concerns: Senior tech executives are increasingly seeking sanctuary from public scrutiny and potential security threats, with private islands offering unparalleled isolation and control.

Odatv.com