Private Islands for Sale in The Bahamas

Bahamas private islands at a glance

• Undeveloped Exuma cays: from approximately $500,000 (around 1 acre) to $5.25M (12+ acres)
• Large-acreage development cays: $7.99M-$14.95M (185-351 acres, several with resort, marina, or airstrip approvals)
• Turnkey developed island estates: $15.9M-$39.5M (existing residences, docks, and infrastructure)

About Private Island Real Estate in The Bahamas

Private islands in The Bahamas range from raw, undeveloped cays suitable for custom development to established island estates with existing residences, docks, and utilities. Because supply is genuinely limited and development is carefully regulated, these properties are treated as legacy assets that combine land appreciation, lifestyle, and long-term capital preservation.

Most Bahamian private islands are sold freehold, meaning full ownership of the land. Some are offered as leasehold. Buyers should also be aware that on certain cays a portion of the land is Crown Land (government-owned) and not part of the sale - something we identify and explain clearly on every island we represent, so you know exactly what you are buying.

Where to Buy a Private Island in The Bahamas

Exuma & the Exuma Cays

The most famous private-island region in the world, the Exuma Cays offer the widest range of opportunities - from an affordable one-acre cay to fully serviced island estates with resort and marina approvals. Current Exuma private islands and cays range from $500,000 to $15.9 million.

Abaco

The Abacos hold our highest-value and largest-acreage opportunities, including cays with government approvals for airstrips, marinas, and resort development under the Hotel Encouragement Act. Current Abaco private islands range from $7.99 million to $15.9 million across 5 to 351 acres.

Eleuthera & Harbour Island

Home to Crown Pigeon Island, an extraordinary 11-acre developed estate island just 1.6 miles from Harbour Island - one of the most coveted destinations in the Caribbean. View Available Eleuthera and Harbour island private islands for sale live listings here. 

Other Island Groups

Private islands are also available off Grand Bahama (Sandy Cay, 7 acres, near West End and just 56 miles from Palm Beach), San Salvador (High Cay, 31 acres with environmental approvals in place), and Andros (Swain's Cay, a developed 3-acre island off Mangrove Cay). This page has the current private islands for sale in the Bahamas. 

Buying a Private Island in The Bahamas

Purchasing a private island is a specialized process distinct from buying a home. Foreign nationals can own Bahamian real estate, including private islands, on a freehold basis. Key considerations include confirming exactly which acreage is included versus Crown Land, securing development and environmental approvals where required, planning for access (boat, private airstrip, or seaplane), and arranging utilities and infrastructure such as water, power, and dockage.

Purchase costs follow the standard Bahamian structure: foreign buyers pay Value Added Tax of 10% on the conveyance, real estate commission is paid by the seller, and undeveloped land carries a higher standard commission rate than developed property. We guide clients through each step, from initial evaluation through due diligence to closing. Read our How To Buy A Private Island in The Bahamas Guide for more information on buying private islands in The Bahamas. 

A Private Island Can Also Qualify You for Bahamas Residency

A real estate investment of $1,000,000 USD or more qualifies a foreign buyer to apply for Bahamian permanent residency, and investments of $1,500,000+ may receive accelerated consideration. Nearly every private island we represent exceeds these thresholds, meaning your island purchase can secure both a legacy asset and a pathway to residency in a country with no income, capital gains, or inheritance tax. These conditions are administered by the Bahamas Department of Immigration and should be verified directly.

Why Work With Pitt Property Group

Private island transactions demand discretion, local knowledge, and an understanding of the legal, logistical, and development considerations unique to island ownership.

Sheldon Pitt, Broker Owner of Pitt Property Group, has over 30 years of experience in Bahamian real estate and is a recognized authority on Out Island and investment property, including private islands and cays. A Bimini native with deep roots across the island chains, Sheldon personally represents every private island in our portfolio and works one-on-one with buyers seeking informed, confidential representation, from first evaluation through to acquisition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a private island cost in The Bahamas? 

Prices vary widely by size, location, and development status. Undeveloped cays in the Exuma Cays currently start around $500,000 for approximately one acre, with larger undeveloped acreage from roughly $1.5 million. Large development cays of 100-350 acres range from about $7.99 million to $14.95 million, and fully developed island estates with existing residences range from approximately $15.9 million to $39.5 million.

Can a foreign national buy a private island in The Bahamas?

Yes. Foreign nationals can own Bahamian real estate, including private islands, on a freehold basis. Buyers should confirm the exact acreage included in the sale, as some cays include Crown (government-owned) land that is not part of the purchase. We clarify this on every island we represent.

Are Bahamas private islands sold freehold or leasehold?

Most are sold freehold, conveying full ownership of the land. A smaller number are offered as leasehold. Each listing specifies its title type, and we confirm the details during due diligence.

What taxes and costs apply when buying a private island?

Foreign buyers pay Value Added Tax of 10% on the conveyance. Real estate commission is paid by the seller. The Bahamas levies no income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax. Undeveloped land carries a higher standard commission rate than developed property.

Does buying a private island qualify me for Bahamas residency?

A real estate investment of $1,000,000 USD or more qualifies a foreign buyer to apply for permanent residency, and most private islands well exceed this threshold. Residency conditions are set by the Bahamas Department of Immigration and should be confirmed directly.

Can private islands be developed into resorts?

Yes, subject to government approval. Several islands we represent already hold approvals - for example, large Abaco cays with permissions for airstrips, marinas, and resort development under the Hotel Encouragement Act. Development potential and existing approvals are detailed on each listing.

Continue Exploring Private Islands For Sale 

Explore: Exuma private islands 

Explore: Abaco private islands

Explore: Eleuthera & Harbour Island private islands

Explore: Buying a private island in The Bahamas Guide