By Mark Lester

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2. Access

Accessibility is a critical consideration in the purchase of any private island. One of the first questions I ask a prospective purchaser when they start looking for a recreational property is “Where do you live?” This question is followed up by “How do you plan to get to the island? Private islands, by their nature, are generally only accessible by private boat or float plane. Travelling by boat from Vancouver to your private island can be very quick (or slow) depending on weather conditions, the speed and stability of your boat, and the location of the island. The most common method of transport by many island owners is floatplanes which are faster and much more convenient than boat travel. Travelling time from the floatplane dock at Vancouver International Airport to your private southern Gulf island can take as little as 15 minutes.

3. Improvements

The quality and extent of the improvements are important aspects of any island purchase decision. It is important, as with any home purchase, to gain a good understanding of the nature, age and maintenance requirements of the buildings situated on an island. Some purchasers want to have complete luxury while others are more interested in having limited improvements. The utility served by the improvements is, in my opinion, one of the most important factors to consider when buying. An over improved island may prove to be much more difficult to sell because it defines the previous owner’s vision more than the new purchaser. The cost of renovating or building new on any island is always higher than in locations where there is ready access to workers and materials.

4. Moorage

Most, but not all islands, have some moorage potential. Some islands offer only summer moorage and the floats must be taken in during the winter months. Can you imagine arriving at low tide by boat or float plane with your kids, luggage and groceries and scrambling across slick seaweed and barnacle covered rocks to get to the dwelling? Many island purchasers own larger vessels that they want to be able to keep close at hand. Good moorage should be a priority consideration.

5. Topography

Larger islands generally offer more interesting elevations because of their size. Many islands have some steepness and some have only cliffs or high banks making access to the sea difficult. Others have low-lying areas and nice open beaches. Water access is an important consideration. Building sites on higher banks offer arguably better views and are better protected from winds. Lower bank waterfront, however, provides that sense of being at one with the ever-changing ocean. Most people prefer low-bank waterfront. Of course, any island that offers differing topography will appeal to differing tastes and preferences.

6. Water Frontage

While the uplands area of an island is important, its shoreline will always be the focal point. Whether we are talking about a private island or a waterfront estate on Vancouver Island or the Mainland, the shape of a property often dictates the desirability of the waterfrontage. I like an island which possesses a variety of shoreline characteristics, coves and bays with pocket beaches, crescent shaped, pebbly or clamshell sand beaches and moss or grass covered rocky, see-through points. The mood of each special place is different and will be appreciated differently at different times of the day or year.

Filed under: Island Industry, Regional