Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

Buying an island? Here's your chance

Always wanted to own an island? This is the ultimate opportunity: the Maldives government is holding an auction of private islands for the first time ever in the world. In total, 16 of the total 1190 islands will go under the hammer. However, you don't just get the island, a number of requirements must be met...Text: Fleur de Jong

Some requirements

Those who make a good bid have a chance to own an island with a 50-year lease. In an effort to revitalize the tourist-driven economy, the Ministry of Tourism plans to auction off 16 of its islands. There is one condition though, when buying an island, a resort or hotel must be built on it. 

As an international bidder, you must be quick, as bids must be submitted by June 10. However, it doesn't end with making a bid, in doing so, a proposal must also be submitted that details the potential ecological footprint of the resort and how gender-equal the staff is. Once successful, construction of the resort must begin within 36 months, and any project must respect the area's pristine natural environment and follow a set of guidelines during construction. 

According to the director of the Ministry of Tourism's planning department, these guidelines include that no buildings be built above tree height and that no trees be cut down during construction without express government permission. If a tree does get cut down, two must be planted back in its place.

More auctions

The largest island has an area of 17 hectares. For the smaller islands, depending on rights, there is the possibility of land acquisition to make the island larger. 

Would you still prefer an island to yourself that you don't have to share with tourists? If so, there is a good chance of a second auction in the near future. Indeed, the Maldives government is planning more auctions for several more of their islands, perhaps for privateuse...Also read: 'Maldives on the coast of Zeeland'.