Information
- Region 9: Pacific Ocean
The Pacific is an island paradise.
Its coral islands, surrounded by crystal clear water, have white
sandy beaches and tall coconut trees. The problem is that acquisition
of land by foreigners is often difficult. Non-residents are only
allowed to buy property with government permits in French
Polynesia and Fiji,
although there are no restrictions in Hawaii. Elsewhere land can
only be bought by those with personal links to the area and islands
are therefore normally available only on a leasehold basis and to
residents.
French Polynesia has most to offer in the Ring Atolls of Rangiroa,
Huahine and Bora Bora. In Fiji, beautiful islands are available
near the capital, as well as further away. In both countries, the
legal structures are reliable and freehold ownership can be properly
acquired with a government permit.
As there are so few freehold islands in the Pacific that may be
acquired by foreigners, prices of those that come onto the market
are high. Demand has also been influenced by growing interest from
residents of Japan and Hong Kong. In Fiji a good island will sell
for at least USD 500,000 and in French Polynesia even more. Fiji has
become the host for private islands being developed with resorts
meeting international standards. Here, next to the Maldives, you
will find the most island resorts in the world.
The Philippines, with over 7,000 islands, would be a marvellous
market if the government ever decided to relax controls. At present
islands can not be bought by foreigners.
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