Islands are not only a retreat for those seeking  a  little piece of paradise. They also represent an opportunity to invest in real estate. The Chicago Tribune recently published an excellent article on the investment potential of Private Islands asking the question: As goes the mainland, so goes the market in private island real estate? Not exactly.

Mark Goldman, professor of real estate finance at San Diego State University notes that “No clear-eyed investor should ever mistake owning an island as a safe haven for money.”  However, as  Chris Krolow of Private Islands chief executive officer of Private Islands Inc., noted “Islands are like diamonds,” said Chris Krolow, chief executive of Private Islands Inc. “Beauty is essential, but rarity makes any commodity infinitely more desirable.”

I think both Mr Goldman and Mr Krolow make good points. It would be unwise to purchase a private island stictily as an investment.  However, in my experience private islands have proven to be a reliable and lucrative investment opportunity.

To read the full article visit the Chicago Tribune