Island life: Sick of your north London shoebox? Swap it for a private island

If you’re tiring of the November drizzle, a small home with little outside space and being surrounded by people at all times, why not consider swapping the hassles of north London living for life on your very own private island?

With property in north London currently at a premium and islands often requiring a degree of re-development shaping up comparatively low cost, it is possible to do an almost direct swap from your Camden property to a celeb-worthy private island.

Indeed, you could even swap an average priced two-bedroom flat in Camden for a sizeable patch of solitude in sunnier climes and you would be following in the footsteps of Marlon Brando, Nicholas Cage and Celine Dion, all of whom have purchased islands for their own personal use.

Vladi Private Islands, who specialise in the sale of private islands recommend that prospective buyers make sure you’ll have access to adequate infrastructure, can obtain permission to build, and are within 90 minutes of accessing healthcare.

Little Lesbos, Greece, £634,320 through Vladi Private Islands

Swap your Camden flat (average price £769,702) for Little Lesbos, with change to spare for development.

The private island is a 200 metre boat ride – or swim, the water is so clear and calm – from the village of Pamfila on Lesbos.

Located near the east coast of Turkey you can be guaranteed reliably warm, blue skied summers and could enjoy them away from the tourist hoards in island seclusion.

While there are currently no structures on the island, apparently a permit can be applied for from the local government.

Barbecue Cay, Belize, £711,600 through Private Islands Inc.

This 13-acre island just off the coast of central Belize has been cleared and is a blank canvas for developing the beach house of your dreams.

The agent says the ground is very solid and so can accommodate building, while the surrounding water is deep enough for large vessels.

Belize is just leaving the wet season now so it could be a great time to swap drab north London for a taste of the tropics, and lobster season lasts until February.

Tangalle Isle, Sri Lanka, £1,601,932, through Private Islands Inc.

Connected to the mainland by a sand spit, the island is part of an area full of unspoilt and pristine beaches.

Clear waters offer spectacular diving and fishing, while sea views can also be enjoyed from the land.

Located approximately 200 km from the city of Colombo, the island is an almost direct swap with a terraced house in Camden (average price £1,694,218).

Island of Sirene, Italy, £1,694,218, through Vladi Private Islands

The Island of Sirens is located just off the coast of Sicily, with a sheltered port on one side, and facing into the open sea at the entrance to the Bay of Sirens on the other.

There are two farm buildings, which could be converted into a large holiday villa on the island, which measures just under an acre.

The city of Taormina is also nearby.

Clapboard Island West, Maine, US £3,878,220, through Private Islands Inc.

Swap your detached house in Camden (average price £3,849,021) for this 1898 island house also comes with rights to a smaller island, Little Clapboard, which can be accessed from the main island at low tide.

The island is six miles north of Portland, ME and has excellent sailing in the bay, while the compound itself comprises 10 bedrooms, a large original stone pier, a shingle style boathouse, children’s playhouse, helicopter pad, a fully furnished guest house, and a large barn.

As well as all modern conveniences, the house has been furnished with period furniture.