The 730-acre St. Andrews will be on the auction block along with four other tropical properties from Concierge Auctions
St. Andrews, also known as Little Ragged Island, the largest privately held island currently for sale in the Bahamas, will be heading for auction later this month.
Demand for private islands and island properties has increased significantly over the course of the pandemic, as ultra-high-net-worth individuals continue to work remotely, and many island nations maintain enviably low infection rates. (Travel restrictions continue to present logistical hurdles, with some buyers opting to purchase properties sight-unseen to get an edge over the competition.)
The 730-acre undeveloped island, which includes deep-water access and space for large ships to pull up, hits the digital auction block on March 26 without reserve, meaning there's no minimum opening bid, according to Concierge Auctions, which is handling the sale as one of five tropical properties set to be auctioned in the coming weeks. It was most recently listed for sale for $19.5 million.
“We are seeing a significant increase in both buyer and seller interest in these kinds of top tier tropical destinations over the past year,” said Laura Brady, CEO and co-founder of Concierge. “It’s clear that now is the time to find your personal paradise, and even build it.”
St. Andrews, which is the southernmost island in the 100-mile Ragged Island chain of inlets, includes fresh spring drinking water throughout the island, with access for swimming among the reefs as well as bone-fishing for snapper, barracuda and more.
The island is large enough to be developed into a resort or a private residence, and is a 10-minute boat ride from the dock at nearby Duncan Town, a settlement on nearby Ragged Island with a solar farm as well as an airstrip for private plane landings.