Islands: Do they sell?

I am interested in 'acquiring' an island. Before shelling out USD 1250 for one, I asked in the 'Land Sales and Rentals' forum if someone is considering selling their island to see if I could get one for less than the 'retail' price (they used to sell for USD 950).

While it's reasonable to assume that islands exchange hands infrequently, I thought would at least get one or two sellers interested in selling at some point in the foreseeable future. I was surprised that the only contact I received was for financing.

This complete lack of sellers seems to suggest that the market for selling islands is very sparse or completely absent.

So, my question is, what do owners of private islands plan to do when they eventually leave SL since there don't seem to be a lot of buyers? Is the cost of 'acquiring' an island a write off or do island owners expect to recover their initial investment - if so, how?

Thanks,

-2fast

I am sure there are people who would buy an island in a heartbeat for considerably less then what you paid for it. I am also sure there are people currently looking at islands that would buy it for more, if it still come out at less then 1250 after transfer fees. You may never get back your full 1250 but you aren't going to lose it all either... If islands go up again, you may even get back your full 1250.

Thinking about it... a cool future option would be if they would let an island owner convert to tier and sell off parts of the island outright. Still pay the same monthly cost till their land holding drops below it tier wise, but the new land owner would have to pay normal tier.

Its cause of the demand.. you never see them, as soon as its mentioned your selling its sold! Of course no one pays full amount you could buy a new one for, but its also more than 900USD

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