Do you have a billion dollars burning a hole in your pocket? Are all those zeros on your bank balance becoming a confusing nuisance? If so then the perfect little ‘get-away’ could be yours for just a little less that a cool crisp one billion American dollars! Sealand, the worlds smallest island, is for sale and it could be yours today!

To some the man-made ‘island’ of Sealand just off the blustery shores of south east England might seem like a hellish place devoid of charm, character, or indeed any redeeming qualities what-so-ever. But to the ‘Royal Family’ of this rusting wartime anti-aircraft platform spanning just 10,000 square ft, Sealand is a regal place worthy of honor and international recognition as a Principality, governed and answerable only to itself.

Owned by 85 year old Prince Roy and Princess Joan, Sealand has it’s own flag, and even it’s own national anthem composed by a bloke from London called Basil (though it can’t be sung as nobody bothered to writing any words for it).

Prince Roy and Princess Joan don’t actually live on the ‘island’ anymore, and due to failing health the day to day running of the Principality was handed down to their son, Prince Michael, who has battled to bring business to the Island. However Prince Michael has recently taken the unusual step of putting the Island up for sale (or to be more correct, for “transfer” – the new owner would have to abide by some fairly strict conditions of sale).

A back street real estate firm in Spain called Inmonaranja, has set the asking price at a lofty €750,000,000 ($975,562,500). It’s not entirely clear what the Spanish drink but whatever it is they might well be advised to slow down a little. Dinosaurs will return to earth and start a bluegrass band long before a crumbling concrete tomb situated in one of the most awful places in the world will ever sell for anything like the figure the Spanish back street boys are asking for.

In 2006 much of the Sealand infrastructure was heavily damaged or destroyed in a fire. Remembering this while negotiating with Prince Michael of Sealand may give the buyer a alight edge.

As with all major purchases though, looking around at alternatives is a must. For example, for $930,562,500 less than the price of Sealand you might consider buying the tropical Hans Lollik islands (pictured above). Part of the US Virgin Island and described as being “one of the most beautiful places on earth,” the Hans Lollik islands span over 500 acres and include a “breathtaking unspoiled crescent coconut beach, stunning vistas and cliffs, palm forests and crystal-clear waters.” Not bad for just $45 million dollars.

If its the brisk weather of Sealand that attracts you, then maybe you should take a look at the Canadian Kowichan Lake Island (below) on Lake Cowichan which is located on southern Vancouver Island, in British Columbia. It comes complete with a spacious architecturally designed cabin style home which includes all the comforts of home, and at just $848,469 it will save you $974,714,031 when compared to Sealand.

However, the buying advise for those who really have their hearts set on their dream home upon the metal platform of a deserted war relic in the choppy cold waters of the North Sea, is to wait a while. The price may very well be reduced in time. You might be able to get it for as little as half a billion dollars if you’re lucky.

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Sealand for sale (Spanish)
Smallest State seeks new owners
World’s Smallest ‘Country’ for Sale
Sealand’s National Anthem
Sealand is not a country
Become a ‘Lord’ or ‘Lady’ of Sealand
Hans Lollik islands
Private Islands magazine
Buy your own private island
[Video] 1960′s Pathe British news report from Sealand
[Video] An intensely boring video that shows the ‘Royals’ – NOT shot on Sealand though.