Buying an Estonian island

This is less easy to do than you might think – after all, Estonia has 2,300 islands. One situated 80km from Tallinn spans 1 hectare and is reportedly going for 29,000 euro. Cheap at the price, however, no permanent structures are allowed, given Väheloo’s proximity to a national park. Not ideal for a buyer, one would think.

A search of websites provides a few scraps of information. Perhaps, the first question to ask is: why buy an island. The romantic appeal? A bucket list project? Vanity? Perhaps, to create a legacy for the Estonian people. A hermitage. Or a bolthole against enemy invasion.

Whatever the reason, island buying looks to be strictly for the adventurous. At Väheloo – which could translate as “not much of a story” – four people visited by walking in knee-deep water to get there.

“Given the typical European (rather than tropical) weather, we would likely use the island for retreats and activities such as kayaking, fishing, hiking and bird watching. Day trips to nearby attractions would also be straightforward.”

In other words, why not go elsewhere. The writers looked at some old war bunkers, a sand-and-stone beach, walked on a nature trail, used a public toilet or two, and left the way they came.

Elsewhere includes Hõralaid, which is described by realtors as land “surrounded by the sea 3600”. One section is for sale of 6,060m3, located “where Bolt couriers cannot deliver food, and there are no neighbours to invite for a Friday night yard party”. According to a real state expert, “There are simply no other offers like Hõralaid.”

Artist's impression of what a dream home on Hõralaid could look like.

Reading the promotional website in more detail, this 24-ha islet lies east of the much larger island of Hiiumaa, and was to be the subject of a social experiment. “Some time ago the vision included a totally self-sustaining community to be established on the island, living there full-time.”

Now an auction will be held for the section, and for the remainder, a property zoned for agricultural use. Registrations are open, and the auction will begin on 20 May 2025. The photos of the island look inviting.

For other islands, take care. Vladi private islands lists 83-ha Hanikatsi island west of Haapsalu as for sale, which sounds encouraging, and the pitch includes:

“Hanikatsi is home to eight small buildings (which could, in time, be renovated) and a historical windmill, constructed in 1888. Future owners will be expected to continue with the upkeep of the mill, but will, in return, receive a series of subsidies from the European Union, including a sheep grant, wood grant, a maintenance grant and a mowing grant.”

Compare the above enticing text with that of Wikipedia: “There are still some buildings on the islet which have been renovated by the Landscape Reserve and are now used by scientists,” and the owner is Pühalepa kihelkond (holy alder-tree parish), Hiiu County.

If you think Finland is a better bet, forested Talasaari at 3 hectares costs only 210,000 euro, has a house on it, and is located in a sizeable lake with lots of other small islands in central Finland. Happy island hunting!