Described as being in the "best location on the North Carolina coast" by listing agents Private Islands Inc., the Carolina Cays are a sublime offering with bags of potential.

There are 24 10-acre (4ha) islands in total across the Cays, and buyers can now secure one or more, with prices starting from just £356,726 ($479k).

The islands are positioned on three acres (1.2ha) of shoreline in the heart of the Outer Banks. Unusually high in elevation, some of the private parcels are 12 feet (3.7m) above sea level, placing them in a favourable AE flood zone with low insurance premiums.

These private islands are surprisingly affordable