Many people share the same fantasy of owning property on the island. The idea of a tropical island appeals to just about anyone; the sand, the sea and the sun right outside your window, relaxing days at the beach and a perfect escape from the stress of modern city life. Located in the South Pacific between New Caledonia, Fiji and the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu offers a less common, but often fantasized, lifestyle. You can buy property for sale in Vanuatu or even your own island for the price of a nice house in a well-to-do area of New Zealand or Australia. A relaxing and dreamy lifestyle is much cheaper than you imagine.
Vanuatu is steeped in history and a unique island culture. The islands were first discovered by Europeans in 1606, but have been inhabited for four thousand years. The archipelago is made up of more than eighty islands and where more than 113 languages are spoken. Like many island cultures, notions of property and ownership were very different from those of Europeans. Land was sold or given away for their use and was not something that could be owned. After 300 years, by 1960, Europeans had claimed 30% of Vanuatu’s land.
Both the British and the French had interests in the country. The two powers came together to rule the country under what was called the ‘British-French Condominium’. The condominium lasted from 1906 to 1980. During this period, Vanuatu was known as the New Hebrides. During World War II, the arrival of the Americans meant the introduction of new riches in the archipelago, which were essential for the feelings of identity of the indigenous peoples.
From the late 1960s, political movements began and political parties began to form. Over the next two decades the Vanua’aku Pati party began to push for independence and in 1980 the Republic of Vanuatu was born.
After years of being a colony of the British and French, Vanuatu became an independent country and an independent people. Many French landowners left the country, the French government compensated them for the land, and the property was returned to the indigenous people of Vanuatu.
Getting that laid-back, laid-back lifestyle is not impossible. Vanuatu is a beautiful country, with a rich culture. Whether you are looking to run a resort or just have a small place to yourself, Vanuatu is a great place to invest. Look to Vanuatu for one of the most positive lifestyle changes you can make. Don’t just invest in one property; invest in a new way of life in Vanuatu.
