It's the ultimate escape for anyone wanting a getaway on the water: their very own private island.

Islands for sale scatter the coast of British Columbia with listings for land selling for up to $50 million.

One of the more-luxurious homes is located on Subtle Island, which comes with stunning views, stables and the not so subtle price tag of $20 million.

While buying an island might seem like a privilege reserved for the mega-rich, prospective owners can find offerings off Vancouver Island that cost as much as a condo in Vancouver.

Some of the islands come with a lower price tag, but could take a bit more work as they are undeveloped: Round Island near Nanaimo, B.C., is listed at $380,000, while Sweet Island is listed for $108,000.

Those prices may seem relatively affordable, but realtor Jay McInnes warns there are a few potentially costly factors to consider before turning your island-owning dreams into reality.

"You think of all the glitz and glamour and laying out on your patio, and having no neighbours," McInnes told CTV Vancouver, "but at the same time, you have to get there."

Besides a boat to get to your isolated sanctuary, owners of an undeveloped island will need to build shelter. That means bringing in the contractors, materials and equipment needed to build a home – all by boat.

Then, when you're finally settled, safety becomes a concern for those living alone on an island. In the event of an emergency, first responders will take longer to get there than they would on land. 

Sir Richard Branson's experience is one high-profile example of the damage that can happen when emergency services aren't close at hand. His $100-million Balinese-style villa on the 74-acre Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands was destroyed by fire after it was struck by lightning during a tropical storm. There were 20 people in the home when the fire started, but no injuries.