The housing market in Essex has been booming with property prices increasing at an alarming rate.

Your average semi-detached house is now selling for about £347,668, with terraced houses going for £309,746 and detached properties fetching £483,772.

Those who are struggling to afford this - and can put up with a bit of a commute to work - could make their money stretch further with their own island - for less than the cost of a house.

privateislandsonline.com - yes there is a website dedicated to selling islands - has a number of islands which those looking for somewhere cheaper to live can afford.

Here are our six favourites, but browse the gallery above for more:

1. Little Harvest Caye, Belize, Central America

Gazette:

A share in this stunning island could be yours for just £297,337.50. It is advertised as the perfect second home - and it is easy to see why.

2. Long Island, Nova Scotia, Canada

Gazette:

Surprisingly, this 92 acre island is one of the cheapest currently for sale on privateislandsonline.com at £146,290.05. It is undeveloped so has potential, or could just be your own personal wildlife paradise.

3. Echo Island, Nova Scotia , Canada

Gazette:

We had to include this island given its name. For just £99,112.50, it is four times cheaper than a detached house in Essex. It comes complete with a cabin and there is even electricity.

4. Deadman Caye, Belize, Central America

Gazette:

Set just behind the reef in the quiet, turquoise waters, this private island features white sand beach, swaying coconut trees and has solid ground throughout. And at just £197,432.10 it is a bargain!

5. Pink Pearl Island, Caribbean Sea , Nicaragua , Central America

Gazette:

This beautiful one acre island could be yours for just £198,225. The beach is even popular for nesting turtles - and apparently there are no mosquitos. Bonus!

6. Spuhn Island, Alaska

Gazette:

This island is a nature lovers dream! There are bald eagles, orcas, humpback whales, deer and dolphins in your surroundings. The island is for sale in lots, starting at £134,713.71.

Photos and information courtesy of privateislandsonline.com