WITH house prices rising and many people struggling to get on the property ladder, we thought we would take a look at a different option to spend your house-hunting cash. 

If you are prepared to consider an extreme relocation or a monster of a morning commute to work, there are ways you can make your money stretch further.

In fact, for less than it costs to buy a house in the north west, you could own your own private island or tropical paradise.

According to Right Move the average house price in Cheshire is £237,058 while in Merseyside it's £163,534 and Greater Manchester the average price is £188,395. 

But instead you could get 42 acres of land on Mavuva Island in Fiji for £93,360.

The island is described as being located in a private lagoon with white-sand beaches and home to beautiful coconut palm trees. 

Or if you can find a bit more spare change down the back of your couch you could be making gin from the junipers and blueberry bushes on Deer Bay French River Island in Ontario for £142,989. 

Click the gallery above to see more of the islands on sale for less than the price of a house in the north west on the website privateislandsonline.com and get your imagination going. 

(Mobile users may have to click on 'Show Caption'.)

Now where's that lottery ticket...

1. Deadman Caye - 699acres in Belize, Central America £179,673.42

A white sand, private island set just behind the reef. This private island features white sand beach, swaying coconut trees and some of Belize’s best fishing and diving spots are found in this area. 

2. Mavuva Island Lots, Fiji - £93,360 42 acres

This island is located in a private lagoon with white-sand beaches and is home to beautiful coconut palm trees.

3. Fisherman’s Point Island, Michigan - £129,342 Two acres

Includes a cottage with electricity and a new roof.

4. Deer Bay French River Island, Ontario - £142,989 Two acres

Surrounded by mature red pine, white pine, small ash, junipers and blueberry bushes. You can make your own gin!

5. Paskosaari, Finland - 1 acre £160,000

Located on the corner of Lake Suvasvesi, the third deepest lake in Finland.

6. Pink Pearl Island Nicaragua, Central America £180,395

An ideal location for sports fishing and diving. 

7. Spuhn Island Lots, Alaska, United States £122,596.00 Two acres

Stroll along your beach and look out for bald eagles, orcas, humpback whales and dolphins that make their home in the lands and waters of the Inside Passage.

You might even spot the family of deer that swims to and from the island. For dinner, salmon, crab and halibut are available from the waters that surround you.

8. Lark Caye, Belize, Central America £143,594 Three acres

The location is superb for fly-fishing and the area is well known for the trophy fish like tarpon, bonefish and permit.