These two ocean view properties are 10 km from Vancouver and selling for $275,000, but there's a catch (PHOTOS + VIDEO)

In Metro Vancouver's real estate market, finding a 15,000 square foot undeveloped property with views of the ocean for $275,000 would be a bit like finding a unicorn wandering Vanier Park.

But there are two such properties up for sale within 10 km of Vancouver proper.

But there's a catch.

It's a catch, however, that to some people might be a feature, not a bug.

The pair of properties neighbour each other on Passage Island. That's the tiny island west of West Vancouver but not as far west as Bowen Island; it's under 10 km away from West Point Grey and the University of British Columbia and about 15 km from the city's downtown. 

While the island is within sight of the city's core and priciest neighbourhood, and all the properties have ocean views, there's a lot a potential resident would have to give up living on Passage Island.

The island isn't serviced by any sort of public transit and has no public infrastructure on it (though the properties boundaries are laid out as if roads exist). That means off the grid in every sense. No water, no electricity, not even a public dock.

They're not even part of a municipality; instead, it's overseen by the Island Trust.

The two properties are undeveloped lots in the middle of the island (which is subdivided into 61 addresses), which means no private beach, but plenty of forest.

"Great lot to build your cottage getaway or tiny home. You are only steps from West Beach where you can enjoy a glass of wine or a picnic/bbq," says real estate agent Michele DeFehr on the listing for 34 Passage Island.