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Couple Bought Their Own Private Island Because It Was Cheaper Than Buying a Home : The Hearty Soul

In an awkward twist of unfortunate housing reality, 24-year-old Oliver Russell and his girlfriend Helena Tomaszewska made a bold move that many only dream of—they bought their own private island in Finland. What makes this story even more surprising? Their purchase was cheaper than a typical house down payment.1

How It All Began

The couple plans to live on a two and a half acre island
Credit: SWNS

Oliver, who grew up in Laguna Beach, California, frequently visited Finland during his summers, falling in love with the country’s peaceful and scenic summer cottage life. After moving to Helsinki in 2022 to pursue a business degree, he met Helena, and together, they began looking for a place to call their own. Little did they know their journey would lead them to their very own island.2

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The Island That Was Cheaper Than a House

The island had been vacant for 10 years
Credit: SWNS

As housing prices continued to soar, Oliver and Helena faced the same struggle many young people do—finding an affordable home. While casually browsing real estate listings, Oliver stumbled upon something unexpected: a 2.5-acre island for sale. Listed at just $36,569, it was far below the cost of most urban properties.3 After some negotiation, the couple purchased the island for $31,000, a price far less than what a home in Finland would typically cost. The island had been vacant for over a decade, but this didn’t deter them—it only fueled their excitement.

Challenges of Off-Grid Living

home surrounded by trees
Credit: Unsplash

Owning an island may sound idyllic, but it comes with its share of challenges. When Oliver and Helena first arrived in June 2024, they found the island completely overgrown, with trees and bushes covering the land. There was no infrastructure, meaning the couple had to build everything from scratch. Undeterred, they got to work clearing the land and constructing a basic platform deck to serve as their living space. Using trees felled from their property, they even built an outhouse and an outdoor shower, setting up a base camp for their future endeavors.

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Building the Dream

wood-walled bedroom with a book on the bed
Credit: Unsplash

With their island gradually becoming habitable, Oliver and Helena set their sights on more ambitious projects. They plan to build a log cabin as their summer cottage, a staple of Finnish culture, but there’s a twist: one-third of the island must be dedicated to a sauna, a requirement in Finland. Despite the challenges of balancing school and construction, the couple remains excited about their island home. “Every time we go to the island, it doesn’t feel real that it is ours—it’s so nice to be out there,” Oliver shared.

A Glimpse Into Island Life

dock leading to water
Credit: Unsplash

While the couple continues to work on their dream cabin, they spend their weekends on the island, enjoying its tranquility. With no neighbors and only the sounds of nature, it’s the perfect escape from their busy student lives. As Oliver explained, “It is so quiet, and because it is an island, nobody can stumble across it.”

A Unique Path to Homeownership

set of keys beside a tiny house
Credit: Unsplash

The rising cost of housing has forced many to look for alternative living arrangements. For Oliver and Helena, buying an island was not just a whimsical decision—it was an affordable solution to the housing crisis. With homes and land becoming increasingly expensive, this young couple has demonstrated that thinking outside the box can lead to remarkable opportunities.

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Sources

  1. Couple bought uninhabited island to live on because it was cheaper than a house deposit.” Lad Bible. Anish Vij. September 16, 2024.
  2. California man buys small island in Finland because it was cheaper than deposit on house.” Upworthy. Jacalyn Wetzel. September 17, 2024.
  3. Couple Buys Uninhabited Island Because It’s Cheaper Than Purchasing a House.” My Modern met. Regina Sienra. September 20, 2024.

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