24-Year-Old Student And Girlfriend Purchase Private Island For Less Than A House Deposit
Getting on the property ladder can be challenging for many, as rising home costs and limited availability force people to find creative ways to secure their own spaces. This has led some individuals to explore unconventional options, like tiny houses, mobile homes, or, in one remarkable case, purchasing a private island.
Such unique approaches offer opportunities for a different lifestyle, often at a fraction of the cost of a traditional home. One example is the story of Oliver Russell, a 24-year-old with dual American and Finnish citizenship.
Oliver grew up in Laguna Beach, California, but in 2020, he moved to Colorado to secure more affordable in-state tuition. When that didn't work out, he pursued a different path.
In 2022, Oliver moved to Helsinki, Finland, to take advantage of free education as a Finnish citizen. His decision to move to Finland also introduced him to a significant person: Helena Tomaszewska, a 20-year-old student who would later become his girlfriend and partner in a unique real estate venture.
In March 2024, while browsing a real estate website out of curiosity, Oliver stumbled upon something extraordinary—a private island for sale. Although he was merely looking for fun, the listing caught his attention because the island was priced lower than a typical residential lot.
After some discussion, Oliver and Helena decided to purchase the two-and-a-half-acre island for $31,000, a price lower than its original listing of $36,569. The couple's decision to buy an island rather than a conventional property was exciting and unusual.
Oliver Russell and Helena Tomaszewska made an unusual investment by purchasing an island in Finland.
Oliver said: “Every time we go to the island it doesn’t feel real that it is ours, it is so nice to be out there. It is so quiet and because it is an island nobody can stumble across it.”
The island had been vacant for over a decade and was covered in thick trees and moss, making it unsuitable for immediate living. Nevertheless, Oliver and Helena saw potential in the land and decided to develop it into their summer retreat.
Their plan included building a summer cottage and a sauna, the latter being a staple of Finnish culture. Though neither of them had prior experience in construction, they were undeterred.
They spent their weekends on the island, beginning by clearing the trees to create space for a deck. Slowly but surely, they made progress, building a deck for their tent and an outhouse.
Oliver's work was challenging and rewarding, and he expressed how much fun it had been despite their obstacles. Their ultimate goal is to create a comfortable base camp where they can live while they work on the more significant construction projects next year.
Oliver noted that balancing the demands of school and the physical labor on the island has been challenging. However, the sense of ownership and the island's peacefulness make the effort worthwhile.
The island mainly was unsuitable for habitation.
For Oliver and Helena, their island is more than just a project; it symbolizes freedom, privacy, and an entirely their own space. The tranquility and isolation of the island feel almost unreal to them, a rare escape where they know they won’t be disturbed.
Despite being students with limited resources, their determination to carve out their own version of paradise in such a unique way is a true example of creativity and perseverance.
