A young US-Dutch couple made a bold move when they bought a two-and-a-half-acre island right after making their first offer.
Oliver Russell, 24, who is half American and half Finnish, and his girlfriend Helena Tomaszewska, are living a dream many would envy. They bought an uninhabited island in Finland for a surprising reason—it was cheaper than a house deposit.
Oliver’s connection to Finland grew through his many summer visits to see family and friends. By August 2022, the idea of owning a summer house there became irresistible to both Oliver and Helena.
Originally from Laguna Beach, California, Oliver had been thinking about moving to Helsinki for a long time. In 2022, he finally moved from Fort Collins, Colorado. His move was partly influenced by the high cost of tuition in the U.S., so he decided to study international business in Finland.
Once settled, Oliver met Helena. The couple soon realized that city living wasn’t for them, especially with the high costs of urban apartments. They were looking for something more affordable and spacious.
Oliver shared his thoughts about moving to Finland for school, saying, “I loved the idea of studying in Finland. As a Finnish citizen, I got free schooling, and I’ve really enjoyed my time here. Summer cottage life is a big part of the culture, and I always loved spending summers here.”
Their search for a property led them to a real estate website, where they found an island listed for just $36,569. The island had been vacant for ten years.
“I was just looking for fun when I found the island. It was cheaper than a normal lot, so we jumped on it. I offered $31,000, and it was accepted,” Oliver explained.
The couple took possession of their island in June 2024 and quickly realized how much work was needed to make it livable. They built a frame out of logs, an outhouse, and started on a shower structure. Their weekends are now spent working on the island, with plans to build a log cabin and a sauna cabin in the future.
Despite the challenges, Oliver finds the project rewarding. “It’s been a lot of work, but also fun. Every time we go to the island, it feels unreal that it’s ours.”
