Imagine waking up one day, frustrated about being late for class, and soon after finding yourself the proud owner of a private island. This is the extraordinary story of Oliver Russell and his girlfriend, Helena Tomaszewska, who discovered a unique way to get on the property ladder.
An unconventional path to property ownership
For many, owning property is a distant dream due to the increasingly challenging housing market. However, 24-year-old Oliver Russell, a half-American, half-Finnish, found an unconventional solution by purchasing an island for less than the cost of a typical house deposit.
Raised in Laguna Beach, California, Oliver spent his summers in Finland with family and friends. Seeking in-state tuition, he relocated to Colorado in 2020. When that plan fell through, he moved to Helsinki in 2022 to continue his education. “I fell in love with the idea of studying in Finland,” he shared. As a Finnish citizen, Oliver enjoyed free education and cherished his time in the Nordic country.
Love and a leap of faith
During his stay in Helsinki, Oliver met Helena Tomaszewska, 20, and their relationship blossomed. Their mutual love for adventure led them to an unexpected purchase in March 2024—an island they found on a property website. “I was browsing real estate for fun and found the island,” Oliver said. “It was cheaper than a regular lot, so we went for it.”
The island purchase
The 2.5-acre island had been vacant for a decade and was listed at $36,569. However, Oliver and Helena secured it for $31,000. They first visited their new property in June 2024, discovering it was covered in trees and moss, rendering it initially uninhabitable.
Despite these challenges, the couple has worked tirelessly to transform the island into a livable space, intending to build a summer cottage and a sauna—staples of Finnish culture. Starting with basic infrastructure, they cleared trees and built a deck for their tent and an outhouse. Oliver, who had no prior construction experience, described the work as ‘fun’.
Building a dream
“We wanted a comfortable base camp before starting major construction next year,” Oliver explained, mentioning his current project of building a shower structure. “It’s a big commitment, especially with both of us being students,” he admitted. “Time is a challenge, and balancing research and work on the island is tough.”
Despite the hurdles, Oliver and Helena are determined. “Every time we visit the island, it feels surreal that it’s ours. It’s so peaceful, and being an island, it offers complete privacy.”
This young couple’s journey from city living to island ownership is a testament to creativity and courage in the face of life’s challenges. Their story serves as an inspiration for those looking for alternative ways to achieve their dreams.