The Finnish Island that is more affordable than a House!

The cost of living has become increasingly burdensome, to the point where many people might soon need to take out loans just to afford basic groceries. However, one of the most severe challenges is the soaring cost of housing—both rent and home purchases. Many are being priced out of the market, forcing them to rent for longer periods or even move back in with their parents.

In response to the rising housing costs in the U.S., many are considering relocating abroad in search of a better quality of life at a lower cost. There are entire Reddit communities dedicated to discussions about expat living and Americans exploring life as expatriates.

24-year-old Oliver Russell was ahead of the curve in this trend. Although American, he holds dual citizenship through his Finnish heritage, with strong ties to Finland through family and frequent visits.

Originally from Laguna Beach, California, Russell moved to Colorado but faced obstacles with in-state tuition, making business school nearly unaffordable. Seizing the opportunity presented by Finland's free college education for its citizens, he decided to pursue his dream of moving to Helsinki.

Upon settling into his new home in Finland, Russell met Helena Tomaszewska, 20, a Dutch national. As their relationship grew serious, they began searching for a summer home, a popular tradition in Finland. However, they soon found that the prices for summer cottages were steep, with down payments far exceeding their budget.

"In Finland, the summer cottage life is a huge part of the culture and I would come out here every summer. I loved the summer cottage life and wanted one of my own," Russell shared with SWNS. The concept of a summer cottage, or "mökki," is deeply embedded in Finnish culture, and his choice reflects an appreciation for Finnish lifestyle and values.

Despite their challenges in finding an affordable property, Russell stumbled upon something truly unique: an island. The island had been on the market for a decade, but fortunately, it was within their budget. The couple purchased the 2.5-acre island for just $31,000.

Unfortunately, the island was in a state of complete disarray, overrun with trees, bushes, and moss. Having been uninhabited for over a decade, the land required extensive clearing before any construction could begin. Despite this significant challenge, Russell and Tomaszewska were undeterred and eagerly set to work.

They purchased the island in March 2024 and have since made several trips to prepare the land for their summer home. "Our plan is to build a log cabin completely by ourselves with no experience and transform it into a fully functioning summer cottage," Russell shares in a video that shows him chopping down trees and shaving bark off of logs.

In the meantime, they constructed a platform deck for camping and built an outhouse to provide some basic comforts while they continued their efforts.

Russell told Lad Bible, "We made a frame out of logs that we felled from trees, and I got some decking from a hardware store. We then built an outhouse and I am now trying to build a shower structure so we can wash while we're on the island. We wanted to get the base camp set up so we have a comfortable place to stay while the big building happens next year."

One unique requirement for their island is that a portion of it must include a sauna. It's unclear whether this stipulation is a Finnish government regulation or a personal agreement between Russell and Tomaszewska. Regardless, they plan to focus on this aspect after completing the shower, with hopes of having the entire cabin finished by next summer.

Achieving a 2025 completion date might be ambitious given that both are full-time college students, leaving them limited time for island construction. However, they are determined to complete this substantial project and anticipate plenty of time to enjoy their new home.

Living on an island with no neighbors minimizes the chances of unexpected visitors, but a trip to town for essentials like milk or toilet paper will require a boat ride. As such, it’s likely they’re planning to include a substantial storage area to accommodate their needs.

Completing their island home will be a significant achievement, offering them a unique retreat and a symbol of their dedication and hard work.