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Young couple swapped the traditional home search for buying an uninhabited island in Finland, where they plan to build a wooden cabin, live isolated weekends, and follow local rules
Buying an uninhabited island for 26,000 euros became the chosen solution for Oliver Russell, 24, and Helena Tomaszewska, 20, in Finland, in 2024, given the difficulty of buying their own home.
Purchase originated in Helsinki
The story began in 2022, when Oliver left California, in the United States, and moved to Helsinki, Finland, to study. It was there that he met Helena, with whom he started a relationship.
With similar plans, the two began to seek an alternative to the traditional housing model. The scenario of more expensive properties, high interest rates on financing, and economic instability weighed on the decision.
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Island cost about R$ 170 thousand
In mid-2024, the couple found an uninhabited island that had been vacant for over a decade. The land was in its raw state, but the opportunity led them to quickly close the purchase.
The estimated investment was about 26,000 euros, a value equivalent to approximately R$ 170,000. The decision drew attention because the cost was below what many people imagine for a property of this type.
Raw land became a housing project
After the purchase, Oliver and Helena began the first works on the site using simple materials. The initial goal was to erect a basic structure, capable of allowing them to stay on the island.
The process still requires physical effort and planning. They need to balance their studies with the heavy work on the property, which makes each stage slower, but also symbolic.
Weekends changed the routine
For Helena and Oliver, every weekend on the uninhabited island has been a transformative experience. The isolation, silence, and distance from urban life still seem surreal, but they also bring peace and a sense of accomplishment.
The enthusiasm continues despite the challenges. The experience reinforces the desire to maintain a simpler lifestyle, away from the pressures of conventional property purchases and the costs of traditional housing.
Next step is a cabin-style house
The plans include building a wooden cabin for summer use. The idea follows the Finnish tradition of summering in chalets, linked to the search for rest in remote areas.
The project also needs to comply with local laws. According to the rules cited by the couple, the property must have a sauna occupying one third of the space, a requirement that is part of the planning on the island.
With information from Tribuna de Minas.
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