Man builds house in the Caribbean for $4K to escape the cold 

By Emma Dunn via SWNS

A Brit built a house in the Caribbean for $3,819 - to live mortgage-free and escape the UK's "boring" and "miserable" winter.

Alex Cassidy, 22, built the one-bed home on land in Tobago owned by his stepdad, Derek Sandy, 61.

After collecting materials, he spent three months building with the help of local tradespeople.

Alex now lives mortgage-free and only spends $165 on electricity, water and Wi-Fi every three months.

He spends six months a year in Tobago to escape the rainy and cold winters in the UK.

Alex, a musician, from the Isle of Wight, said: "I've got my own privacy.

"I bought my freedom.

"It's such a price difference to the UK.

"I spent $3,819 to build a whole house and never pay rent."

Alex grew up spending time between the Isle of Wight and Tobago - where his stepdad, Derek, also a musician, is from.

Now Alex spends half of the year in each country so decided to build a house on the land Derek owns in Tobago.

He started collecting materials in January 2023 but began properly building the home with the help of local laborers in January 2024.

Alex finished the one-bed home in March this year and spent just £3k on the whole build.

He said: "It was heavy labor.

"My house is on a hill.

"But it was rewarding.

"It's a really open plan space with a bed, living room, kitchen and bathroom.

"It's very simple."

Alex said the plumbing cost him $152 and the electricity $190 to set up.

He said: "In England, it was $3,819 to $5,092 just to put electric in a one-bed flat.

"Some of the material prices were very similar to the UK but labor is a lot cheaper and I did a lot myself."

Alex said he loved watching his dream become a reality but it didn't hit him until he was putting the final touches to the house.

He said: "The realization hit me.

"I have a home. This is mine."

Alex lives mortgage free and spends $127 on electricity and water every three months and £30 to £40 every three for Wi-Fi.

He said: "It's quite sad.

"A lot of my friends got good jobs and most of their money goes on bills and rent.

"It's impossible to get a deposit."

Alex spends the summer back in the Isle of Wight gigging with Derek but lives in Tobago throughout the winter.

He said: "It's a great life.

"The UK in summer is a great place.

"Winter is very boring.

"It makes sense for me to go out. It's cheaper.

"I earn a below-average wage.

"But I don't spend much money."

Despite strangers online saying the house is a "tin shed" Alex loves his home.

He said: "I'd rather live here than a $381,934 house I have to pay for for 35 years on a mortgage.

"I own this, I never have to pay anyone a cent.

"I don't have to work for 35 years to live in a cold, boring miserable country."

Alex loves the six months he spends in Tobago.

He said: "The nightlife is brilliant.

"I'm always meeting new people.

"I'm never lonely.

"In the day I relax at the beach. The people are really interesting.

"I wanted to show the natural beauty of Tobago."