Houseboats have an obvious quixotic appeal. Who hasn't dreamt of a relaxed life on the water? They also have the status of being an inexpensive alternative for first-time buyers. According to the Residential Boat Owners Association, around 15,000 people live on boats on Britain's rivers, canals and tidal waters.

TYPES OF HOUSEBOAT

Narrow boats
These are long but very narrow due to the size of canal locks. Narrow boats have engines so can be moved easily and used for recreational boating. Most are of steel construction, so must be well insulated.
It is the most common houseboat, stretching 45 to 50 feet in length, with a width of approx. 6 feet. There is ample space for two, plus occasional guests. A new boat retails for about �90k, while a used boat fetches �25k-�30k.

Dutch Barges
These vessels are very popular as a floating home as most have engines fitted. Due to their wide beam (width), most are moored on rivers rather than narrow canals and offer good accommodation space. However, in order to navigate Britain's 2,000 miles of inland waterways, boats have to have a strict size limit. A Dutch barge may be as wide as 14ft, so will be unable to negotiate narrow canal locks. Even on larger boats, the lack of space means surviving with the bare necessities.

Motor Cruisers
Many of these are found on the Norfolk Broads, as many are ex-hire boats. Some can be 50 feet plus, and all have reasonable accommodation. Their main use is on non-tidal rivers and canals. Most have engines. Such vessels make comfortable homes for those wanting to use the boat for pleasure and travel. They are usually moored in a tidal river or coastal harbour giving access to good cruising.

Buying a Houseboat
There are several issues to consider:

New boats are often built to order by specialist boat builders. Boating magazines are useful for making initial inquiries.

Most first-time boat owners choose a second-hand boat as their initial investment is lower. A used boat may need more initial maintenance, but it is also more likely to have the basic fittings and facilities you need; including things a novice may forget to arrange for when buying a new boat. Second-hand boats are available from marinas / boatyards, through brokers / estate agents and by private sale.

When commissioning a new houseboat it is usual to pay in instalments, so make several visits to the builders, to review progress and pay on completion of pre-arranged tasks. Insist on a written copy of all work to be undertaken and a receipt each time money changes hands - the British Marine Federation can help. A new boat must be built in accordance with the European Union's Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) to meet safety standards. The RCD is designed in accordance with the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) and automatically qualifies the boat for a waterway licence.

You can get value for money by buying second-hand. There are boat brokers at many marinas, offering a range of models. A good broker should supply you with all the documentation regarding the boats usage, maintenance history and surveys. Before you commit to buying a second hand houseboat be sure that you have considered the following points:

1. Get your own independent survey carried out.
2. Be prepared to spend more money on subsequent maintenance.
3. Insist on seeing a recent BSS Certificate.
4. The price will be reflected in the condition and age of the boat, as well as the vendor's reputation.

Renting a houseboat can be an unorthodox alternative for an apartment or house. If you are renting a houseboat to live in, you must ascertain that it comes with residential mooring. Not all residential moorings allow houseboats to be let, so make sure to check all the paperwork.

Before renting a houseboat, consider the following points:

1. You should usually have a common law tenancy.

2. You will probably have to pay council tax on residential moorings

3. Housing benefit can be claimed to cover the cost of your houseboat rental, residential mooring and boat licence.

4. If needing a mortgage, you will have to approach a specialist in marine finance who will charge higher interest rates and is unlikely to lend more than 80% of the purchase price.

5. You will need to secure any loan against a home (on land) you already own.

Other Considerations
There are many other financial considerations to take into account when deciding to live on a houseboat.

The following guidelines apply to all boats; (excepting those operating solely on tidal rivers, seaways and estuaries):

Mooring costs range between �4,000 and �8,000 per year. These costs very much depend on the location where your boat is moored.

Visit the potential mooring site and ask questions of the existing riverboat residents. "River" people are a very close-knit community and will help you in your decision making process

You want to make sure that you can stay there for as long as you want. A 25-year lease will give you peace of mind. Check that your mooring rights are not for a short period. If you are taking over a lease that has, say, 3 years still to run, make sure there is a renewal option, in its current state.

You can rent a residential mooring from British Waterways, the local council or a private landlord. You'll need to sign a rental agreement with your landlord, giving you both rights and responsibilities. Make sure you read the agreement carefully.

Houseboat Licence
If you intend to use UK canals or rivers, you must obtain a British Waterways Licence.

Paying Tax on a Houseboat
If you live on a residential mooring, you may be liable for council tax, although only for VAT if your houseboat has a motor. As the situation varies in different areas, check accordingly.

Insurance
According to British Waterways, Third party insurance to a minimum value of �1,000,000 is mandatory. You can find specialist insurers advertising in the waterway press.

Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) Certificate
All boats must comply with the BSS and be checked every four years. For full details, visit the
http://www.boatsafetyscheme.com website.
UK Home / Property / Houseboats
To Get Help About This Section, Click Here
free classified ads
Houseboats  
Find Houseboats & Canal Boats here at Classifieds Property - the home of FREE classified ads.
Either browse through our Houseboats Ads (below) or use the Search & Sort box on the right to filter your results.  Or, alternatively, Post your own Ad for FREE.
    
 
  
      
Classified Ad Results  ( 1 to 20 of 29 ads found )
19 June 2009
Fantastic opportunity to own a beautifully maintained luxemotor,with comfortable accomodation throughout. this boat also comes with a 62 year lease on the mooring,in a secure residential marina,which represents amazing value for money. accomodation includes a large spac. .
£110,000
ME3
05 June 2009
An excellent example of an immaculately finished houseboat,both modern and traditional. fitted out to a very high specification,whilst keeping the feel of a traditional houseboat. fully furnished and rady to move in to,she has good headroom throughout. wheelhouse lounge/d. .
£100,000
ME3
This is a lovely example of a barge conversion to a very high standard,with spacious,well laid out accomodation providing a good size family home at a very affordable price. upstairs has a very spacious kitchen with all fitted appliances,including double oven,large frid. .
£99,999
ME3
Converted tug boat that can become a good sized character family home. currently 4 bedrooms,a wheelhouse lounge offering panoramic views,a galley style kitchen,utility room and workshop. good outside deck space on two levels and an engine room that has had the engine rem. .
£85,000
ME3
Great opportunity to buy and convert a large static boat,with huge potential inside and out. three large deck spaces provide all the room you need to enjoy the views accross the river,and giv you ample space for entertaining. inside the boat is a fully fitted galley and. .
£85,000
ME3
Large barge with good outside space,and all the main structural conversion already completed,ready for you to design and create a spacious family home. inside the conversion work has all been done over the last 2 years,with some of the wiring and plumbing complete. there. .
£65,000
ME3
Exciting opportunity to own a piece of history. this vessel,used for many years by the norwegian armed forces,has been a real labour of love for its current owner. the boat has been regularly taken out of the water as can be seen in the photographs,indeed she is currentl. .
£65,000
ME3
Large spacious thames lighter,with an all steel conversion. can be completed to your own specification by professional or completed yourself. lots of natural daylight below,two double cabins,one small extra cabin,utility room,large lounge and massive kitchen/diner area. o .
£65,000
ME3
Brand new houseboat on a secure residential marina with stunning views across the river medway to rochester castle. comfortable accomodation includes large double bedroom,good sized lounge,fully fitted kitchen and bathroom,all brand new. this lovely home,whis also comes . .
£59,999
ME3
Nicely converted narrow boat with fully working and maintained engine enabling cruising at your leisure. tastefully designed and fitted,the accomodation has good sized lounge that can be converted to a double berth,with flat screen tv included. the galley has washing mac. .
£59,999
ME3
Clyde puffer,an ex treasure dive ship with all equipment still aboard,now on a secure residential mooring and ready to convert to a spacious character home. large hold with an unusually large amount of headroom,with a roof that can be lifted using hydraulics. galley area. .
£50,000
ME3
Classic work tug,previously used as the harbour tug at yarmouth,now on a secure residential mooring in medway,and ready to convert to a character home,or use as a cruising home. high wheelhouse provides outstanding panoramic views. accomodation includes 5 berths with sto. .
£45,000
ME3
Ideal first time buy or weekend retreat,this recent conversion provides comfortable living accomodation in a modern style. newly fitted kitchen has fridge,freezer and a brand new oven. bathroom is fully fitted with a full size bath,shower and toilet. a front porch leads y. .
£40,000
ME3
Charming pier offices,until recently at cherry garden pier in bermondsey. now on a secure residential mooring in medway,these offices could make a unique home. benefiting from already being part wired and plumbed,this pontoon has the advantage of rooms below that can be . .
£37,000
ME3
Spacious,well maintained and speedy cruiser. comfortable 3/5 berths, and spacious lounge area,with plenty of natural light. toilet compartment with wash basin and shower,with pressureised water. new equipment includes blackwater tank, heater, fridge, and cooker. two volvo. .
£36,999
ME3
Reduced to sell ! charming houseboat ideal for a first time home or weekend retreat. this lovely character home comes fully furnished,including beds,wardrobes,a sofa,chairs and even a tv. the kitchen includes a washing machine,fridge,freezer and and electric oven with ga. .
£34,999
ME3
Large humber keel on a residential mooring ready for conversion,you could become part of a friendly marina community. this has the potential to be converted to a spacious family home,where you have the benefit of being able to plan your new home from the start,to create. .
£30,000
ME3
Just reduced to a bargain price ! this tug is the second oldest thames tug still in existance. good deck space with lovely views across the river medway,this tug could be converted to create an outstanding character home,while having the benefit of having comfortable ac. .
£29,000
ME3
Two superb moon barges available on secure residential moorings,priced at £27000 each. ideal to create a spacious,luxurious family home,these barges are amazing value for money. only 4 years ago they were dry docked,painted and surveyed,ready to be used as a floati. .
£27,000
ME3
Good size lighter on a secure residential mooring,you could become part of a friendly marina community. this has the potential to be converted to a spacious family home,where you have the benefit of being able to plan your new home from the start,to create what you want. .
£25,000
ME3
FirstLast...
1/2/
...
Information & Advice on Houseboats
Category Ad Tags

"
Ad Tags are keywords Users have added to their Ad to quickly indicate what they’re advertising.
"
There aren’t any Tags associated with this Classification.
Post a FREE Ad
Log In / Register
Help!
About
Share
RSS
Related Classifications
Property (320)
Flatshares Flats to Rent Houses to Rent Flats for Sale Houses for Sale