8 questions you should ask yourself before buying a houseboat

8 questions you should ask yourself before buying a houseboat

Houseboats offer a unique opportunity to live on the water. It is the perfect home for those who love the great outdoors and those who want to enjoy breath-taking views every morning.

However, it’s not an investment that everyone is willing to make on a whim. Even if it sounds desirable, you’ll need to be certain it’s the right choice for you.

Before you consider going ahead with the purchase of a houseboat, it’s important to ask yourself some questions first. In this post, we’ll discuss some things you should answer to help with your final decision.

What’s my budget?

The first question you need to ask yourself is how much can you realistically afford. Just like a regular property, houseboats come with a wide range of price tags.

Before browsing your options, determine your budget beforehand. This will help you prevent overspending and will ensure that you can make the necessary repayments.

Keep in mind that in addition to the initial purchase cost, you will have to factor in ongoing fees. These can quickly add up, and the last thing you want is to be taken by surprise.

Can I afford the maintenance costs?

Speaking of ongoing fees, houseboats require maintenance to keep them in good condition. When assessing your budget, factor in costs such as cleaning and repairs.

If you’ve bought second-hand, there may also be other improvements you need to make. For example, the interior might require a new coat of paint and you may also have to order some replacement boat cushions.

How will I use it?

One of the most critical questions to ask yourself is how you plan on using the houseboat. While this won’t affect your budget directly, it will help you figure out the type of boat you will need.

For instance, some individuals only want to use them on weekend getaways or extended vacations. If you plan on living in it full-time, you may want a larger sturdier option.

Who will use it?

The next thing to think about is who else will be using the houseboat with you. Do you have family or friends who will often accompany you, and how many people will be sleeping or staying overnight?

You want to make sure there’s adequate sleeping space, otherwise, things can get rather uncomfortable. If there’ll be small children onboard, you will also need to consider additional safety measures.

How much space do I need?

Houseboats come in various shapes and sizes, so think about your needs outside of just sleeping arrangements. Will you require more than one bathroom or do you want a full kitchen with all the bells and whistles?

Knowing your necessary amenities will help you choose the right boat and the appropriate size. Just note that you have to be realistic with your expectations. There is a good chance you may have to make sacrifices, as it’s difficult to find exactly what you’re after at a reasonable price point.

What’s the condition?

If you’re buying a used houseboat, thoroughly inspect its condition with the help of an expert. Check for any leaks and noticeable signs of wear and tear.

It’s also important to purchase through a reputable dealer. You don’t want to get out on the water, only to find you have to spend all of your leftover money on repairs.

Where will I store it?

Another thing to consider before you make your purchase is how you are going to store everything. Some individuals prefer to store their houseboat on land during the winter months, while others leave it in the water all year long.

Factor in how easy it is to access your chosen location and additional fees. If you’ll be storing outdoors, you’ll have to invest in some type of cover to prevent damage and cut down on cleaning.

What are the regulations?

Finally, and probably one of the most important things to remember, is to check the local, state and federal regulations on houseboats. This information will determine where you can and cannot moor your boat, whether you need a specific license or insurance and any other requirements you need to meet.

Failure to do this can result in fines and issues later on down the track. It’s always better to be one step ahead.

Final words

And that’s it! Buying a houseboat is incredibly exciting, but it requires a lot of thought and consideration before making a final decision. Ask yourself these eight questions and you’ll be better equipped to make the right choice.

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Property spotlight: Houseboats

Matrix Island, East Smithfield, London E1W

We featured a boat mooring on a previous Property spotlight feature and thought it would be a good idea to give houseboats their own post.

The really high-end houseboats, such as the one at the bottom of this post don’t even look like boats; they’re spacious, they have huge, luxurious living spaces with high ceilings and some even have room for a full-size sauna!

You don’t need an awful lot of money to afford a home on the water; however, you may need to be a dab hand at DIY and boat maintenance. In addition, you’ll need to be aware of marine-specific fees and licences that may be due.

Prospero, Station Road, Cuxton, Kent ME2 1AB

Prospero, Station Road, Cuxton, Kent ME2 1AB

Prospero, Station Road, Cuxton, Kent ME2 1AB

£49,995 – Prospero, Station Road, Cuxton, Kent ME2 1AB

Prospero, a fully operational Aquafibre Ruby 33 which has been completely refitted by a professional shipwright over several years, and is now available for sale as a cruising liveaboard.

• Constructed: 1982
• Refitted: 2021
• Berths: 2
• Cabins: 1
• Heads: 1
• No. of engines: 1
• Engine model: Bmc 1.5
• Fuel type: Diesel
• Length overall: 33′
• Beam: 12′ 3″
• Maximum draft: 3′
• Hull material: Glass fibre

The Boathouse, Taggs Island, Hampton TW12 2HA

The Boathouse, Taggs Island, Hampton TW12 2HA

The Boathouse, Taggs Island, Hampton TW12 2HA

£350,000 – The Boathouse, Taggs Island, Hampton TW12 2HA

This stunning floating home is situated within a quiet lagoon on a desirable private island located in the middle of the beautiful River Thames. Arguably the largest house boat within the lagoon, The Boathouse enjoys spacious living accommodation, three bedrooms and a large roof terrace with magnificent views. There is a private garden (which has been beautifully landscaped to create a wonderful place to appreciate island life and allocated parking.

• Floating home
• Private River Thames island
• Vehicular bridge access
• 3 bedrooms
• Beautifully presented throughout
• 20-year renewable licence (currently costs £8,900 a year and is paid quarterly)

Matrix Island, East Smithfield, London E1W

Matrix Island, East Smithfield, London E1W

Matrix Island, East Smithfield, London E1W

Matrix Island, East Smithfield, London E1W

£2,500,000 – Matrix Island, East Smithfield, London E1W

Matrix Island was originally a 1920s, steel construction, coal barge on the River Seine. One of the River Thames’ most luxurious house boats it has in excess of 5,000 sq ft. Occupying the largest mooring at St Katherine Docks and its own private access ramp. To the stern is a recently constructed office with views of Tower Bridge and to the front is a 50′ fore deck with a retractable glass enclosure.
Finished to a very high standard this modern vessel has a Art Deco twist the private pontoon mooring is rented with any agreement via parallel negotiation with the marina. All residents have access to the marina’s facilities.

• Offers in excess of £2,500,000
• 5 double bedrooms
• 4 bathrooms
• 50ft foredeck
• Winter garden Enclosure
• Rented pontoon mooring

Get their look: Holiday houseboat

Holiday houseboatcredit

We have a beautiful holiday houseboat for this week’s Get their look. The constant dreary weather and holiday ads being shown over & over again on television are certainly influencing our recent choices for this particular blog feature. I can’t stop dreaming about getting away to somewhere we’ve not been before… and if it coincided with some sunny weather, that would be a bonus!

Justin regularly says that he could live on a boat, but I always reply that I’d never do it, I need space and would feel trapped and claustrophobic. That was, until I saw this houseboat!

The 4-bedroomed, 2-deck houseboat – named Sturdy – is moored in Bembridge Harbour on the Isle of Wight and is available to rent. The interior is bright, airy and the view is just amazing.

  1. Multicoloured tumblers
  2. Double Paris pendant light, adjustable – glass
  3. Chicago floor lamp, antique copper and gold
  4. Racing green Rangemaster 110
  5. Nordal zinc dining table with mouse legs
  6. Downtown metal chair

Get their look: Holiday houseboat | H is for Home