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With house and apartment prices rising everywhere, more people are considering housing alternatives, like living on a houseboat. A houseboat is often significantly cheaper than a traditional home, but while it sounds peaceful and romantic, opting for this kind of lifestyle requires careful consideration. So, what are the pros and cons of moving into a floating home?
If you decide to take the plunge and purchase a houseboat or floating home, do rent one for a short vacation before committing to living on one full time.
It costs an average of US$50,000 to purchase a houseboat in the United States. This figure rockets up to US$300,000 for a brand new custom-built houseboat, designed to your specifications.
According to figures published on the Deep Sailing website, it can then cost a further US$11,460 a year to live on the vessel, which works out at around US$1,000 a month and takes into consideration living costs such as mooring fees, maintenance and repair bills, and food, electricity, heating, etc.
Bear in mind, however, that there are many different types of houseboat, which greatly vary in price. A used houseboat will set you back considerably less than a new unit.
The main thing you should consider when looking at houseboats is your lifestyle. Do you plan to live on your houseboat full time, or will it be reserved for holidays and weekends? How much room do you need? And how many people will be living on the boat (whether full or part time)?
Note that there is a considerable difference between a houseboat and a floating home. A houseboat has an engine and moves. A floating home is just like a barge that is tethered to a dock. This fundamental difference can affect any financing you may want to arrange.
Houseboats are classified as non-traditional structures and as such houseboat owners don't pay property tax, according to Book2Sail. But beware of any state or local taxes you may be liable for. As outlined earlier, the main costs associated with living on a houseboat are slip or dock rental fees, insurance, and sales tax.
Other financial advantages of living this kind of lifestyle include generally lower maintenance costs, and potential houseboat tax breaks— factors to think about when assessing your overall houseboat budget.
The downsides of living on a houseboat or floating home need to be recognized and considered carefully. For example, mooring fees can be steep, especially in popular built-up areas.
Here's a question: do houseboats depreciate in value? Most of us purchase homes not only to live in, but as a long-term investment. Well, there are certain types of vessels that hold their value better than others. This is a subject you need to bring up with your broker when houseboat hunting.
Depending on where you choose to moor up, it's possible to live on a houseboat year-round. Be aware, however, that if the water freezes up you'll probably need to look for temporary alternative accommodation.
In fact, when it comes to the weather, note that if you're moored on a river there's always the risk of flooding after heavy rainfall. Is your boat shipshape and waterproofed? And how far does the temperature tend to drop in winter in the area you're looking at?
Relocation is not an easy option. As a powered vessel, navigating your home a short distance along a waterway is a relatively uncomplicated maneuver. But if you move to another state, your houseboat or floating home will need to come with you, and moving it overland won't be cheap!
If you do decide to relocate using a waterway, remember that houseboats are generally not built for speed (though some custom-made models can achieve a useful 34 knots, or about 64 km/h, around 40 mph). But speed is rarely a priority when purchasing a houseboat.
As with any property purchase, it's all about location, location, location. If you're employed and thinking about living on a house boat or floating home, will you be able to find a mooring near your place of work?
Okay, so you've made your mind up and want to live on a houseboat. Well, a word about the interior. Typically, a vessel of this kind is boxy in design, and space inside is of a premium. It can feel very cramped, claustrophobic almost. If you're the type that appreciates dwellings with plenty of room, a houseboat environment is probably not for you.
