What floats your (house)boat?

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Published Date 7/9/2024

Ever think you were made to be on the water? Some do. And while living on the water isn’t for everyone, with the rising cost of homeownership it just might be your next ticket to paradise.

Realtor’s Larissa Runkle defines a houseboat, as a boat that’s been outfitted into a personal dwelling—with or without self-propulsion. Communities full of these dwellings exist all over the country, but they are especially prevalent in coastal areas like Oregon, Washington, California, and New York.

“In some high-priced markets, buying a houseboat could be one way to afford a home,” says Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst for Realtor. “Depending on the location and style of houseboat, buying a water-mobile home can be an investment in a unique way of life that may be more appealing than purchasing a home on land.”

But are you ready for a home that moves with the tides? Runkle spoke with a few floaters to find out exactly what it’s like to live on one of these cozy floating vessels.

First off, if you’ve been seeking a waterfront property without the high-end price tag, houseboat life might just fit the bill. “There are so many pros to living on a houseboat, but the primary one is that you can own a luxury waterfront property for an economical price,” says houseboat owner Brandon Eshaghoff. Why? No property taxes, for one.

Next, consider your proximity to nature, even on urban waterways just outside major cities. “You really experience the changes of the season with such a close proximity to nature,” says Sal Cataldi, a retired publicist who has lived on a house barge in Port Washington, NY, for nearly 20 years. “It’s a great novelty for my friends to come and visit,” Cataldi says. “There’s a real calming effect of living on the water.” Prepare to use a good pair of binoculars to see the stunning wildlife and scenery around you.

This isn’t like living in a tiny house. Depending on the size of the houseboat, an important logistical consideration is that you’ll be in close quarters. “One of the biggest differences in day-to-day life aboard a floating home is that you will have to learn to navigate the tight corridors,” says Eshaghoff.

“For reference, a typical houseboat is only 14 feet wide, so spaces like hallways will definitely feel tighter,” says Runkle. So depending on your layout and interior furniture, it’s truly a huge change from living in a house. If you’re into minimalism, however, you may have found your calling. Space is usually very tight (on average 600 square feet), so plan to downsize what you own if you plan on a houseboat full time. That means lots of storage is a pipedream instead of a reality.

Another limiting factor of houseboats is their electricity, which is crucial for basic tasks like washing clothes. “Many houseboats lack the electrical capacity to accommodate laundry machines, requiring owners to transport laundry to nearby laundromats or utilize communal laundry facilities at certain marinas,” says Eshaghoff. So it’s wise to look for homes in marinas that offer laundry facilities, or invest in a compact, energy-efficient washer/dryer combo that suits the boat’s power supply.

Can’t pay cash? Getting a mortgage or comprehensive insurance policy might be difficult, according to Runkle. So seek financial advice to prepare for a cash purchase, and thoroughly research houseboat-specific insurance options. Consider joining a houseboat association that might offer resources and advice on securing insurance.

A sense of adventure is required and self reliance is the key to making this work. Says one houseboat dweller Runkle interviewed: “But it’s such a great life and a great way for kids to grow up. And you’ll be among people who are a little more adventurous and swashbuckling.”

Realtor, TBWS

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