Houseboats are often perceived as a cheaper alternative to owning a property on land.
But they come with their own challenges and plenty of hands-on maintenance. And of course, there is the regular job of emptying your toilet.
You’ll either have to continuously cruise or pay for a residential mooring if you live on the boat full-time.
We take a look inside six different type of houseboats that are currently for sale and ask which one would you buy – ranging from one costing just shy of £30,000 (pictured – scroll down for more details) to one that costs £2.5m
Houseboats come in various shapes and sizes, including narrowboats – typically 6ft 10 in wide and up to 72 long – and Dutch barges, which are former commercial vessels that can be up to 120ft in length and 20ft wide.
They also come with various price tags and so can accommodate all types of different budgets.
Below, we take a look at six various types, ranging in price from just shy of £30,000 and a more eye-watering £2.5milion.
Daniel Copley, of Zoopla, said: ‘Investing in a home on the water may not float everyone’s boat but for those who do take the plunge, it offers both affordability and freedom to up anchor and move to different areas.
‘With luxurious amenities and spacious living areas, houseboats are a popular choice particularly in and around London.’
1. One-bed houseboat, Glasgow, £29,500
This boat is currently moored at Applecross Wharf, in Glasgow, and was converted by the current owners from a former lifeboat escape pod
The houseboat is now a home with a brightly-coloured kitchen, and is currently for sale for £29,500 via Home West estate agents
There is one bedroom on the houseboat that is separate from the main living area and it includes some storage space
This boat is currently moored at Applecross Wharf, in Glasgow, and was converted by the current owners from a former lifeboat escape pod.
It has a brightly coloured kitchen with wood flooring, and one bedroom. It is being sold for £29,500 via Home West estate agents.
2. One-bed houseboat, Brentford, £100,000
This one-bedroom houseboat is currently moored in Brentford, West London, and includes a comfortable living area
The houseboat is on the market with a price tag of £100,000 and the sale is being handled by Strike estate agents
The boat is a Dutch barge that has been completely renovated, and includes solar panels as well as a woodburner
This one-bedroom houseboat is currently moored in Brentford, West London, and the £100,000 price tag includes both the purchase of the boat and the rental mooring.
The mooring is in a quiet location and is within walking distance to Brentford high street.
The boat is a Dutch barge that has been completely renovated, and includes solar panels and hot water supplied by an immersion heater. It is being sold by Strike estate agents.
3. Three-bed houseboat, London, £408,000
This stunning Thames barge was built in 1929 and is moored at St Katherines Dock in central London on a leisure mooring where it has been for the past 23 years
The interior has been converted to include a large living area that has an extensive library and a TV area
The houseboat spreads across 1350 sq ft of space and features three attractive bedrooms – including one with an en suite
The well-presented houseboat has a price tag of £408,000 and it is currently on the market via the Unique Property Company
There is a large separate bathroom with a roll top bath and wood on the walls and ceiling, as well as on the floor
This stunning Thames barge was built in 1929 and has been converted into a three-bedroom home with central heating and a wood-burning stove.
It is moored at St Katherines Dock in central London on a leisure mooring where it has been for the past 23 years. The mooring costs £12,870 a year.
The boat has a price tag of £408,000 and it is being sold via the Unique Property Company.
4. Two-bed houseboat, West Sussex, £175,000
This marina boat is currently moored in Chichester Habour, which is just four miles from Chichester city centre
The property has a modern living area and is currently on the market for sale for £175,000 via H2O Homes estate agents
The smart property boasts two bedrooms with modern coloured lighting, including this one that also features a TV on the wall
There is a kitchen with white cabinets, a modern worktop and wood effect flooring to complete the monochrome look
This marina boat is currently in Chichester Habour and is for sale for £175,000 via H2O Homes.
It boasts two bedrooms and a bespoke awning allowing use of the deck come rain or shine.
5. Five-bed houseboat, London, £2.5m
This houseboat is currently moored at the prestigious St Katharine Docks, which is London’s premier luxury yacht marina
This 1930s steel boat for sale has an eye-watering price tag of £2.5million and is being sold by RiverHomes
It has been converted into a luxury home with a central atrium stairway to a lower deck, which has five bedrooms as well as access to a jet ski platform
The large living area includes a kitchen with a breakfast bar, as well as a separate dining area with plenty of space to entertain
One of the more unusual features of the houseboat is a sauna (pictured), which adds a luxurious touch to the property
This 1930s steel boat for sale has an eye-watering price tag of £2.5million and is being sold by RiverHomes.
It has been converted into a luxury home with a central atrium stairway to a lower deck, which has five bedrooms as well as access to a jet ski platform.
6. Three-bed houseboat, Hampton, £500,000
This three-bedroom floating home is in Hampton, in the London borough of Richmond upon Thames
It is on a desirable private island located in the middle of the River Thames and is for sale for £500,000 via Water Side Residential estate agents.
The kitchen is well equipped and includes colour coordinated tiles on the walls and a white porcelain sink
This spacious bedroom includes plenty of storage on one wall as well as a good-sized window with a view of the River Thames
This three-bedroom floating home is in Hampton, in the London borough of Richmond upon Thames.
It is on a desirable private island located in the middle of the River Thames and is for sale for £500,000 via Water Side Residential estate agents.
