Ready To Trade Your Home for a Hull? The Truth About Living on a Houseboat

Living on the water isn’t for everyone, but with the rising cost of homeownership—something small and waterside might be just what you’re after. One such solution? Living on a houseboat.

A houseboat, not to be confused with a floating home, is a boat that’s been outfitted into a personal dwelling—with or without self-propulsion (aka a way to move around).

Houseboat communities 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 at Realtor.com®. “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.”

Or you could spend $3.9 million on a 4,850-square-foot, three-level houseboat docked on the banks of Lake Union in Seattle.

But if you’re a land lover, how can you know if you’re suited to a home that moves with the tides?

To help, we spoke to several experienced houseboat owners to find out exactly what it’s like to live on one of these cozy floating vessels. Here are their seven takeaways for the houseboat-curious.

1. Waterfront living can be budget-friendly

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 Brandon Eshaghoff, houseboat owner and founder of houseboat manufacturer The American Houseboat. “You don’t need to pay property taxes, so your monthly living expenses can be noticeably lower.”

Houseboat living tip: Before purchasing, check marina fees and regulations. These can vary widely and significantly affect your budget.

2. Nature is all around

Another favorite aspect of houseboat life that you might not expect? The abundance of nature you’ll encounter—even in 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.”

Houseboat living tip: Houseboaters should keep a good pair of binoculars at the ready to see the stunning wildlife and scenery around them. Many install bird feeders and plant gardens on their decks to attract local wildlife.

3. Prepare for tight corridors

An important logistical consideration of houseboat living 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.

“Depending on your layout and interior furniture, there’s generally less space available than in a traditional home,” says Eshaghoff.

Houseboat living tip: Embrace minimalism! Given the space squeeze, prioritize essential items and use multifunctional or collapsible furniture as way to maximize space efficiency.

4. Storage is limited

Speaking of tight spaces, you might also need to downsize what you own if you plan on living full-time in a houseboat.

“On average, houseboats offer approximately 600 square feet of indoor and outdoor space per floor, which means there will be a limited amount of storage space and generally less cabinet and closet space available,” says Eshaghoff.

Houseboat living tip: Use furniture with built-in storage to make the most of the limited space, and keep your living area organized. Consider vacuum-sealed storage bags for clothing and other items. Install shelves and hooks to utilize vertical space effectively.

5. Some basic tasks could be harder

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.

Houseboat living tip: 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. Solar panels can also be a good investment to enhance your electrical capacity.

6. Mortgages and insurance could be harder to get

When it comes to financing your houseboat, it’s good to keep in mind that getting a mortgage or comprehensive insurance policy might be difficult.

“You really can’t get a mortgage; where I am, it’s all cash deals,” says Cataldi. “You also would be hard-pressed to find insurance that covers sinking. So you are taking a chance that you could lose your investment.”

Houseboat living tip: 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.

7. A sense of adventure is required

The biggest thing to understand about houseboat life is that you need to embark on it with a healthy sense of adventure.

“Realize you’ll have to be a bit more self-reliant,” says Cataldi. “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.”

Houseboat living tip: Embrace the lifestyle, and enjoy the unique experiences that come with living on the water. Engage in local activities, and build relationships within the houseboat community. Take advantage of your location by exploring water sports and fishing, too.

Are you interested in leaving land behind and calling the water home? Then check out these houseboat listing photos to start your search.

2309 N Northlake Way Apt 4, Seattle, WA

Price: $1,100,000