Living on the water: Floating homes.
Sometimes boats are too good ever to leave, right?
The houseboat and liveaboard markets have become increasingly popular recently. I have had a few clients enquire about houseboats in popular cities due to the crazy housing purchase and rental markets. Our iconic US cities are becoming inhabitable for even the rich, let alone the famous. Cities like San Francisco and NYC are becoming unaffordable. But for ocean lovers or even newbies to the sea, a houseboat or liveaboard may be your answer.
Houseboat
A houseboat has been designed or modified to be used as a residence, whether a vacation home or a full-time abode. The location where the houseboat is docked, and the goal of its owners dictate its design and structural requirements.
The affordability
It has become cheaper in major cities to buy a houseboat than a traditional one. Although a boat has ongoing expenses, overall, it works out cheaper. Not only are the outgoings smaller, but there are tax deductions, whether it be your second home or primary residence.
Location
Imagine waking up every day on the water. Heaven! Why pay the huge premiums of a waterside view in a house or apartment when you can live directly on the water? It is also scientifically proven to bring more calm and positivity to your life when you live near water. Houseboats are the perfect solution for retirees who want a slower life pace. If you are solo or in a couple, houseboats still boast enough space to live comfortably, and of course, they come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find one to fit your needs.
Sense of community
Living on the water isn't for everyone, but it does attract some cool vibes. The like-mindedness of people living near each other in these houseboat complexes usually forms strong social connections. The Sausalito floating homes in San Francisco reflects its bohemian history, which attracted artists, writers, and musicians to the art scene around the 50s. This alternative lifestyle can be commonly found amongst houseboat communities today.
Liveboards
While a houseboat gives you a great living location for less, liveaboards can offer more flexibility and freedom. Being able to go and live where you want, when you want. Tempted? See the reasons below why a liveaboard can work for you.
Mobility
During our pandemic-fuelled world, people craved the freedom to go and do things without being restricted. Having come out the other side of this, everyone has begun to appreciate the element of freedom much more. With a liveaboard, this can mean even more freedom. If you currently now WFH (work from home), why not WFB (work from your boat)? Relocation is easy; you simply have to plan to cruise from A to B around the seasons, and you can even plan to have a year-round summer.
Outdoor lifestyle
If you live aboard, you can constantly reap the benefits that a boat gives you. If you want to scuba dive on your lunch break, you can without having to travel to the boat. This outdoor lifestyle is what a lot of people crave, and with a liveaboard, it can be available to you year-round.
Luxury amenities
Buying a boat to use full-time doesn't mean you have to compromise on space. Firstly you need to be realistic with the space you require and the viability of your plan to liveaboard - depending on your budget, perhaps you would want a crewed home. There isn't much you can't put on a boat that you can have in a house today, so you will have all the amenities and more! When it comes to maximizing space, catamarans are the perfect solution, as modern catamarans are more spacious than monohulls. Liveaboard catamarans have become increasingly popular in the market.
If you are looking for a new house and think an on-the-water solution would work for you, I would love to chat more, reach out!
