FAQ – Buying, Living, and Mooring Houseboats

Buying a Houseboat

Q: How much does a houseboat cost?
A: Houseboat prices range from under £10,000 to over £1 million, depending on size, type, and condition. Additional costs usually include a survey.

Q: How long does it take to buy a houseboat?
A: After paying a 10% deposit, completion usually takes about 10 days, though this can be adjusted by agreement between buyer and seller.

Q: Do I need a survey for a houseboat?
A: Surveys are not required by law but are recommended. They provide peace of mind and help with insurance coverage.

Q: Do I need a solicitor to buy a houseboat?
A: No. Premier Houseboats handles paperwork and funds, so a solicitor is not needed.

Q: Can I get a mortgage or finance for a houseboat?
A: Yes. Marine finance is available up to 75% LTV over 10–15 years, depending on boat type. We work closely with ProMarine Finance.

Q: Can I part exchange my house or boat?
A: Yes, subject to agreement with all parties involved.

Q: How do I pay for a houseboat?
A: Payments are via bank transfer or CHAPS. Cheques are not accepted. Funds are held in a secure client account until completion.

Living on a Houseboat

Q: How much does it cost to live on a houseboat?
A: Costs include mooring fees (£1–£2 per foot per week), utilities, and council tax (Band A). Living aboard can be cheaper than a conventional home.

Q: Can I live year-round on a houseboat?
A: Yes. Modern houseboats are insulated and can use heating and hot water systems similar to a house.

Q: Is it cold in winter?
A: Most houseboats are well insulated. Heating options include diesel heaters , central heating, or log burners.

Q: Can I have pets?
A: Many marinas allow pets. Rules vary, so check with the marina before moving in.

Q: Will my houseboat rust, leak, or sink?
A: If maintained properly, with painting, anode replacement, and servicing, houseboats should not rust, leak, or sink.

Q: What utilities can I get on a houseboat?
A: Most marinas provide mains water, 240V electricity, gas bottles, phone lines, and internet. Availability varies by location.

Q: Do I need council tax, TV license, and official registration?
A: Yes. Residential moorings require council tax (Band A), a TV license, and allow you to register for official services.

Q: Can I receive post, TV, and internet?
A: Yes. Post can be delivered to the boat, and most marinas allow Sky TV, phone lines, and broadband.

Q: Can I vote and access public services?
A: Yes. With a residential mooring and council tax registration, you can vote, register with doctors and dentists, and access schools.

Moorings

Q: What is a residential mooring and why do I need one?
A: A residential mooring lets you register your address, pay council tax, and access services like schools and doctors. Static houseboats usually require one.

Q: Where can I moor my houseboat?
A: Residential moorings are available across the UK. Premier Houseboats can help you find suitable marinas.

Q: How do I find a residential mooring?
A: The easiest way is to buy a houseboat already on a residential mooring and transfer it with the marina’s approval.

Q: Can I buy a mooring?
A: Yes, though they are rare and expensive. Some houseboats include freehold moorings.

Q: Is my mooring guaranteed when buying a houseboat?
A: Moorings are subject to agreement with the marina. Premier Houseboats will introduce you to the owner to confirm arrangements.

Q: Can I live on a cruising houseboat in a residential marina?
A: Yes, provided the marina allows it. Engines should be run regularly to maintain the boat’s condition.

Q: Can I rent a houseboat?
A: Some marinas allow rentals, particularly along the Thames. Contact us for availability.

Q: Can Premier Houseboats help me rent my boat?
A: Yes, we regularly market houseboats for short-term and long-term lets and have strong demand.

Maintenance and Safety

Q: How do I get water, gas, electricity, and internet?
A: Residential marinas typically provide mains water, electricity, gas bottles, phone lines, and internet. Costs vary by marina.

Q: Where do my toilet and waste go?
A: Tidal moorings use macerators; inland boats use black water tanks emptied at pumping stations or by barge.

Q: Where do I put household rubbish?
A: Most marinas provide bins, emptied by local council or contractors, usually included in mooring fees.

Q: Where do I park my car?
A: Most residential marinas provide secure parking. Additional spaces may be available for a fee.

Q: Will I suffer discrimination living on a houseboat?
A: No. Houseboat living is now seen as a desirable lifestyle, with friendly marina communities.

If your question is not listed here then please don't hesitate to contact us! We've heard them all before and if we don't know the answer we will find someone that does!

Steve and Bianca Sutton

Premier Houseboats.