Last week, Boatshed London broker Angus Rose was interviewed about how affordable ‪‎boats are becoming part of the answer to the housing crisis. In this report from RT Question More Anastasia Churkina says, “A growing number of Londoners are turning to boats as a place to call home.”

Boat numbers in London have increased by 85% in the past year alone. Owning property now seems like an unrealistic dream to many young London residents, so instead, 36 year old teacher Roland Murphy lives on a £5000 narrowboat and continuously cruises, which means that he moves to a different mooring every two weeks.

Angus Rose said,

“There’s one marina in Southwark which has a waiting list of 400 boats to get in, so I can’t see it slowing down any time soon. There’s a lot more people that want to live on boats than have space available.

You can probably pick up a boat for around £15,000. If you’re looking for something with a residential mooring it’s more like £30,000. To get a one bedroom apartment you’re looking at more like £250,000.”

Sorwar Ahmed, a manager at the Canal and River Trust says that canals have become a victim of their own popularity, but the Trust are working to increase the number of available moorings.

I asked Angus what sort of boats he has for sale at the moment, which could be suitable for living aboard.

“We have a wide beam houseboat lying in central London which is a must-see and won't be around for long! Bright and airy, it rivals the comfort displayed in many properties at just a fraction of the price; £120,000.

We also have a Dutch Barge for sale with a very desirable residential mooring in Chelsea, offering sweeping views of Battersea and Albert Bridges to the east and Wandsworth and Chelsea Harbour to the west. There are three bedrooms and an open plan spacious interior. The space and facilities offered mean that this is a really comfortable home, and the price reflects that at £580,000.

Alternatively, for a smaller budget this 54ft narrowboat with a zone 2 London mooring has been reduced considerably to £59,950."

Watch the interview: Through the Roof - Londoners Seek Alternative Homes

If you’re interested in living on a canal boat you may also like our free e-book: Living on a Boat: The Boatshed Guide.


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