How soon can I have a boat?

Some boats are in stock and can be yours immediately. Boats that are built to order take between 10-16 weeks to deliver.

Do I own the mooring?

No, you will pay an annual license fee to the mooring operator for a fixed term agreement of typically between 10-50 years, renewable on an annual basis after that. The fee includes services and facilities at the moorings such as utilities and waste disposal.

How can I learn to drive the boat?

We will give you all the training you need at handover and you can come back to us any time if you need further help. We'll ensure you are confident with all the systems onboard and how to move your boat. The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) offers an Inland Waterway Helmsman Certificate.

Do I need special permission to leave the mooring?

It depends where you are moored and where you are going. At Hazlemere Marina, no, you can just untie your ropes and go. From Bramley Falls on the Thames you'll need to arrange passage through the lock.

What are the running costs I should consider?

Key costs of living on a boat include licence fee, mooring fee, safety certificate (like an MOT), boat maintenance, utilities, council tax and insurance.

Can I get a mortgage for a boat?

There are specialist lenders for marine mortgages. We recommend you deal with a company that is a member of British Marine, the trade federation for the boating industry. Please talk to us if you need a mortgage and we'll help you with this.

Do I have to pay stamp duty?

No, there is no stamp duty on residential boats.

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Bespoke Houseboats

Design a home that's entirely yours

Work directly with our in-house design team to create a houseboat built around exactly how you want to live, from layout and finishes to the smallest detail. Your vision, realised on the water.

• In-house design team from day one
• Fully customisable layout & finishes
• Transferable mooring included

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Bespoke houseboats

Create a floating home that's designed entirely around you.

From layouts and materials to colours, finishes, and interior styling, every detail can be tailored to reflect your lifestyle and vision.

Working closely with our experienced design team, you'll create a one-of-a-kind houseboat that's as unique as the location you'll call home.

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How does the Custom-Design Process work?

One of the best parts about owning a houseboat is making it feel completely your own. And you won’t be doing it alone, because our design team will work with you every step of the way to create a space that fits your lifestyle perfectly.

Initial design meeting

We will meet with you to talk through how you want to use your space. We would love to show you some of our existing houseboats to help you envisage the design that will work perfectly your lifestyle and budget.

Layouts & Order Spec

Before we start to build your floating home, every little detail is considered with you, from your galley appliances and electrical plan to the colour of the door handles, so that the final design is exactly to your specification.

Interior Design Meeting

Once you’ve decided on the layout, Anna will meet you to go through samples of fabrics, paints, flooring and lighting and provide you with a proposal for your new home. This is the fun bit!

A Personal Approach to Design

"I really enjoy meeting our new clients in person so we can design the perfect floating home together. It’s always great fun going through swatches of fabrics, tiles, colour charts and deciding on all the many little details that are needed to make the finished interior and exterior look and feel beautiful"

Anna, Designer

Which bespoke houseboat is right for you?

Discover boats that combine style, performance and luxury.

Modern kitchen with navy blue cabinets, gold handles, a white farmhouse sink, built-in microwave, gas stove with pot, and a window above the sink.

The Lexington

This light-filled and open design allows the owner to add their own personal style and the flexibility to use the rooms as you wish, putting in furniture and storage where you need it most. With a host of customisable options, our interior designers will help you create your dream home – think of it like a beautiful unfurnished apartment on the water.

Modern kitchen and dining area with light wood furniture, gray cabinets, a vase with flowers, and a dining table set with dishes and a loaf of bread.

The Hampton

View Closed Bow

View Open Bow

Designed to feel more like a boutique hotel than a houseboat, the Hampton range incorporates intelligent built-in storage thoughout, with 2 generous double bedrooms, feature fireplaces and luxurious bathrooms. Our in-house team will work with you to build a stunnning interior designed floating home which is fully furnished and ready for you to move onto.

Case

studies

Explore real Waterspace Living homes and see how each client’s vision is brought to life on the water.

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The Opal: 73ft x 12’3 Hampton

A colourful live–work space for an interior designer

Southern Belle: 73ft x 12’3 Hampton x Lexington Hybrid

An exceptionally light writers retreat

Nimue: 73ft x 12’3 Hampton x Lexington Hybrid

Designed with holiday lets in mind

Discover our moorings

Your perfect home is always a combination of the right property in the right location, and buying a residential boat is no different. We put as much care into the quality of your mooring location as we do the build of your boat.

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Features of our boats

Spacious

Thoughtfully designed interiors that maximise comfort & everyday liveability.

Handcrafted

Expertly built with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring lasting quality in every finish.

Design-led

A considered blend of style and function, created to elevate life on the water.

Waterspace Living was an absolute dream to work with from start to finish!

"Waterspace Living was an absolute dream to work with from start to finish! From the moment I first enquired, their team made the entire process seamless and exciting — and the result? Living aboard the Waterspace Living Greenwich 70ft widebeam has genuinely been a dream come true. There is nothing quite like waking up on the water every morning. The sense of calm and serenity is something I never expected to find in everyday life, and now I can't imagine living any other way. The boat itself is stunning — beautifully crafted and the perfect place to call home. If you're thinking about making the move to life on the water, don't hesitate. Waterspace will make it happen, and you won't look back!"

Scott J

Limehouse Marina

Musings from the water

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April 11, 2025

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FAQs

We know that buying or selling a waterside or floating home comes with its own unique considerations. Whether you’re curious about the lifestyle, the process, or how we work, here are some of the most common questions we get asked.

Still have questions?

We’re here to help. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply exploring life by the water, get in touch with our team for personalised advice.