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Description
Our floating house for sale is the most affordable way to own a home on the water. It comes in lengths from about 7 m to 12 m on a 3.00 m wide base, sleeps up to around six people, and runs on either a 25 hp outboard or a quiet electric drive. Choose a compact 7 m electric version, or add a 2 m front terrace for outdoor living. It is new, built to order, and we quote delivery worldwide. Buying three or more for a rental fleet? Ask us for a special price.
Whether you want a family holiday home, a weekend escape or the start of a houseboat hire business, this page covers the versions, specifications, how it handles, where you can use it, licensing, running costs, ordering and delivery.
Floating house for sale: Specifications
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Floating house |
| Type | Mobile floating house |
| Condition | New, built to order |
| Overall length | About 7 m to 12 m depending on version |
| Maximum width | 3.00 m (about 9 ft 10 in) |
| Versions | 7 m electric; 7 m + 2 m front terrace; 9 m + 2 m front terrace |
| Engine | 25 hp outboard or electric |
| Sleeps | Usually up to 6, depending on version and layout |
| Design category | D (sheltered waters) |
| Fleet pricing | Special price when buying 3 or more |
| Price | From $41,000 |
Final length, layout, engine and equipment are confirmed in your quote.
Choosing Your floating house for sale Version
7 m electric
The compact, quiet choice. An electric drive means no fuel, no fumes and almost no engine noise, which is ideal on peaceful lakes and on waters that restrict combustion engines.
7 m + 2 m front terrace
The same compact house with a 2 m terrace at the front for chairs, a table and morning coffee in the sun.
9 m + 2 m front terrace
More room inside for family and friends, plus the front terrace. This is the version to choose if you want to sleep a larger group comfortably.
Not sure which suits you? Tell us how many people will usually stay aboard and how you plan to use it, and we will recommend a version of the floating house for sale.
A Holiday Home That Moves
Moving around in a floating house is a unique adventure and a welcome alternative to a hotel. Even experienced sailors enjoy how close it brings you to nature. Sip the first coffee of the day on the terrace, cool off with a swim at midday, and watch the sun set over the harbour in the evening. You decide which shore you moor on.
With space for around six people, the floating house suits families and groups of friends, but solo travellers love it too. It is a way to have a cottage by the water without buying land, and to change the view whenever you like.
25 hp or Electric?
A 25 hp outboard gives you more range and is easy to refuel and service almost anywhere. It suits owners who want to cover longer distances or cruise on larger lakes and rivers. Browse our Suzuki 25 HP outboards, Mercury 25 HP outboards and Yamaha 25 HP outboards.
An electric drive is silent, clean and low maintenance. It suits short cruises, quiet lakes and rentals where guests appreciate peace and simplicity. See our Torqeedo electric motors. Charging is done from shore power at your berth.
Do You Need a Licence?
It depends where you are. In some countries and regions, small houseboats can be driven without a full boating licence after a short training session of a few hours. Parts of Germany are well known for this kind of licence free houseboat hire. Typical conditions in such areas can include a minimum skipper age of 18, a limit on boat length and number of people, low maximum speeds, cruising only in daylight and staying out of strong winds.
Other waterways, especially larger rivers and commercial routes, may require a recognised boating qualification. Always ask the local waterways authority which rules apply to your floating house for sale before you cruise.
Where You Can Use It
The floating house is built to design category D. Under the European Recreational Craft rules, category D covers sheltered waters in winds up to force 4 and significant waves up to about 0.3 m, with occasional waves up to 0.5 m. That makes it ideal for lakes, calm rivers, canals and protected marinas. Check the forecast and stay on sheltered water.
Some sections of rivers may be closed to private boats, so you may only reach a city through side channels. Ask in advance which sections you can travel on, and plan your route around locks, bridges and mooring spots.
Building a Hire Business With the floating house for sale
The floating house for sale is a popular choice for hire fleets, and we offer special pricing when you buy three or more. A fleet business works best with a few key pieces in place:
- A base. A marina or private shore with berths, parking, shore power and water.
- Permits. Approval from the waterways authority for commercial hire, and any business licences.
- Insurance. Fleet cover for the boats, guests and liability.
- Training. A short, clear handover session for every guest, especially in licence free areas.
- Routes. Suggested cruising routes with good mooring stops, swimming spots and villages.
- Turnaround. Cleaning, laundry, charging or refuelling, and checks between guests.
- Marketing. A website, listings on holiday platforms and lots of photos of life aboard.
Electric versions keep running costs and noise down, which appeals to guests and to lake authorities alike.
What to Pack for a Short Cruise
Space is precious on any boat, so pack in soft bags rather than suitcases. Waterproof bags keep clothes and electronics dry. Useful things to bring include:
- Swimwear and towels.
- Strong sun protection, since water reflects sunlight.
- Non slip shoes for wet decks.
- Warm layers for cool evenings.
- Insect repellent for rivers and lakes.
- Waterway maps showing moorings, swimming spots and restrictions.
- A local guidebook and binoculars.
- Food and basic cooking supplies if you are self catering.
- Travel and health insurance details.
A Weekend Aboard
Saturday morning, a family of five loads their bags onto the 9 m floating house with its front terrace. After a quick check of the electric drive, they slip out of the marina and cruise slowly along the lake shore. By late morning they are tied up at a quiet jetty near a beach. The kids swim, the adults read on the terrace, and lunch is eaten outside. In the afternoon they cruise to a lakeside village for ice cream, then back out to a sheltered bay for the night. Sunday brings a misty sunrise, coffee on the terrace and a slow cruise home.
Why Buy a floating house for sale Instead of Renting?
A week on a rented houseboat is a wonderful holiday, but the cost adds up if you go every summer. Owning means you can go for a weekend whenever the weather is good, leave your things aboard, and set the boat up exactly how you like it. When you are not using it, rental income can help cover mooring and running costs. Over a few seasons, owning a floating house for sale often works out better value than renting, and you build an asset rather than paying for nights.
Getting the Most From an Electric Drive
- Charge fully on shore power before each trip.
- Cruise at a gentle, steady speed. Range drops quickly at higher speeds.
- Plan routes with charging points or shore power at overnight stops.
- Keep batteries topped up over winter, following the maker’s advice.
- Consider solar panels to add charge while you are moored.
Interior Ideas for a Small Floating Home
Make the most of the space with light colours, built in storage and furniture that folds or doubles up. A bench seat with storage underneath, a fold down table and wall hooks for jackets and bags keep the cabin tidy. Use the front terrace as an outdoor living room whenever the weather allows. Soft furnishings in natural fabrics and sea or lake tones make the floating house for sale feel calm and welcoming.
Running Costs for a floating house for sale
- Mooring, which varies by location and season.
- Insurance for the boat, contents and liability.
- Fuel or charging, which is modest at houseboat speeds.
- Engine servicing for the 25 hp version.
- Utilities such as shore power and water.
- Maintenance of the hull, deck and finishes.
- Winter care in cold climates.
Floating House, Camper Van or Cottage?
A camper van takes you anywhere on the road, but you sleep in a car park or campsite, and space is tight. A floating house for sale gives you a real living space, a terrace and a front row seat on the water.
A lakeside cottage offers more rooms, but costs far more, carries property taxes and never moves. The floating house costs a fraction of most waterfront property and lets you change your view.
A rented houseboat holiday is a great way to try the lifestyle, but rental costs add up quickly if you go every year. Owning your own floating house means you can go whenever you like, and rent it out when you are not aboard.
Choosing a Mooring
Your home port shapes how you use the boat. When comparing marinas, look at:
- Berth size for a 3 m wide boat of your chosen length.
- Shore power, especially if you choose the electric version.
- Fresh water and pump out facilities.
- Parking, security and easy access for loading.
- Nearby cruising: lakes, quiet bays, villages and swimming spots.
- Whether overnight stays, live aboard use or rentals are allowed.
- Winter storage options.
Tips for First Time Skippers
- Practise leaving and returning to the berth on a calm day, ideally with someone on the dock.
- Go slowly. Houseboats are about the journey, not the speed.
- Watch the wind. A tall house catches the breeze, so plan berthing with the wind in mind.
- Learn the local signs, right of way rules and speed limits.
- Keep fenders out when coming alongside.
- Plan your overnight mooring before evening, especially in busy summer months.
- Ask marina staff for local tips. They know the best spots.
Families and Children
Floating houses are wonderful for families. Children love fishing from the terrace, swimming off the side and spotting wildlife along the shore. Keep a well fitted life jacket for every child to wear on deck, add gates to any open railings, and agree simple rules about when they can go outside. A few board games and books help on rainy evenings.
Insuring Your Floating House
Ask a marine insurer to cover the hull and structure, the engine or electric drive, contents and third party liability. If you plan to rent it, or run a fleet, ask for cover that includes paying guests. Tell the insurer where it will be moored and how often it will cruise.
Delivery and Launch Day
Book a crane or slipway at your marina that can handle the boat, and check that the delivery truck can reach it. Have mooring lines, fenders and a shore power cable ready. After launch, test the engine or electric drive and all systems, then take a short trial run before your first night aboard. For fleet orders, we can coordinate deliveries to arrive together.
The Floating House Through the Seasons
Spring is for checks and cleaning, and for planning the summer’s trips or rental calendar. Summer brings swimming, long evenings on the terrace and the busiest weeks for hire. Autumn is often calm and quiet, perfect for peaceful cruises. In cold climates, plan winter care with your marina: frost protection for water lines, battery care for electric drives, and whether the boat stays afloat or comes ashore.
More Questions Buyers Ask
How fast does it go?
Houseboats cruise gently. In many waters, limits of around 10 to 12 km/h are common for this kind of boat. Follow local rules.
Can I live aboard?
It is designed mainly as a holiday home, but some owners use it for long stays. Live aboard rules depend on your mooring and country.
How long does the build take?
It depends on your version, the number of units and the builder’s schedule. We confirm an estimate with your quote.
Can I add solar panels?
Ask us. Solar can help extend time away from shore power, especially with the electric version.
Floating house for sale vs Other Houseboats
| Model | Length x width | Engine | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floating house | 7 to 12 x 3.00 m | 25 hp or electric | From $41,000 |
| Apart M | 8.40 x 3.60 m | 25 hp | $69,900 |
| Apart XS | On request | On request | $78,888 |
| Apart XL | 12.00 x 5.00 m | 2 x 50 hp | $127,900 |
Choose the floating house for the lowest entry price, a choice of electric power and easy fleet buying. Choose the Apart M for a roof terrace and twin hull stability, or the Apart XL for a large, custom floating home.
How Ordering Works
- Tell us how you will use it and how many you need.
- Choose your version and engine.
- Receive your quote with specification, price and build estimate, including fleet pricing for 3 or more.
- Build to order.
- Delivery to your nearest port or agreed point.
- Launch at your marina.
Worldwide Delivery
We sell the floating house for sale to buyers around the world. Delivery is quoted per order based on your location, the number of units and how they will be transported and launched. Send us your details for a freight quote.
Please read our terms and conditions and refund and return policy, and see our customer reviews.
Caring for Your floating house for sale
- Check mooring lines and fenders, especially before storms.
- Clean the hull at the waterline.
- Service the outboard, or check the electric drive and batteries, on schedule.
- Ventilate the cabin to prevent condensation.
- Protect water systems from frost in cold climates.
- Wash and treat the terrace and exterior each season.
Safety Aboard
Keep life jackets for everyone, a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, a horn and navigation lights. Fit smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Brief every guest on safety before cruising. For background on design categories, see this Recreational Craft Directive overview.
Buy the floating house for sale From Us
NJ Marines Outboard Engines is based in Fresno, California, and supplies boats, houseboats and outboards worldwide. Call or WhatsApp +1 209 690 5983, learn more on our about page, or contact us via the contact page.
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FAQ: floating house for sale
How much is the floating house?
From $41,000, depending on version and options.
How many people does it sleep?
Usually up to six, depending on version and layout.
Is there an electric version?
Yes. Choose a 25 hp outboard or an electric drive.
Do I need a licence?
In some regions, no full licence is needed after a short training session. Elsewhere you may need a qualification. Check locally.
Do you offer fleet discounts?
Yes. Ask for a special price when buying three or more.
Do you deliver the floating house for sale worldwide?
Yes. We quote delivery for each order.
Final Word
The floating house for sale is an affordable, mobile holiday home for families, friends and hire businesses, with electric or petrol power and an optional front terrace. Contact us today for your quote.
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