Anna O'Neill

Young Londoners priced out of traditional housing are increasingly turning to houseboats, drawn by lower costs and a sense of community despite the challenges of boat maintenance and frequent moves. Jan Gazda and Lizzie Jones describe trading high rents for a £40,000 floating home powered by solar energy and equipped with water filtration and a composting toilet. They and other boaters must relocate every two weeks, forming informal networks to secure moorings and support one another. Long-time boater Gerry notes a shift toward younger residents seeking affordable alternatives as living costs in London rise.