What is a floating home?

Many people feel drawn to water, whether it’s a wish to live by the sea or just nearby to a lake or stream, and it’s a fantasy that some are keen to make reality. A life near to open water doesn’t need to confine you to sailing off into the sunset. There is another option: a floating home.

Floating homes are perfect if you desire a different way of living; they don’t just need to be an affordable getaway – you can use them as your full-time residence.

The calming sounds of water just steps away from your door, the beautiful views from your deck and the perfect balance between indoor and outdoor living could find you living the dream you don’t want to wake up from! The benefits of these homes offer a unique type of housing that few will have access to.

If you’re looking for a gentler pace of life owning property with a low carbon footprint but would still like the home comforts you’re used to (which are built to a high specification), then a floating home could be for you.

So, what exactly is a floating home?

It’s pretty much what it sounds like; a home built on water. Unlike boats, they’re not designed to move but are built on a floating foundation allowing them to rise and fall with the water level. A floating home is immobile just like a regular house, but with the added benefits of waterside living.

You’ll find all the mod-cons of a regular house in a floating home, and they are connected to utilities.

How are floating homes made and how do they float?

Images and illustrations are for indicative purposes only.

A perfect combination of cutting-edge technology and beautifully designed homes. Waterfront Living’s floating homes have been carefully designed in collaboration with some of the best in the marine and park home industries.

The framework

The main framework of the floating structure is made from mild steel which has been hot-dip galvanized. This framework, coupled with the floats, sits underneath the home and below the waterline and is what keeps the home afloat and balanced.

The floats

The floatation units which connect to the framework are formed from EPS70E grade polystyrene blocks. These are coated with a concrete skin which is approximately 25mm thick. Each of these floats is sized independently and is based on the individual home’s weight and layout. Not one float is the same!

The decking

The decking, which can be seen above the waterline, is made from hardwood 145 x 22mm deck boards which are supported on extruded aluminium bearers.
The glass balustrade is then connected and runs around the perimeter of the decking.

Of course, it’s not all plain sailing where buying a floating home is concerned. There will more than likely be other factors to consider; unique homes come with unique risks, so specialist insurance will undoubtedly need to be researched. Mooring fees should also be built into your budget, and as a floating home may not be classed as ‘real’ estate, then you may need to find a specialist mortgage broker if you need finance to buy.

If you’d like to download our Waterfront Living Brochure and receive some more information on our floating homes for sale at Upton Lake, click here. One of our team will be in touch with you as soon as possible to answer any further questions you may have.