House Boats

TRANSCRIPT
House Boats

NARRATOR:
People today are looking for new ways to live that suit modern life. In London, houseboats are becoming more popular as a cheaper and greener alternative to traditional homes.  With rising housing costs and more focus on sustainability, many believe that boats can offer a mix of affordability, nature, and a strong sense of community.

SOUNDBITE - Matthew Smith:
"People tend to buy houseboats because they're great value for money within an area. So for example on this houseboat you can get 1700 square feet for a lot less than you would pay if you were buying bricks and mortar somewhere else. And also it's something really unique, something particularly special."

NARRATOR:
This unique way of living allows people to make the most of outdoor space, too.  At Tower Bridge Moorings, rooftops and shared areas that overlook the river, have been turned into floating gardens, where fruits, vegetables, and flowers are grown.

SOUNDBITE - Teresa Lundquist:
"What the community gets out of the gardens is just a) a general feeling of wellbeing, just by seeing and having greenery around them."

NARRATOR:
The boats are connected by walkways, which makes it easy for neighbours to spend time together. 

SOUNDBITE - Teresa Lundquist:
"We have a great bunch of people living here, 120 people roughly, more or less. It's a good community."

NARRATOR:
Some houseboats have modern features like air conditioning, underfloor heating, and high ceilings that make the homes feel spacious.  Others are small and cosy, with just the basics.  Even people who don’t live on boats can enjoy floating cafés and restaurants, which offer creative new places to relax and meet friends. With over 100 miles of canals and 40 miles of the River Thames, London is making great use of its waterways to create spaces that reflect the way people want to live today.