ONE of the UK’s largest boat brokers says more boats are being sold and at a faster rate.
As the cost of living soars, more and more people are looking at narrowboats as a viable alternative to a house – pushing demand for certain types of vessels. And buyers looking for a holiday boat are also helping sales stay buoyant.
Andrew Hyland, head of boat sales at Aquavista, said: “We are selling more boats than in the previous 12 months, and faster too.
“Without doubt during Covid was an exceptional time for boat sales, it was the strongest sellers’ market we have ever known. We saw boats often selling above their asking price. Since Covid, demand has receded, along with pricing and we are experiencing again higher demand for used boats. Whether or not this is due to house prices or simply slightly lower pricing remains to be seen. Nonetheless, it could be a great time again to sell your boat.”
The UK has thousands of miles of canals and waterways, much of it navigable. Recent publicity from TV shows such as Great Canal Journeys and the latest Wallace & Gromit film will have raised the profile of the network. People see living aboard a narrowboat as a potentially cheaper way of owning their own home.
According to Mr Hyland, the most popular boats are those under 60ft in length, making it easier to navigate many of the waterways and find mooring spaces. The company has more than 150 boats for sale.
He added: “The boats that are most popular are traditional narrowboats with a price bracket between £40,000 and £100,000. Most buyers are looking for something not too old and in good condition so they can just enjoy the experience of being on the canals and rivers. River cruisers also remain popular, but in a lower price range than narrowboats so they are appealing to first time buyers.
“We are very optimistic about the future of boat sales, whether that be for residential or leisure. More people are looking to enjoy the lifestyle and the freedom that being on the water brings and for residential it can be a more affordable alternative with a unique way of living than buying a house.”
Sales of narrowboats soared after Covid as more people saw the advantage of staycations and living on a house that moves around the country. Prices have dropped but it’s possible the high cost of owning a home or even renting, especially in cities, has driven prices and demand upwards.
