Are Houseboats Drifting Away?
2143 North Northlake Way
Are Seattle Houseboats Drifting Away?
I’ve been hearing a lot of talk about Seattle houseboats in the news lately. And if you receive your news from just one source, it might sound like Seattle houseboats are drifting away.
So what’s really going on? What is the dispute over? One could argue it’s really about should private people be taking over public space.
In broad terms, the dispute is about freeing up the shorelines on parts of Lake Union. According to the state law, water dependent (vs water oriented) businesses and industries, shoreline restoration and public access are all given priority. With this in mind, some city council members say shorelines should be preserved for recreational and water-dependent uses (aka not houseboats). Yet other city committee representatives say they want to protect the Seattle lifestyle of houseboats. Yep, definitely confusing. But one thing is crystal clear: current houseboat owners and liveaboards say they’re tired of battling for their chosen lifestyle, investment, and freedom to live and just want to be left alone after years of this with the city.
Big agencies like The Planning Land Use and Sustainability Committee, State Department of Ecology, Coast Guard, and Lake Union Liveaboard Association are all trying to come to an agreement about what defines a houseboat. The due date of January 14th is fast approaching to make this distinction and it’s complex to say the least. By current standards, a houseboat is treated as a water oriented vessel. Most should have propulsion, safety equipment, steering and navigational lights, and all already have a black water holding tank, also title and registration. One must beg the question: How is this standard different than say a sailboat, yacht or ferry which are all legal and not up for debate.
Some LULU members (Lake Union Liveaboard Association) remind city officials that houseboats have been around Seattle waters even before it was a city. Naturally, anger and resentment have come to an all time high for the liveaboards, houseboat builders, marina owners, local vendors and businesses.
I want to be clear there is a difference between houseboats and floating homes in Seattle. The 500 floating homes in Lake Union and Portage Bay are completely void of these litigation’s. Floating homes, unlike houseboats, are floating structures usually consisting of logs or concrete which are connected to city water/sewer and are considered “real property” and remain in place by a very heavy moorage arm and do not move from their location.
I understand with the growing population and the fascination of such an intriguing lifestyle, the state/city would want certain regulations intact. There are essentially two arguments going on simultaneously: preserving the shoreline for recreational and “water-dependent” use and the defining a houseboat. The houseboat community is no stranger to reinforcing their lifestyle to the city. These are folks who care deeply about their lake and go to great lengths to pacify others in order to remain there. This will not change and it will not change without a fight.
If you’d like more information about houseboats or floating homes please feel free to contact me via email at molly@cooperjacobs.com
Seattle Floating Homes Houseboat Market Wrap Up
Seattle Floating Homes Houseboat Market Wrap Up –
A lot can happen in a week or two! The Seattle housbeoat market seems to be heating up a bit –
Recent Seattle Houseboats moving from Active status in the MLS –
Charles Buell During A Seattle Floating Homes Inspection
Pending Properties range from a Portage Bay Houseboat on Hamlin Street listed for $645,000 to a beautiful end of dock Eastlake Seattle floating home with huge sweeping views of the city priced at $2,250,000. In between there are two other pending sales in both Westlake and Portage Bay. The median price of these Seattle Houseboats for sale in the MLS is $845,000. In addition to these pending houseboats, there is one that has sold and closed in the last month. 2031 Fairview Ave E #E was listed at $749,000 and sold for $676,500 in 62 days on market which is much lower than the current average days on market of 143 days.
Seattle Houseboats for Sale in the MLS right now –
Lots to choose from in EVERY price range and style. Current offerings range from $325,000 for a 100 year old historical beauty to $3,800,000 for a newer concrete floating architectural wonder complete with underwater porthole windows. Although there is a big range, the median list price of the current offerings is at $622,475. You can find Seattle floating homes for sale right now in Westlake, University District, Northlake, Eastlake, and Portage Bay – both owned and leased dock moorage is attached to various properties so make sure and get the details about each type.
Want to see more info on what is out there including listing photos and virtual tours?
A view across to Eastlake Houseboats from the Sleepless in Seattle Dock
Here are some useful links, but make sure and call me if you want to see something or just have questions. You can also text or email me if that is easier. (courtney@SeattleAfloat.com / 206-850-8841)
Seattle Houseboats for Sale (all current listings no matter who lists them)
2321 Fairview Ave E – Really great 2 bedroom with loft and rooftop deck available right now $595,000
Eastlake Houseboat – check out this state of the art modern houseboat featured in upcoming issue of Coastal Living
Historical Houseboat For Sale – $325,000 – and amazing buy and the most affordable Seattle floating home on the market in some time.
Almost Sleepless in Seattle Houseboat – often mistaken for the movie icon, this Seattle houseboat is a great buy!
Some fun sites with Seattle Houseboat Docks Pictures –
2369 Fairview (Fairview Landing) Roanoke Reef Houseboats Mallard Cove Houseboats (2600 Fairview)