Living on a boat in Tenerife is a housing solution amidst the housing crisis for young people and many families.
The increasing costs of housing are forcing more and more people to think outside the traditional pathways. As renting or buying a home becomes less feasible for many, living on a boat is gaining popularity. Especially in coastal cities and the islands of the Canary Archipelago, where real estate prices are high, people are seeking cheaper and more liberating housing options. But is it truly a cost-effective alternative? What are the advantages and disadvantages of life on a boat moored in the harbor?
A Cheaper Alternative
Boating—purchasing a boat—is becoming a trend, much like the rise of caravaning. In the marina of Amarilla Golf (San Miguel de Abona), among the rocking boats and the sound of the wind over the water, a 25-year-old young man has built a different life. His home is not an apartment with a sea view but a dwelling floating on the water. Four years ago, he arrived on the largest of the Canary Islands, and even then, finding housing was already challenging. After renting a place for several months and constantly thinking about a cheaper alternative, he found the perfect solution to his housing problem: living on a boat.
€12,000 Investment
We meet Nicolas, who works as a captain and, in between voyages, carries out repairs on other boats. According to him, floating life represents an independence that is “unattainable” on land. None of his friends live independently. He does, and who knows someone of his age who fully lives on their own? He considers himself lucky.
The opportunity arose when he found an abandoned boat in Puerto Rico (Gran Canaria). At that moment, he decided to buy and refurbish it, completely changing his outlook on life. It was a significant investment, but in the long run, it pays off. He has spent about €12,000 on it, plus the mooring fees in the harbor. And, of course, the maintenance costs of the boat.
A Bottomless Pit
The appeal of living on a boat goes beyond just saving money. Nicolás proudly shows off his home: a spacious cabin with a kitchen, a bathroom, a television, and even two beds. He beams with pride as he gives the tour.
For Nicolás, the decision to live on a boat was not only a lifestyle choice but also a necessity. Renting an apartment has become incredibly expensive. On Tenerife, you need 50 to 80 percent of an average salary just to pay rent, creating a financial black hole in the household budget. He could no longer make ends meet, so he bought a boat instead.
He is not alone in making this choice. In the marina, there are already around 40 people—although he believes the number is even higher—who live on boats. This is an alternative that requires marine knowledge and currently serves as a solution to the housing crisis.
Pros and Cons
One of the biggest reasons people choose a boat over a house or apartment is financial savings. In many areas, especially in tourist hotspots or cities with high rental prices, a houseboat is significantly cheaper than a rented home.
Purchase Costs
The price of a boat varies greatly depending on the type, size, and condition. A simple sailing or motorboat of 10-12 meters can cost between €10,000 and €50,000. Second-hand boats are often a more affordable option and can be found for less than €20,000.
Compare that to the real estate market. In cities like Santa Cruz de Tenerife or Barcelona, prices for a small apartment start at €150,000 – €250,000, while renting can cost up to €1,200 per month.
Mooring Fees and Harbor Costs
Monthly mooring fees vary by harbor and country. In Spain, France, or Portugal, a mooring spot can range from €100 to €600 per month, depending on the size of the boat and the harbor facilities.
This is usually significantly lower than the cost of renting an apartment in the same area. In tourist locations in southern Tenerife, a small apartment can easily cost €1,200 per month, whereas in a marina, you might pay only €300 to €500 per month for mooring fees.
Conclusion: A Unique and Affordable Housing Option
Living on a boat in Tenerife can be an exciting and cost-effective alternative to the traditional housing market. With lower costs, more freedom, and a close connection to nature, it offers many advantages. However, it also presents practical and legal challenges, such as limited space, regulations, and weather conditions.
For those with an adventurous spirit who are willing to live flexibly and self-sufficiently, a boat could be the perfect home.
Guy Devos © Photography
Living on a Boat in Tenerife ©
More TRIVIA can be read [HERE].
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