Houseboats & Floating Homes for Sale in Seattle, WA

Every day feels like a vacation in this floating home on one of the best docks on the lake. Set in the peace and quiet of Mallard Cove you’ll love living on the water - enjoy views of Lake Union from every room, swim off your large float right off your living room, tie up a boat or two in your 55’ slip and enjoy the endless views from your rooftop deck. With three bedrooms and space for a home office, there’s plenty of space for working from home. You'll also love the rooftop deck with 360 views - watch Duck Dodge, garden, or take in the sunset. Plus, this home has two secure garage parking spots (with EV charging) and a 7'x10' storage room. Life is better on the lake! $2,600,000 Active

10 E Roanoke Street 18 Seattle, Washington

3 Beds 2 Baths 0.064 Acres

Active Listing courtesy of Urban Living

Stylish Mallard Cove floating home with panoramic westerly views of Lake Union, Queen Anne & Gas Works Park! Rare 2000 sq ft, 4 bedroom, open floor plan with thoughtful remodel complimenting original wood accents & built-ins. Updated kitchen, sunny office & flexible spaces. Expansive rooftop deck with a front row seat to the 4th of July fireworks extravaganza and private back deck offers an ideal place for launching your kayak/SUP or stepping aboard your boat. In this welcoming dock community, enjoy casual gatherings, spontaneous lake meet-ups & annual events (including a recent float-in movie night!). A boat slip & two secure parking spaces + EV charging in a convenient garage. Dog friendly. Co-op ownership. Come join us on the lake! $2,285,000 Active

2600 Fairview Avenue E 7 Seattle, Washington

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,000 SqFt 0.027 Acres

Active Listing courtesy of COMPASS

Escape the city's hustle to your serene floating home on Lake Union! Enjoy peaceful waterside living with stunning open water views of sailboats, Lake Union, Gas Works Park and more. Experience in-city convenience with easy access to Seattle's recreation, arts, shopping, dining, and nightlife. Step out your door to sail, kayak, or paddleboard, or relax on your floating deck as boats drift by. Winter brings waterfowl and cozy reading as you watch raindrops dance on the water. This nautical-themed one-bed, one-bath retreat offers a city-to-lake transition or a canvas for your dream home on the water with its large float and incredible views. Come join us on the lake! $2,099,000 Active

2466 Westlake Avenue N 6 Seattle, Washington

1 Beds 1 Baths 860 SqFt 0.029 Acres

Active Listing courtesy of COMPASS

Finally the sought after end of dock luxury houseboat! FullerStyle presents to you the opportunity to secure one of their stunning brand new houseboats! This 45 x 16.5' floating wonder is the latest in the sought after co-op owned community of Lake Union Landing.Both water level bedrooms are ensuite w/ AC & there is also a 1/2 bath & AC on the main level. Large living + 895 sq ft of decks includes rooftop! Fully equipped w/ high end & custom finishes + connected to city water/sewer. Stroll down the private gated & wide tree & bench lined dock boulevard like no other in the city. Steps to Burke Gilman Trail,local eateries & UW campus. In city paradise offers Seattle as you have never seen it before! 55 ft slip allows room for small runabout. $1,675,000 Pending

2309 N Northlake Way 8 Seattle, Washington

2 Beds 3 Baths 1,075 SqFt

Pending Listing courtesy of Keller Williams North Seattle

Welcome home to lovely Portage Bay known for its serene beauty and easy commuting anywhere. This beautiful floating home has lots of light from vaulted ceilings & french doors out to your own deck. Functional lofty spaces and a great roof top deck for taking in the boat parade. A well maintained home on a cute dock with a simple open concept style.  Two bedrooms, a bath, a larger kitchen and outdoor spaces on the front & back. Great kayak launching and open space at the end for residents. Such a fantastic spot on the water just a few homes down from where Ivar Haglund himself lived - Plus right across from the shops in this beautiful neighborhood which is located on the Portage Bay Loop that connects to the Burke Gilman and Lake Union Loop. $898,000 Active

3012 Fuhrman Avenue E B Seattle, Washington

2 Beds 1 Baths 818 SqFt

Active Listing courtesy of Keller Williams North Seattle

Let your stress melt away and come enjoy a relaxed lifestyle on the water. As iconic as the Space Needle, Seattle's floating home community is your next adventure. Observe the lake's activities from the wall of windows in the main living area. Your feet will be toasty with the radiant bamboo flooring. French doors off the living area lead out to a wraparound deck to access your water accessories! The primary bedroom and office/2nd bedroom make great use of the space but could be remodeled into a custom primary suite. Updated bathroom has a spa feel and is ideal for soaking in the tub after swimming right outside your front door. Jog around the lake when ready to be on land. Enjoy cafes and restaurants in the Eastlake & SLU neighborhoods. $895,000 Active

2017 Fairview Ave E O Seattle, Washington

1 Beds 1 Baths 700 SqFt

Active Listing courtesy of Windermere Real Estate Midtown

Almost Front Row!!!! Sweet views from this great home with open floor plan with large deck overlooking the main waterway full of boating activity, the super-yacht docks across the waterway, sunsets, and more. This dock consists of only 5 floating homes which allows for more open area and privacy. City park w/beautiful gardens, swimming, boarding, kayaking, and fun! Pet friendly. Possible boat slips available. 2nd small bedroom is perfect office space, great kitchen w/ breakfast room with morning sun, raised bar area. FINANCING AVAILABLE.   $730 monthly HOA lease fee and no real estate taxes make this property an incredible deal. PLEASE DO NOT WALK DOCK WITHOUT APPOINTMENT!  Thank you! $849,000 Active

2731 Fairview Avenue E 4 Seattle, Washington

2 Beds 1 Baths 614 SqFt 0.018 Acres

Active Listing courtesy of Windermere Real Estate Midtown

PRICE REDUCED!!! There's waterfront living and then there's this!  It’s a lifestyle that you can only find here in this one-of-a-kind houseboat! Located at the end of the dock in this quaint marina, you are surrounded by Liberty Bay, unobstructed mountain views, lots of sea life & all the activity that Liberty Bay has to offer, including being minutes away from iconic Poulsbo & the Bainbridge Island Ferry!The spacious deck leads into a fully furnished open concept living space that includes a dining rm, living rm, eat-in kitchen, utility rm, primary bedroom, & an impressive updated bathroom with a walk-in shower & dbl vanity. Upstairs you will find 2 bed rm, 1/2 ba, and incredible views from every window! Ask about Seller Financing Options! $797,977 Active

17791 Fjord Drive NE D Poulsbo, Washington

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,600 SqFt

Active Listing courtesy of Better Properties Bainbridge

Adorable two bedroom houseboat in Eastlake moored in private gated marina has all the nautical charm and views you have been looking for. Behind a very non assuming gate in Fairview, you will be surprised to find a secret garden at the entrance and a private water world. Travel down the far wooden dock back in time and to the end where this cutie bobs in Lake Union with uncompromised views of the ever changing boat parade.  This is the perfect place to call home full time or just use as an in city retreat. Close to Amazon and Google and easy commute in all directions.  Moorage rental includes water, garbage, and electricity plus the space your houseboat is moored in.  One owner since built. $365,000 Active

3141 Fairview Avenue E 806 Seattle, Washington

2 Beds 1 Baths 560 SqFt

Active Listing courtesy of Keller Williams North Seattle

ALMA, this charming houseboat, boasts breathtaking views & gracefully floats among the thriving marine life at the desired West Bay Marina! With abundant natural light, fresh paint, updated storm windows, and cozy reading nook, its interior exudes warmth and comfort. Notice the gas cooking stove, free standing stove for heat & tankless water heater providing endless hot showers in the ceramic-tile shower. Up the custom made captain ladder, your primary suite awaits you with a deck to enjoy views, large closet, hatch door, and compostable toilet! Don't miss the under-boat storage with rolling cart along entire bottom & storage tanks as well as 2021 bottom redo & survey ensures seaworthiness for years to come! Boat can be moved! $329,950 Active

2100 West Bay Dr. NW Olympia, Washington

1 Beds 2 Baths 550 SqFt

Active Listing courtesy of John L. Scott Lacey

Welcome to Cubana!  Completely-remodeled houseboat designed by award-winning interior designer w/ every amenity & loads of natural light.  Enter through Dutch doors to a lofted seating area leading to the fully-updated kitchen w/ dining space in front of the cozy fireplace.  Brand new efficient appliances, countertops & plank flooring.  Bright bedroom includes new ensuite laundry & full bath w/ tasteful marble-finish & soaking tub.  Plenty of outdoor space--2 lower decks & a full roof deck w/ views of Lake Union, Gasworks & Downtown.   BG Trail outside your door takes you to 7 neighborhoods as well as many large employers. Moorage includes W/G. Fast internet & easy parking.  Hauled-out & bottom-painted 9/23. Pets & Rentals allowed, FOWR 715 $249,500 Active

1900 Westlake Avenue N B19 Seattle, Washington

1 Beds 1 Baths 300 SqFt 0.013 Acres

Active Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker Danforth

Location, Location, Location! Enjoy your very own studio oasis. City-registered houseboat in stunning location. Natural light, warm wood-paneled walls, hardwood floors and amazing views welcome you home. Extremely private gated dock with view across Lake Union, Downtown Seattle, Gasworks Park, located along the Burke Gilman Trail and only a stone's throw away from the Sleepless in Seattle floating home. Perfect little front porch to watch seaplanes, boat activity and fireworks! Close to major employers and easy transit routes. Haul out, bottom paint and refit 2021. Zone 25 Parking. FOWR 799. $227,500 Active

2450 Westlake Avenue N 6 Seattle, Washington

1 Beds 1 Baths 175 SqFt 0.007 Acres

Active Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker Danforth

Welcome aboard Little Betty and all the simple access to Lake Union, Portage Bay and Lake Washington that life on the water offers. Steps from the Burke Gilman trail for a simple bike ride or walk to UW, Fremont, South Lake Union and Downtown Seattle. Updated kitchen and bathroom include Quartz countertops, new LED lighting and designer finishes. Work from home with a view on new fold down desk. Rest and relax on rooftop deck with room to entertain. City registered FOWR# 959. Moored in slip in Cascade Marina next to new Seafab cafe. On site amenities include shower, restrooms, laundry, & storage. Take a stroll down the dock to your new slice of heaven on the water in this fully furnished floating home. Slip rent $645+$300 live aboard fee. $125,000 Active

1001 NE Boat Street Seattle, Washington

1 Beds 1 Baths 142 SqFt

Active Listing courtesy of Home Realty

City-Registered FOWR Houseboat in transferrable liveaboard moorage, ready for your imagination! AS-IS sale. Solid fiberglass hull, 1br 1ba with large roofdeck, could be remodeled or rebuilt into a new home. Conveniently located on the Burke Gilman Trail with free parking, covered slip and on-site laundry. Marina allows pets and rentals with proper background/credit check provided. Location, location! Steps to Fremont bridge, close to major employers, eligible for Zone 25 parking. No stairs to house, easy ramp access. FOWR 817. $65,000 Active

2560 Westlake Avenue N 118 Seattle, Washington

1 Beds 1 Baths 200 SqFt 0.013 Acres

Active Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker Danforth

Sweet Seattle houseboat a wonderful opportunity for those seeking a unique & adventurous lifestyle. With the coveted owned marina slip at Gas Works Park Marina,  immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Union while enjoying the comfort & houseboat charm. Many updated features add to its appeal, such as the kitchen with walnut butcher block counters, SS appliances, & a gas cooktop. Modern touches combine the cozy houseboat atmosphere to create a truly inviting living space. An exceptional feature is the 738 sq/ft rooftop deck, breathtaking views of downtown Seattle, spectacular 4th of July fireworks, and Lake Union views. Easy access to Gas Works Park, trails, pets/rentals allowed, parking incl., laundry. HOD $500.66 inclsLiveaboard fee $70 $499,000 Active

2143 N Northlake Way 53 Seattle, Washington

1 Beds 1 Baths 208 SqFt 0.012 Acres

Active Listing courtesy of Special Agents Realty

Living on a houseboat provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a minimalist lifestyle while surrounded by natural beauty and water. Cool down aboard this Seattle Houseboat built by Haggard Houseboats, known for its quality craftsmanship and comfort. One of the biggest advantages of this houseboat is its location. Nestled in an annually leased moorage off Westlake with bike trails, you will be treated to stunning panoramic views of the city, lake, and mountains. Marina allows pets and rentals, $1,000/mo+$300 liveaboard (includes water/Garbage). Houseboat is made of fiberglass over wood, It has just been hauled out on 7/24/2023, pre-inspected, painted, and move-in ready. FOWR 737. Financing available. Bring your lake toys & enjoy. $449,000 Active

1900 Westlake Avenue N B9 Seattle, Washington

1 Beds 1 Baths 353 SqFt 0.011 Acres

Active Listing courtesy of Special Agents Realty

NEW PRICE!! Dive into a life less ordinary aboard "Seaweed," an exquisitely crafted houseboat nestled in the iconic waters of Lake Union, Seattle. Seamlessly fusing modern conveniences with rustic allure, this houseboat is an architectural masterpiece. Elegance in Every Corner: Marvel at the intricate woodwork, the product of dedicated craftsmanship: on-demand hot water, jetted tub, Nature at Your Doorstep: From eagles soaring high to playful otters in the waters, Lake Union teems with life. Grab your kayak for a leisurely paddle to Gasworks Park. Annual Leased moorage at $1191 per month, includes Water/Garbage and liveaboard fee (Electricity is separate). Hauled out July 2022 for inspection and new paint. Rentals & Pets OK. $335,000 Active

2706 Westlake Avenue N 98 Seattle, Washington

1 Beds 1 Baths 452 SqFt 0.010 Acres

Active Listing courtesy of Special Agents Realty

Discover life on the water in this remodeled North Lake Union houseboat. Features a steel hull, inspected & repainted 8/2020, offering a blend of community and style. Enjoy an updated kitchen, outdoor eating area with built-in entry deck benches, a new rooftop deck, and practical space-saving solutions like a washer/dryer combo and innovative under-bed walk-in closet/storage. Complete with AC, this houseboat is near Gas Works Park, restaurants, shops, and the Burke-Gilman trail. Ready for lake adventures and a tranquil lifestyle?  Furnished or unfurnished, turnkey. Rental Moorage $640/mo +$250 Liveaboard fee, includes w/g. Room for a small boat (w/addl. fee). Bring your water toys and enjoy peaceful Lake Union Living. Can remain in slip. $300,000 Active

2401 N Northlake Way E-8 Seattle, Washington

1 Baths 240 SqFt 0.008 Acres

Active Listing courtesy of Special Agents Realty

Sweet Seattle houseboat offers a wonderful opportunity for those seeking a unique & adventurous lifestyle. Seller will rent back the marina slip at $1,000/mo or sell the slip with the houseboat, see MLS#2130287.  Many updated features add to its appeal, such as the kitchen with walnut butcher block counters, stainless appliances, dishwasher &  gas cooktop. Modern touches combine the cozy houseboat atmosphere to create a truly inviting living space. An exceptional feature is the 738 sq/ft rooftop deck, providing breathtaking views of downtown Seattle, spectacular 4th of July fireworks, and Lake Union views. Easy access to Gas Works Park, Burke Gilman Trail, pets/rentals allowed, parking incl. $299,000 Active

2143 N Northlake Way 53 Seattle, Washington

1 Beds 1 Baths 208 SqFt 0.012 Acres

Active Listing courtesy of Special Agents Realty

There is something very alluring about houses floating in a body of water that people are often drawn to. Many people only dream of owning a houseboat to spend some leisurely time, live, work and make lasting memories. We at Special Agents Realty bring you the most beautiful houseboats for sale in Seattle.

What is a houseboat?

A houseboat can be categorized as a floating home, however, have quick disconnect of power and water which allows them to be towed as needed to different locations or to shipyards for maintenance. The Seattle Houseboat market is a bit different than houseboats around the country, in that they no longer require navigation. On the contrary, they are not permitted to navigate to have permitting as a Floating On-Water Residences. No new FOWRs are permitted in Seattle unless you are replacing an existing Seattle Houseboat and they are capped at approximately 230.

Floating Property Flotation:

The hull of a houseboat is usually made of aluminum, steel and fiberglass over wood and are typically barge style in design. In other areas of the country houseboats can have a navigation systems and a motors, however, not in the Seattle area where they are regulated by the City of Seattle. Floating homes are on old growth logs with many, many barrels beneath them to keep them afloat. Sometimes these barrels become dislodged and require a diver to replace or adjust their locations to level the home. The newer floating homes have sealed concrete floatation. Talk to a Special Agents Realty specialist for Floating Homes for sale in Seattle. Values of Houseboats For Sale in Seattle are affected by the type of hull/flotation they have.

What is a floating house/home?

A floating home is not mobile and stays in the same place. Unlike a houseboat, you cannot move a floating home to a different location. At least not easily or without very strict regulation. Seattle Floating Homes are also capped at approximately 525. Electricity, sewer, water, and sometimes gas is hard connected to city connections and the floatation is very different than a houseboat.

Types of Moorage:

Seattle Houseboats and Seattle Floating Homes have similar moorage types, although more of the floating homes have condo-owned or co-op owned moorages than do houseboats. More Seattle Houseboats are located in recreational rental moorage and Floating Homes are also in rental slips, however, the larger percentage are in co-op or owned condo moorage. Both can also be located in long-term leased moorage. The preferred moorage is condo owned and/or co-op owned moorage and the prices for Floating Houses for Sale in Seattle are reflected in location and moorage type.

Amenities in a houseboat and a floating home:

Toilet

Seattle Houseboats have marine toilets with black water tanks that hold toilet waste. These are pumped out by local pump-out services unless the dock has a portable pump line. Seattle Floating homes have a hard connection to city sewer services and standard toilets. However, many docks are below the street level therefore they will typically have an additional tank where the sewage will flow and it is then pumped upwards to the sewer system. All floating properties are subject to the motion of the lake and freezing temperatures in the winter months so great care must be taken seasonally. Talk to your Special Agents Realty specialist about the nuances of living on the water.

Water System

Seattle Houseboats have a quick disconnect of potable water hoses to the city water system from the docks. Some houseboats with larger cargo holds have freshwater tanks with pressure pump systems which are especially useful in the winter months when water is shut off in freezing weather. Seattle Floating Homes are hard connected to the city water system, and their lines are below the water under the docks.

Electricity

Seattle Houseboats have quick-disconnect power cords at the marina dock, and typically backup batteries for the operation of bilge pumps if the power goes out. Most houseboats have 30 AMP services, which can make the use of multiple electronic devices challenging. A 50 AMP +service is preferred in marinas that support it.

Floating homes are hard connected to the city power, the same as homes on land.

Houseboat Maintenance

Houseboats and floating houses are either fiberglass and steel or made of wood. Houseboats made of fiberglass, steel, and aluminum are much easier to maintain and are popular. On the other hand, houseboats made of wood are less expensive but are tedious to maintain. So if you have enough resources to maintain a houseboat, you should opt for a wooden one.

How should I buy a houseboat or a floating home?

Seattle Floating Homes and Seattle Houseboats for Sale in Seattle do have financing programs that are considered portfolio loans and treated very similar to residential lending, although houseboats and floating homes are considered personal property and are taxed as personal property.

To get more info about Houses for Sale in Seattle, Floating Homes, and Houseboats for sale in Seattle, don’t hesitate to contact us for inquiries for professional guidance at Special Agents Realty.

Special Agents Realty FAQ

Floating homes are stationary; they are in a primarily permanent location in the water. There is no moving from that location; they float. A houseboat, however, can move from dock to dock.

There are many advantages to owning a floating home. For starters, you save on gasoline because a floating home is in a permanent location. People interested in alternative lifestyles can get the best out of this type of house. They can also experience being close to a great location without living in a condo. Additionally, it is a major benefit to get waterfront views and to be one with nature.

Houseboats have many ways they can get electricity. Generally, when they’re docked, they will be plugged in. But when they aren’t docked, the houseboat relies on power generated through a generator, solar panels, or wind turbines. This power is stored in large battery banks. A houseboat will usually have a bigger storage capacity than most vessels.

 

The best neighborhoods to search for houseboats and floating homes for sale in Seattle are Portage Bay, Westlake, Eastlake, and Fremont.

Yes, you can live permanently in a houseboat. But you will have to decide if the houseboat lifestyle is something they genuinely want and will enjoy. If you have any questions about whether this is the right type of home for you, contact Special Agents Realty today!

Like a car or major appliance, a houseboat requires regular maintenance to ensure it continues to operate smoothly. Some items of maintenance include the decks, roof, propellers, oil changes, ignition, and more. If you keep up with regular maintenance, costs will not be expensive. Prices vary depending on who you hire so be sure to get estimates from different contractors first.

Houseboats are safe, but there are a few items you can buy to keep yourself even safer. Personal flotation devices, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors are all good safety investments for the home. Even though the houseboats have gates and rails, a lifejacket is another safety investment you should consider. It’s also smart to get a lightning dissipater, a device that can prevent lightning from striking, before purchasing any floating homes for sale in Seattle.

These homes were made to permanently sit on the water. These structures will tend to rise with the water. So when an area floods, it is in better condition than a regular home. Floating homes have actually been adopted in other locations, like the Netherlands, to combat climate change and flooding.

 The cost of living on a floating home can vary greatly depending on the location, size, and amenities of the home. In general, floating homes may be less expensive to purchase than land-based homes, but they may have higher ongoing costs for things like moorage fees and utility bills.

 It can be more difficult to get a mortgage for a floating home than for a land-based home, as floating homes may be considered a specialty property type. However, some mortgage lenders may offer loans for floating homes, so it's worth doing some research and speaking with lenders to see what options are available.

Floating homes can be designed and built to withstand many types of storms and natural disasters, but it's important to consider the specific location and potential hazards when evaluating the safety of a floating home. In some cases, floating homes may be more vulnerable to certain types of disasters than land-based homes, so it's important to carefully consider these risks before purchasing a floating home.

It can be more difficult to find insurance for a floating home than for a land-based home, as floating homes may be considered a specialty property type. However, some insurance companies may offer coverage for floating homes, so it's worth doing some research and speaking with insurers to see what options are available.

 The property tax treatment of floating homes can vary depending on the location and other factors. In some cases, floating homes may be subject to the same property taxes as land-based homes, while in other cases they may be taxed differently. It's important to research the property tax rules in your area if you're considering purchasing a floating home.