Homes & gardens: Property: Moor the merrier Cruise the watery highways or settle in a river byway, with one of these buoyant houseboats

`Led Balloon'

London N1

Details Whether you're after an unusual second dwelling or a quick way on to the property ladder, a floating home offers a more active way of life - although working out your riparian rights (who owns the water and how much you have to pay to stay) can be a headache. This 45ft narrowboat (centre) has a double berth, a saloon area for (rather limited) entertaining, a galley kitchen, shower and toilet. The boat is moored in the Wenlock Basin on the Regent's Canal which, considering its central location, is surprisingly quiet. Mooring fees are around pounds 400 a month, which includes all utilities.

Ups London location for a low initial price.

Downs High mooring fees considering its size.

Price pounds 54,950, Currell, 020 7226 4200, www.currell.com

`Tug Pelican'

Rochester, Kent

Details This 100ft former ocean-going tug, built in 1967, was operational up until 1996 but it's now permanently moored. From the wheelhouse, a Victorian cast-iron spiral staircase leads down to the large open-plan living/dining-room area. There are three double-cabins (including a spacious master cabin), as well as a storeroom with the potential for conversion, and a fully fitted galley and utility room.

Ups Comes with two parking spaces.

Down Not exempt from Council Tax.

Price pounds 135,000, Lorraine Bradley, 07971 457 925

`Crystal Penguin'

Glasgow

Details Surrounded by rugged greenery, this seaworthy boat could stay put in its pretty locale (mooring fees are around pounds 250 a month, vessel is exempt from Council Tax) not far from the city, or you might prefer to don your skipper's cap and cruise the islands and coves around the coast. The interior comprises a small but well-equipped galley, a seating area, toilet and five cabins.

Ups With 14 berths, you can take the extended family on a cruise.

Downs Little room in the communal areas.

Price pounds 95,000, Wright International, 01505 684 155, www.apolloduck.com

`Danish Kotter'

Salford Quays, Manchester

Details If antique shipping floats your boat, then this 66ft Danish former fishing vessel will appeal. Built in 1908, it sailed the North Sea for years before a long spell of inactivity and an eventual refit for leisure use. Below the wheelhouse there's a main cabin area with a toilet, shower, one double bed and a small saloon area with a large closed-off master cabin at the other end.

Ups Got itchy feet? Hoist the main sail and head off to a port of your choosing.

Ups A boat this old needs lots of maintenance.

Price pounds 60,000, Sotheby's Brokerage, 0845 430 90 49, www.sothebysbrokerage.com

`Samantha Maria'

London SW11

Details Edging towards the upper end of the price scale, this 90ft refurbished barge offers a lot more refinement than your average canalboat and it's in working condition (but too wide to navigate Britain's canals). There's a 1,500sq ft decking area up top and a wheelhouse serving as the main reception room. Below, there's a kitchen/ breakfast-room, two large bedrooms (one with an attached dressing-room) and a bathroom. Mooring fees are around pounds 575 a month (but no Council Tax).

Ups Ace outdoor soirees come summertime.

Downs For the price, you could just buy a house.

Price pounds 190,000, Rex Chalmers, 020 7828 1900, www.rexchalmers.com