Buying a boat with a mooring

With residential moorings so scarce, buying a boat that already has one is often the fastest way to a home afloat. It works much like buying a park home on its pitch. You buy the boat from the seller, and the marina agrees to let you take over the berth.

How the transfer works

• The boat belongs to the seller. The mooring belongs to the marina, which licenses it to the boat owner.
• The marina has to approve you as the new berth holder. Expect references, proof of insurance and a current Boat Safety Scheme certificate.
• Most marinas charge a transfer fee when the boat sells, commonly 5% to 10% of the sale price plus VAT. Some leave it to the buyer, some to the seller. Ask who pays.

Questions to ask before you offer

1. Is the mooring residential, with planning permission? Ask to see it in writing.
2. Is the mooring guaranteed to transfer, and is that written into the contract?
3. What is the yearly mooring fee, and how much did it rise last year?
4. Is council tax included, or billed separately? Which band?
5. What is the transfer fee, and who pays it?
6. Are there rules on pets, boat length, appearance or how often you must be aboard?
7. How long is the contract, and what notice can the marina give?

Checks on the boat

A great mooring does not make a sound boat. Pay for a full out-of-water survey, check the hull thickness readings, and make sure the Boat Safety Scheme certificate has time left to run.

Every home afloat on Boat Living shows the mooring fee, transfer fee and council tax band up front. Browse homes afloat.