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London Residential moorings

Your waterside & marina home right in the heart of the capital

Residential & transferable moorings in London

Dreaming of a lifestyle change that doesn’t involve leaving the big city behind? Whether you’re seeking a slower pace, beautiful views or an easy commute, swapping the bricks and mortar for a gleaming houseboat on the London waterways could be the answer! 

Buy a boat with a transferable residential licence at one of Aquavista’s beautiful Central London residential moorings. Wake up to the sound of ducks, chat to like-minded neighbours, and cycle to work along a quiet towpath. 

Facilities like Wi-Fi, showers, electricity and water means you won’t be going completely off-grid. And with two great locations in the heart of the city, you’ll be able to dip in and out of the hustle and bustle of the capital whenever you wish!

In this guide, you will learn about the benefits of buying a boat with residential moorings in London, and how Aquavista’s marinas at Limehouse and Poplar can help turn your dream city lifestyle into a reality.

Securing a London residential mooring can be one of the biggest challenges for boaters hoping to start a live-aboard lifestyle in the capital. Gated and secure, marinas are always a popular choice for boaters in the city. However, most residential berths are already full to capacity and some marinas have waiting lists of up to 10 years’ long. 

However, there is a way to jump the queue. Buying a boat with a transferable residential licence can get you the vessel of your dreams in a prime location, right in the heart of the city. 

But, for those who want to live in a marina in central London, it’s more than just a desirable option. Buying a boat with a transferable licence is now the only practicable way to secure a residential mooring.

How does a transferable licence work?

When you buy a boat at a London marina, you’ll be told if it comes with a transferable licence as part of the deal. 

If it does, you’ll get the boat plus the mooring. This will also be transferred into your name. However, it is important that you check the small print because transference of the mooring right is not automatic. You must obtain the written agreement of the site operator.

Luckily, when you buy a boat from one of Aquavista’s London marinas, our brokerage service makes this easy. Boats for sale in our London marinas at Limehouse and Poplar are sold with a transferable licence to moor, subject to a successful application. In these marinas, additional charges will apply to transfer the berth into your name, whether you choose to buy your boat through Aquavista or a third-party broker.

London crane dock

Are there any downsides to buying a boat with a transferable mooring?

While it’s possible to buy a boat relatively cheaply, vessels that come with a London residential mooring usually sell at a premium. But, remember that this works both ways. Having a residential berth in a desirable London postcode will make your boat a more attractive proposition if and when you come to sell!

Boats for sale

Why choose one of Aquavista’s London marinas for your residential mooring?

Choosing an Aquavista marina means a full array of brilliant basics comes as standard. You’ll find amenities such as: 

  • Secure moorings
  • Well-kept environments 
  • Shower, toilet and laundry facilities 
  • CCTV
  • Wi-Fi 
  • Working pumps and lighting
  • Excellent customer service

In short, we offer everything you’d expect from modern waterside living.


What are the benefits of a residential mooring at a London marina?

If you plan to live on-board your boat full-time without securing residential moorings, your only other option is to continuously cruise the waterways. As part of the terms of your continuous cruiser licence, you’re committed to moving your boat every two weeks.

It sounds romantic, but for those tied to an area for work or school, this nomadic lifestyle may not be feasible. With a large number of boats competing for mooring space it can be stressful, especially in winter. Even if you do find a space to moor your boat, there’s no guarantee you’ll have easy access to water and electricity and a lack of postal address means you won’t be able to sign on with a GP.

The main benefit of a London mooring is that you have reliable access to electricity, water and Wi-Fi. Additionally, you can live on your boat without losing the convenience of being on land. Many of our Aquavista facilities include showers and laundry, plus you’ll get a postal address which means you can go on the electoral roll, and sign on with a GP.

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Sense of connection

Take up a residential mooring at a London Aquavista marina and you’ll become part of a close-knit community of like-minded boat owners. Our London marinas attract residents from a wide variety of careers, from artists and actors to doctors and engineers. 

Everyone in the community is invested in their environment and can share in the joys and adventures of living on the water. This gives you an instant sense of connection that is rare to find in a big city like London.

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Close to nature in the capital

Both Poplar and Limehouse Waterside & Marinas are little pieces of natural wonder in the heart of the city and living on your boat gives you a direct connection to a whole host of wildlife. 

Nothing beats feeding the ducks your leftover toast crumbs in the morning and catching a glimpse of herons, carp and waterfowl. London’s canals are true wildlife corridors and high in ecological value, offering the kind of tranquillity that city-dwellers crave.

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Incredible locations

A residential mooring at one of Aquavista’s London marinas gives you the best of both worlds; a tranquil waterside location within a well connected area.

Limehouse is ideally located between the City of London and Canary Wharf, just a short walk from Limehouse Station. Poplar sits just east of Canary Wharf, with central London just minutes away on the Jubilee Line.

The legs of two people sat on top of a canal boat in the sun.

Healthier lifestyle

London’s boutique gyms can be pricey but who needs a membership when you live at an Aquavista marina in the capital? Getting outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine comes as standard when you live on a boat.

At Limehouse, there’s an 11-mile traffic-free towpath that takes you to Regent’s Park, perfect if you love to cycle. Poplar offers Canary Wharf, Greenwich and green spaces like  Mudchute Park and Farm.

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Facilities right on your doorstep

Our Waterside & Marinas at Limehouse and Poplar may feel like an oasis of calm but the buzz of London is just minutes away. Foodies are spoilt for choice at Limehouse, where the world’s cuisine awaits them on Narrow Street, just beyond the marina gates. Explore local pubs with riverside views within a five-minute walk.

At Poplar you’ll find Billingsgate Market and an array of pretty shops and restaurants in Greenwich. This is all just a half an hour stroll through the Isle of Dogs and across the river.

In need of some retail therapy? It takes less than 20 minutes to walk to Canary Wharf from both Limehouse and Poplar Waterside & Marinas, where you can shop (and eat!) until you drop.


Want to find out more about buying a boat with residential moorings in London? 

At Aquavista, we’re here to lend a hand with every step of your boating journey and the first step is finding the boat that’s right for you. Visit our buy a boat page to view everything on offer at Limehouse or Poplar. You can also filter by boat type if you’ve got something particular in mind.

Seen a boat you like? Our experienced brokers can guide you through the process from start to finish. You can email them on [email protected] or call 0207 3089 930 to speak to them directly. We can’t wait to have you on-board!

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If you're interested in a London residential mooring please get in touch