25th December 2024 – (Hong Kong) A Hong Kong resident has listed a brand new “floating house” for sale online, attracting attention with its price tag of HK$200,000. While the seller describes the offer as “affordable,” potential buyers have expressed significant concerns regarding one notable feature.
The listing was posted recently on a local Facebook page, accompanied by photographs showcasing the floating house. According to the seller, the structure was built in 2023 and comes with a CE report, indicating compliance with European safety standards. The floating house measures 12.6 metres in length and 3 metres in width, featuring two levels, a long corridor entrance, and a bathroom.
The lower level comprises an open-plan living area with large glass windows that provide stunning sea views, while the upper level boasts a spacious rooftop terrace. The house is powered by solar energy, offering 20 degrees of electricity, sufficient to run appliances like air conditioning, refrigerators, washing machines, and televisions. It also includes a water tank to address freshwater needs. The floating house is equipped with a 115-horsepower engine, reportedly with less than 10 hours of usage.
Despite its appealing features, many online commenters have raised concerns about the stability of the structure, likening its design to that of a shipping container. The seller reassured potential buyers, stating that the floating house had withstood a previous typhoon without incident. However, doubts about its safety lingered, with one user commenting, “It looks like it could easily capsize.”
While the seller insists on a “fair price,” they also mentioned complications regarding obtaining the necessary registration for the vessel. In response to inquiries about the inability to register the boat, the seller indicated they were still in discussions with the Marine Department. They urged interested parties to refrain from further inquiries if they were not genuinely interested in purchasing.
According to information from the Marine Department, any vessel operating within Hong Kong waters must first obtain a certificate of ownership and an operational licence. As interest grows in unique living arrangements such as floating houses, potential buyers are advised to consider both the benefits and risks associated with such unorthodox properties.
