TEMA: Generation Jesus
Floating dreams, grounded reality
Houseboats are often presented as an alternative way of living in Copenhagen, but the reality is more demanding and costly than the romantic image suggests.
Globally, floating housing is discussed as part of future urban development, yet according to UN-Habitat, such solutions remain largely experimental and difficult to implement.
When Anastacia and François moved to Copenhagen four years ago, they briefly considered buying a houseboat instead of an apartment.
"Houseboats look nicer than they are," François says, pointing to cold winters and difficult living conditions.
Mooring, maintenance, and specialist fees are other decisive factors that quickly make houseboats expensive.
However, construction engineer Tore Petrusen from Realdania said houseboats almost played a larger role in Copenhagen before being halted by regulations and conflicting interests.
Challenges in other countries
Similar challenges appear in other countries. Integrating water-based housing into existing urban systems raises complex questions about infrastructure, regulation and long-term costs.
Architect Kristine Virén from Realdania raises sustainability questions. She argues that urban development should focus on reusing and renovating existing buildings rather than creating new housing on water.
"Houseboat prices have increased far less than apartment prices, making them a more uncertain long-term choice", she says.
Even so, she believes that houseboats will continue to be part of Copenhagen’s urban landscape. They have already found roles in the city as cafés and short-term accommodation. Michael Hede from CPH Living operates a houseboat hotel in the harbor, and says the rooms are often fully booked.
This story could be published in El Pais, a Spanish newspaper .
