The Story Behind The Houseboat Centre

Hello, I’m David Greenaway, and my life’s journey has been inextricably linked to the water. The Houseboat Centre isn’t just a business; it’s the culmination of decades of passion, diverse experiences, and an enduring love for the unique lifestyle that living on a boat offers.

My earliest memory, at just four years old, is the vast expanse of the ocean as I cruised with my parents towards Cape Town. This early immersion set a course for a life defined by the sea. By 14, I was learning the ropes of sailing and navigation aboard the magnificent “Provident,” a former Brixham Trawler that continues its sterling duty as a training ship even today.

From Academia to Anchors: A Life Afloat

My professional path initially led me through academia and into the cutting-edge world of IT. I became a Microsoft Certified Professional, designing and managing complex systems for a copper mine in Zambia, and later contracted by IBM to maintain critical servers for Lloyds Bank. Yet, through all the technological advancements and global adventures, the call of the water remained constant.

I embraced life afloat, making homes on cruising houseboats in the picturesque waterways of Devon, Kent, and along the historic River Thames. One of my most cherished memories is living on a static houseboat on Tagg’s Island, a truly unique community. It was there that my first son was born – though, I must add, he made his grand entrance in Kingston Hospital before being chauffeured home in style, a Rolls Royce ride arranged by the island’s colourful owner, former airline pilot Ian Maclellan!

The Birth of The Houseboat Centre: A Modern Approach to a Timeless Dream

Seeking a new challenge that blended my professional acumen with my lifelong passion, I moved to the Medway and founded The Houseboat Centre. I immersed myself in the community, conducting hundreds of in-depth interviews with anyone interested in the realities of living on a houseboat in England. This led to brokering many successful houseboat sales, building a reputation for deep understanding and personalized service.

The world has evolved, and the recent years have profoundly reshaped how we conduct business. We’ve all discovered the immense efficiencies of online interactions, realizing that much can be accomplished remotely, saving significant time and money. The Houseboat Centre has fully embraced this modern paradigm.

Our Evolved Service: Expert Guidance, Unbeatable Value

Today, The Houseboat Centre continues to offer the same rigorous scrutiny, comprehensive documentation, and trusted recommendations, all delivered through a highly efficient online model. We leverage face-to-face video chats, WhatsApp, Facebook Messages, and email to provide seamless, personalized service – no matter where you are.

You still receive all the valuable, in-depth information and insights found within “The Houseboat Book.” The key differences in our refined approach allow us to offer unparalleled value:

• Guided Photography: With today’s smartphones capable of stunning photography, we empower you (or a friend) to capture your houseboat’s essence, guided by our expert advice.

• Personalized Viewings: You become the primary guide for prospective buyers, showcasing your houseboat with your unique passion and insights.

These efficiencies are precisely why our commission rates are so low, putting more money in your pocket:

• Selling Your Cruising or Motor Houseboat? Our brokerage fee is just 1% of the sale price, paid by the seller. No Sale ~ No Fee!

• Selling Your Static Houseboat? Our brokerage fee is an industry-leading 0.5% (half of one percent) of the sale price, paid by the seller.

• Looking to Buy? We act as dedicated buyer’s agents for a transparent fee of just 0.25% (one quarter of one percent), paid by the buyer.

My journey has taught me that life on the water is not just about boats; it’s about freedom, community, and finding your unique place. Let me, and The Houseboat Centre, help you navigate this exciting path.

Contact us today to discover how we can help you sell your floating home or find your next one.