All aboard: boatshares are on the rise as Londoners look for alternative ways to rent in an overheated market

Most renters can only dream of living on the Thames because of the huge premium that riverside properties command.

However, it can be affordable if you consider the option of actually living on the river - on a boat.

Boat sharing gives renters the chance of an enviable location and even one that can be moved if you get tired of one area. Listings on property websites such as EasyRoommate and SpareRoom highlight the flexibility of this style of living.

“The boat is currently moored in Clapton, but moves to a different location in London every two weeks. The next stop will be in Tottenham,” says Sparky, on property sharing website EasyRoommate.

Living on a boat even offers the option of a new way to get to work other than the Tube and the bus.

“You can borrow a kayak and from May till September” get to work by water, says Alistair, from Twickenham.

Matt Hutchinson, director of flat and houseshare site SpareRoom.co.uk, says: “We’ve definitely noticed an increase in people looking for things like property guardianship and houseboats, as Londoners look for alternative ways to rent in an overheated market.

“Check before you move in if the boat has a residential mooring. This isn’t a legal requirement but, if the boat doesn’t have one then it’s a continuous cruiser, meaning it has to move on after 14 days in one place. Some will love the flexibility this brings, but creatures of habit won’t.”