Jordan Koursaris, 40, began living on his 1966 boat, Mary Rose, in 2024 following a divorce. He purchased the vessel for $18,500. His total monthly living expenses, which include mooring fees, power, water, storage, and a car space, are under $2,000. This amount is notably less than the average weekly rent of $720 for a unit in Kangaroo Point, where his boat is docked; unit rentals typically incur additional utility costs.
Mr. Koursaris stated that living on a boat had been a long-term aspiration. Despite the financial savings, residing on the approximately 8-meter-long Mary Rose presents challenges such as confined space, the development of wood fungus, and occasional power outages. He intends to upgrade to a larger boat by the end of the year.
Other individuals at Kangaroo Point's Dockside Marina have also adopted this alternative living arrangement. Josh Goodswen, another recent divorcee, reported that living on a boat reduced his expenses to one-third of his previous housing costs. Sam Dunmore, 22, chose boat living for the experience and its affordability compared to renting an apartment.
Tim Lawless, Cotality's executive research director for the Asia Pacific, noted that Brisbane renters typically allocate more than a third of their gross income to rent. Over the past five years, rental costs in Brisbane have increased by nearly 49%, representing an additional $225 per week compared to December 2020. The cost of purchasing property is also high, with average house prices in Queensland's capital at $1.13 million and units at $807,161.
Ken Allsop, manager of Dockside Marina, has observed a rise in permanent boat residents, estimating that one-third of the docked vessels are now occupied by their owners. Many residents utilize the marina's shared amenities, including communal bathrooms, showers, and laundry facilities.