Alternative housing for mortgage-free wannabes?

JMC39

Hi,

I am just wondering whether anybody has looked at alternative housing as a way of being mortgage free. I'm thinking along the lines of living in caravans, boats, or even unique self-builds like shipping containers.

At the moment I am renting in London, however when I eventually move, I'm interested in what alternative accomodation I could stay in to be free from debt (or at least significantly better of). Any feedback would be very interesting.

Bigmoney2

A great sentiment, but there are many pitfalls to your initial ideas.

caravan living. Most touring campsites are only open for part of the year and have limits on length of stay, are also licensed for leisure activities , although some may turn a blind eye. Cost of pitch fee's can be almost as high as rent, but maybe not compared to london prices.
Sites licensed for 12 month residential occupancy are expensive, can be more than a flat, need to watch out for maintenance charges, they can be high.

Boat living. Cost of moorings can be high, if you can find one. Marine mortgage is a specialised area, may be higher than a residential. Insurance costs could be higher.

Shipping container. You will need planning permission to site it some where, will need to be habitable ( I do know that there is a development of these some where) cost of connecting mains services ect.

When you move will you still be working in the same job/location?
A cheap way would be a live in position, but if you loose the job you are also homeless.