Marina Berth Purchase vs Licence
Not all marina berths are the same - and understanding the difference between owning a berth and holding a licence to use one is essential before exploring finance options.
Freehold berth ownership
A freehold berth gives you outright ownership of the physical marina space. This is relatively unusual in UK marinas but does exist, particularly in purpose-built coastal developments. Freehold berths can be mortgaged, sold, inherited and (in some cases) let to other boat owners. They are the most straightforward type to finance.
Right to Use (RTU) berths
RTU berths are the most common form of marina berth "ownership" in the UK. The buyer acquires a long lease or licence - typically 125, 250 or 999 years - giving exclusive rights to use a specific berth. The underlying land remains with the marina operator.
RTU berths can be financed, but lenders treat them similarly to leasehold property: they will want to see an unexpired term substantially longer than the loan period and will check that the marina has adequate covenants in the RTU agreement to protect the berth holder.
Annual licence (berth hire)
The most common arrangement is a simple annual licence for a specific berth or a licence to keep a vessel at the marina. These are not purchasable assets and cannot be financed in the conventional sense. They are simply an operating cost.
Specialist Lenders: Together and Shawbrook
The mainstream mortgage and HP market does not lend on marina berths. The two most active specialist lenders in this space are Together Money and Shawbrook Bank.
| Lender | Berth Types | Max LTV | Rate Range | Min Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Together Money | Freehold, RTU (125yr+), marina developments | 70% | From 7.5% | £75,000 |
| Shawbrook Bank | Freehold, RTU, coastal marina berths | 65% | From 7.9% | £100,000 |
| Specialist bridging lenders | All types (short-term) | 65% | 0.75–1.25%/month | £50,000 |
| Marine bridging (vessel + berth) | Cross-security with vessel | 70% blended | 0.85–1.4%/month | £50,000 |
Indicative rates as at October 2026. Terms subject to individual assessment.
Bridging Loans for Berth Acquisition
Bridging finance is frequently used for marina berth purchases, particularly when:
- The buyer needs to move quickly to secure a specific berth in a competitive marina
- The berth does not meet standard mortgage lender criteria (e.g. short lease, unusual marina)
- The buyer has equity in another asset (property, vessel) they can offer as security
- The purchase is part of a wider marina or property development transaction
Bridging loans for berth purchases are typically arranged within 2–4 weeks and can be secured against the berth itself, a residential or commercial property, or in some cases the buyer's vessel. Exit from the bridging loan is usually via refinance onto a term loan, sale of the berth, or realisation of another asset.
Worked Example: £85,000 Freehold Berth
Freehold 12m Berth - South Coast Marina
| Berth purchase price | £85,000 |
|---|---|
| Deposit (30%) | £25,500 |
| Loan amount | £59,500 |
| Lender | Together Money |
| Rate | 7.5% fixed for 3 years |
| Term | 10 years |
| Monthly payment | approx. £702 |
| Annual marina service charge | approx. £3,600 (£300/month) |
| Total monthly holding cost | approx. £1,002 |
The borrower in this case was a small business owner who had moored his 38ft sailing yacht on an annual licence for 6 years before the opportunity to buy the adjacent freehold berth arose. Together Money accepted the berth as standalone security and completed within 6 weeks.
Key Considerations Before Buying a Berth
- Liquidity - marina berths are illiquid assets; there may not be a ready buyer if you need to sell quickly
- Marina financial health - check the marina's accounts and planning history; a marina in financial difficulty could affect your berth value
- Service charges - freehold and RTU berths typically carry annual service charges for marina maintenance and facilities; confirm these before purchase
- Consent requirements - some RTU agreements require marina consent before the berth can be sold or sub-let
- Access rights - confirm tidal access windows if the marina dries at low water, and whether the depth is adequate for your vessel