Riverside homes

To the rear the pretty paved garden ends in the Thames with private moorings; in front you are part of a handsome old terrace in Sunbury's quaint core. Until you have schooled your muscles to row into central London you can take a direct train from this Middlesex suburb. When you are out of the water you can gaze at it from the conservatory, which could be used as a third bedroom, leaving a reception room and beamed kitchen/diner for your public. Cost: £719,950.
Regents, 01932 787070 Photograph: Regents/Regents

The half acre of garden is bounded by the river Waveney and a private pontoon lets you launch a boat and set off through the Norfolk broads. From the windows of this £485,000 four-bed cottage are views across marshes to the village of Beccles, once a port, and french windows open the huge living room on to a terrace overlooking the water.
Jackson-Stops & Staff, 01603 612333 Photograph: Jackson-Stops & Staff/Jackson-Stops & Staff

Mooring rights come with this maisonette. From your own elevated garden with views over the river Dee to water meadows you have the right to descend through your neighbour's terraced plots to the water. Inside are large and gracious rooms, with a dressing room and bathroom serving the master chamber. There are two other bedrooms. It is an easy walk into Chester city centre. Yours for £645,000.
Jackson-Stops & Staff, 01603 612333 Photograph: Jackson-Stops & Staff/Jackson-Stops & Staff

Life will seem a perpetual holiday on this £349,950 floating home (there's no engine so it is not quite a boat). It has the rare privilege of a freehold mooring plus a decent chunk of garden alongside on this leafy stretch of Thames in Chertsey, Surrey. The triple aspect living room opens on to one of two sun decks, there is 30ft of beamed kitchen and dining space, and two bathrooms serve the bedroom. You could moor a small boat alongside for commuting.
Waterside Residential, 020 8398 9400 Photograph: Waterside Residential/Waterside Residential

This is neoclassical living close to Worcester city centre. This development is unfolding along the banks of the canal basin, which joins the river Severn. The cathedral looms through the windows of the two-bedroom apartments; boutiques and cafes will cluster round the waterside. Heating wafts up through the floors, Zanussi appliances throng the kitchen, there is a plot for the car and richer buyers get a balcony or terrace. Prices from £149,995 for one bed.
Knight Frank, 0121 200 2220 Photograph: Knight Frank/Knight Frank

This building once served Exeter's working quayside. Now its neighbours are posh flats, shops and cafes lining the waterfront, but the river views are unchanged. You can stroll the half mile along the tow path to the city centre and survey river traffic from your embankment garden. Most of the four bedrooms and the oak-floored living room overlook the water. Through the central arch is secure parking. Yours for £365,000.
Wilkinson Grant, 01392 427500 Photograph: Wilkinson Grant/Wilkinson Grant