As urban populations surge and environmental challenges intensify, the need for sustainable housing solutions is becoming critical. Seaborne, a Norway-based company operating across Norway, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Malaysia, stands at the forefront of this evolution. Under the leadership of CEO Roar (Sam) Nilsen, Seaborne excels in marine consultancy, marina development, and the groundbreaking design and manufacturing of floating properties. Their innovative business model centers on two core activities:
Seaborne’s Core Activities
- Consultancy
Seaborne offers expert market studies tailored to the marine, marina, and property sectors. Their comprehensive services include feasibility studies, business planning, technology assessments, and financial forecasting. By guiding clients through the complexities of the marketplace, Seaborne ensures informed decision-making, backed by insights into market demands and project viability.
- Development
Through these services, Seaborne harnesses innovation and market insights to deliver viable, environmentally friendly solutions tailored to marine environments. One of their most exciting initiatives is the new floating property development project near Bergen, Norway.
Leading Norway’s Floating Property Revolution
In collaboration with Flytende Bolig, Norway's premier floating property developer, Seaborne is set to create floating communities in a designated area near Bergen. Mayor Tom Georg Indrevik of the Høyre (H) party is working to ease regulations on floating properties in response to the increasing demand for unique housing solutions that minimize urban land use.As Nilsen explains, “This project presents a remarkable opportunity to demonstrate how floating properties can effectively address housing shortages in sustainable ways. Beyond Norway, floating homes offer scalable, flexible housing solutions adaptable to various environments.” A recent feasibility study conducted by Nilsen highlights a significant shortage of student housing in Norway, with demand extending to the general population as housing needs escalate. “Our study revealed that while the immediate need is for student housing, the benefits of floating properties extend further, offering solutions for affordable housing and seasonal rentals,” he adds.
The shortage of student housing in Norway is alarming. According to the Norwegian Student Organization (NSO), there was a shortfall of 12,000 student homes in 2020, coinciding with a 60,000 increase in the student population over the past decade. With government support and relaxed regulations in designated areas, this innovative approach could provide a timely solution to the housing crisis.
Design, Production, and Financial Viability
The vision for these floating communities encompasses modular buildings, each housing between 30 to 200 units. These units will be designed to comply with local regulations, addressing one of Flytende Bolig’s biggest challenges since its inception in 2013. The ability to manufacture these units abroad and ship them in containers for assembly on-site in Norway represents a game-changing approach, offering substantial cost savings and accelerating development timelines.The financial model for these floating properties is equally compelling. Construction costs are estimated at EUR 75 million, with potential savings of 20-30% achievable through competitive bidding and detailed technical planning. The Norwegian government supports the development of student accommodations, offering NOK 382,000 for each single unit and NOK 764,000 for units accommodating two people. Coupled with low operational costs through energy-efficient technologies and durable, low-maintenance materials, floating properties emerge as both affordable and sustainable.
Nilsen further elaborates on the income potential: “We are exploring flexible rental models where students can sublet their units to tourists during holiday breaks via platforms like Airbnb or choose shorter contracts, allowing them to return to the same unit each academic year. These features enhance the financial viability for both developers and tenants.”
Evolving Housing and Economic Opportunity
With optimized construction costs and projected rental revenue between NOK 9,500-10,500 per month for student apartments, floating housing could swiftly become an integral component of Norway’s housing landscape. Favorable VAT rates—12% on income versus 25% on expenses—add to the appeal, potentially attracting further investment into Norway’s floating property sector.Seaborne’s engagement in floating property development is not merely about housing; it’s about cultivating thriving communities and boosting local economies. “Floating properties do more than provide shelter,” Nilsen emphasizes. “They generate jobs, stimulate tourism, and elevate awareness of marine technology and sustainable urban development. The economic possibilities are vast.”
Looking beyond Norway, the Seaborne team is actively engaging with developers worldwide to replicate this model in markets facing similar housing and environmental challenges. With governments across Europe and Asia increasingly receptive to innovative housing solutions, Seaborne’s expertise positions them as a vital partner for cities seeking sustainable growth.
The Future of Seaborne and Floating Properties
As Seaborne gazes into the future, the possibilities for floating properties are limitless. The company not only possesses the expertise to meet the current market demands but also leads in crafting innovative solutions for tomorrow's challenges. Seaborne floating communities offer adaptable, affordable, and environmentally sustainable alternatives to traditional housing, poised to reshape waterfront living on a global scale.“As we at Seaborne envision, sustainable housing doesn’t have to compromise on quality or affordability. Floating properties are a testament to our commitment to addressing today’s challenges with tomorrow’s solutions,” Nilsen concludes.
Contact Roar Nilsen click here
Contact Roar Nilsen click here
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