Further data from the Land Registry shows that the average property price in Portsmouth has increased by just over 100% from 117,861 in 2000 to 236,122 in 2006.

By comparison, other coastal cities in the area, such as Brighton and Southampton, have had increases of 87% and 77% respectively.

After a slump during the late '80s and early '90s, Portsmouth began a transformation when the Millennium Commission awarded funds towards 'The Renaissance of Portsmouth Harbour' to encourage regeneration of the waterfront region. One of the major redevelopment projects has been Berkeley Homes' Gunwharf Quays development, which has seen over 150m of investment in the local area.

Along with the 500m redevelopment of the historical quarter, due for completion in 2009, the area will have 80 shops, cafes and restaurants, a 14-screen cinema, Bowlplex, casino, hotel and Jongleurs comedy club and the largest John Lewis store in England.

The city's Spinnaker Tower is the highest public viewing platform in the UK and Berkeley Homes' new tower, No 1 Gunwharf Quays, will be the tallest residential skyscraper on the south coast of England. Due for completion in summer 2008, the tower, designed in the shape of a steam ship funnel, will rise to nearly 100m, with 29 storeys, and will comprise 139 one-, two- and three-bed apartments with two exclusive penthouses.

"Gunwharf Quays has helped to transform the Portsmouth waterfront and enable the city to take a lead on its south coast neighbours.

The attraction of Gunwharf Quays is that it is a classic London-style waterfront residential and leisure destination scheme but with homes that provide value for money compared to London and nearby centres such as Winchester and the New Forest, " says Robin Rixon, sales director for Gunwharf Quays.

The apartments come with open-plan interiors, Italian designer kitchens, stone worktops, integrated appliances, separate walk-in shower enclosures in the bathrooms, electric underfloor heating, fitted carpets, secure underground parking and security. Ninety minutes from London by train, prices at No 1 Gunwharf start from 259,820.

For further information contact Berkeley Homes on 0044 23 9285 1800 or visit www. gunwharfquays. co. uk.