Now Salford Quays is one the UK's foremost property hotspots, with prices rising even faster than London last year, according to Zoopla.

The property website says Salford prices rose by 12 per cent in the first half of 2014, prompting Property Frontiers chief executive Ray Withers to announce: "Salford Quays is definitely the place to be within Greater Manchester."

The property investment firm boss adds: "Visually, the area is simply stunning, blending contemporary architecture with a delightful waterfront setting."

Although Salford's success is largely connected to MEDIACITYUK, where the BBC and now some ITV companies have relocated, it is the waterfront aspect that makes Salford Quays special.

Back in 1982 when the docks closed, few people would have thought Manchester Ship Canal could be so attractive. But British property buyers tend to be drawn to water.

They also love old buildings and the latest development at Salford Quays ticks both boxes.

Custom Quay is a collection of 60 apartments and mews homes built in the refurbished commercial waterfront building with fabulous views across the water.

It will have a communal roof garden for even better views and it is close to the tram link to MEDIACITYUK as well as the Lowry Centre, the stunning theatre, museum and gallery complex at the heart of the old docklands.

CUSTOM Quay prices start at £126,000 and with more BBC staff expected to relocate to Salford, Property Frontiers claims its investment clients would benefit from 6.5 per cent yields with a full management option.

In London, rising prices have sent prospective buyers east and one of the areas expected to see much regeneration over the next 20 years is Barking Riverside, a new neighbourhood that is being created along the River Thames.

Outline planning permission was granted there for 10,800 new homes in 2007 on the site of a former power station. A new rail link is expected to connect the area to central London with new schools, health care facilities, shops, leisure and public spaces all part of the plan.

Now one of the first developments, City East, has four-bedroom mid-terraced homes on the market for £319,995, built by Bellway Homes.

But there are also waterside developments for people wanting to escape the city, including The Quays at Burton Waters in Lincolnshire.

The Quays is the last part of a £15million residential development at Burton Waters, which includes a marina for boat owners and is four miles from Lincoln and within easy access of Lincolnshire's beaches.

Prices range from £244,995 to £389,995 for homes with roof terraces overlooking the marina and waterfront properties with gardens leading down to the water.

INFORMATION: Custom Quay: 01865 202 700/ www.propertyfrontiers.com  City East: 020 8594 9709/ www.bellway.co.uk  The Quays, Burton Waters: 0800 612 1216/ www.beal-homes.co.uk

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