Data from property firm Knight Frank found that waterfront properties in the South West of England commanded the biggest premium. Those located by water are valued 91% higher than similar properties inland.

The overall premium for a waterfront property was 70%.

Different types of water command different price increases, the firm said. Those located near estuaries saw the biggest price boost with properties worth 95% more in these locations.

It said these homes benefitted from being close to luxury facilities but were based slightly further inland.

Coastal towns such as Rock, Salcombe, Dartmouth, St Mawes and Newton Ferrers in the West Country were all said to benefit from such proximity to water. On the south coast Sandbanks and the Beaulieu River Estuary proved most popular.

Properties based in harbours enjoyed a price premium of 91% and even those homes which no not directly overlook water are worth 67% more than homes inland.

Elsewhere, properties located next to a river have an added value of 67%, while lakeside homes see an average increase of around 40%.

Christopher Bailey, head of Knight Frank’s waterfront team, said: “Since the election, we have seen a positive rise in activity in the waterfront market. It would appear that a number of cash buyers at the higher end of the waterfront market have been waiting to see the outcome of the election and in particular whether a mansion tax would manifest itself.

“The outcome has increased the confidence of waterfront buyers at the higher end of the market where we have seen properties exchanging relatively quickly with competitive bidding and sometimes above the guide price.

“Equally, the waterfront market below £1m is picking up whereas the market between £1m to £2m is still quieter as buyers are still absorbing the stamp duty changes at the end of the year. The beginning of a new five government, low interest rates, and the safe sterling has all helped to strengthen the confidence of waterfront buyers.”