Waterside buyers rise to the location in Warwick

The demand for waterside living - especially inland - has rocketed over the last few years with homebuyers from all over the land-locked Midlands looking to purchase property with canal side ‘X' factor.

Due to its popularity, living by the water can be a tad expensive, but at The Arena by Laing Homes on Warwick's Lower Cape Road, buyers can enjoy a scenic waterside property without the hefty price tag. Indeed, sales have been consistently good during 2008, despite the economic downturn, and even on a par with last year.

The highlight of this record breaking development (a timely regeneration of the old Benfords manufacturing site) are desirable waterside apartments designed to echo the striking architectural style of former wharf-side warehouses - and they sit in perfect harmony with the peaceful stretch of the Grand Union Canal that they front. It's an unspoilt and idyllic spot, because some of the traditional crafts still exist alongside the canal and the old Cape of Good Hope waterside pub nearby (featured in the Good Beer & Food guides) still refreshes passing boatmen as well as the locals - old and new!

One bedroom designer apartments with parking and canal view start from just £135,995 and two bedroom versions from only £149.995, but there are a host of financial incentives available to make purchasing even easier. And elsewhere on the development, two bedroom apartments start from a mere £129,995.

One very recent purchaser is Doctor Matt Smith who swapped Leamington for a top floor, two bedroom canal side apartment. He says: "There's a real community feel and I have talked to lots of the other neighbours, who have also bought here because of the superior location and service levels. I'll never tire of that view and my partner and I, Laura, just love watching the narrow boats drift by - it's very peaceful and therapeutic."

Sales manager Jan Titley adds: "All of our purchasers at The Arena have found being able to relax and unwind with a stroll along the canal at the end of a long day at work, or over the weekend, is very appealing. That's definitely what they call the xtra factor. Indeed, the buyer profile here is refreshingly different - much more owner occupation than investor - with a lot of young and mature professionals and also those downsizing because of the picturesque location and the convenience of new build.

“The M40 and A46 are also within easy reach and provide an excellent link to the Midlands motorway network and London, while it's only a 10-minute stroll (the sales executives have walked it!) along the canal towpath to Warwick Parkway railway station for connections to both the capital and Birmingham."

For more information, log on to Laing-homes.co.uk.