Hot property: On the waterfront

Water frontage and direct access to the sea can add as much as 100 per cent to the value of a home.

“Houses with stunning water views offer the trophy view above all others, and can add as much as 25 to 50 per cent to a property’s value – even though sometimes the best views are from houses set back from the ‘frontline’,” says James Greenwood, managing director of the property search company Stacks.

However, buyers still need to do their research over issues of privacy, and to protect their homes from encroaching tourism.

Here are five of the best waterfront properties from around the world.

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▲ 45 Fisherman’s Bend, Llandudno, South Africa, R45m (£3.9m)

Where: Overlooking Sandy Bay Beach in Llandudno, an exclusive suburb of Cape Town with only 300 properties, 25 minutes’ drive from the airport on Cape Peninsula.

What: An eight-bedroom, eight-bathroom mansion, completed eight years ago. The property is set on a steep slope and was designed by South African architect Stefan Antoni. Built on four storeys, it has 180-degree views and 1,200 sq m of open-plan living space, including two dining areas, and staff quarters. A reception room opens up onto a balcony which features a suspended pool. Two of South Africa’s most beautiful beaches lie either side: Sandy Bay to the left and Llandudno Beach to the right.

Why: The property has just been reduced by R5m from £4.56m to £3.9m. It was used as the backdrop for the 2008 film Flashbacks of a Fool, featuring James Bond actor Daniel Craig.

Who: Cluttons South Africa, tel: +27 21 790 8410, www.cluttons.co.za

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Tilloo Pond, Tilloo Cay, Abaco Islands, Bahamas, $4.98m (£3,070,200) ►

Where: In the northern Bahamas, to the east of Abaco Island, 20 minutes’ boat ride from Marsh Harbour airport. Flights from Fort Lauderdale and Miami airports take one hour.

What: An 11-acre estate, with three separate buildings linked by covered walkways. Built in 2004 by architects DH Ruggles and designed to withstand the weather, the house is sold furnished and has a hotel operating license. There are three master suites, two bedroom suites and a further suite with four twin beds, comprising 5,400 sq foot of living space, including accommodation for staff. Views show the Atlantic ocean to the east and the turquoise Sea of Abaco to the west.

Why: Tilloo Pond has a fully equipped dock in a protected cove which can accommodate four or five boats and is also a day dock. Current owners snorkel off the front dock to view the multi-coloured tropical fish indigenous to the island.

Who: Savills, tel: +44 (0)20 7016 3740 www.savills.com/international

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Apartment 801, Pavilion A, NEO Bankside, London SE1, £4.95m ►

Where: On the River Thames, next door to Tate Modern with views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the City.

What: Designed by architect Richard Rogers, the 2,676 sq ft sub-penthouse has three en suite bedrooms and internal balcony spaces.

Why: A newbuild property on the Southbank.

Who: Knight Frank, tel: +44 (0)20 7861 5499, www.knightfrank.com

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Fairholme, 237 Ruggles Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island, US, $17.9m ►

Where: On Newport’s “Gilded Age” coastline, overlooking the Atlantic, 17 miles from Theodore Francis Airport in Providence for domestic and international flights.

What: An estate built around 1875, set in 4.3 acres (1.7 ha) with 425ft (130m) of south-facing ocean frontage. The Tudor-style house has 20,000 sq ft (1,858 sq m) of living space, including a ballroom that seats 120 – the largest entertaining space of a private house in Newport. There are 11 bedrooms, including two master bedroom suites with a private terrace and balcony.

Why: Newport was home to the summer residences of Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy, and is still popular for its social scene.

Who: Lila Delman Real Estate, tel: +44 (0)20 7467 5330, www.liladelman.com

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Villa Sofia, Nisi Gerekou, Corfu, Greece, €1.8m ►

Where: Close to the villages of Kontakali and Gouvia, a few minutes’ drive from Corfu town and Corfu International Airport.

What: A new villa, built five years ago, with three bedrooms and three bathrooms. All the bedrooms have views across the sea and access to covered verandas and patios. Built over three levels, with an interior space of 210 sq m on a 1200 sq m plot, the lower level has a garden with olive, lemon and orange trees. The property has private sea access via a jetty.

Why: Recently reduced by €700,000, the villa is located close to the international marina in Gouvia – the second largest in Greece – and is close to Corfu town.

Who: Aylesford, tel: + 44 (0)20 7349 5100, www.aylesford.com