“The sound, sight, smell of water nearby is something that humankind craves.” So writes Kit Hesketh-Harvey in the latest edition of Savills Barometer magazine. Perhaps that’s the reason so many of us dream of living in a house by the sea or in a contemporary apartment overlooking a canal.

Not only is water balm for the soul, it’s an excellent investment and proximity to water commands a good premium. As Kit points out: "Those lucky enough to be able to afford a stream, a salmon beat, a marsh will happily pay for the privilege…The warehouse conversions and newly built flats around inner lagoons constitute some of the most sought-after housing stock in our cities."

Meanwhile, dive into this selection of desirable waterside properties.