Townhouses have enjoyed increased popularity over recent years, particularly among families, estate agents have reported.

While the Georgian homes have always been popular, it is the modern layout of many of the homes which proving to be the number on attraction to buyers, according to Connells Estate Agents.

Significantly, the top floor of an average townhouse was originally designed to accommodate a maid and a nursery, meaning that the top floor can be easily converted to contain a bedroom, en suite bathroom and another spare room.

"The layout of the modern townhouse makes them a great choice for families," said Lisa Shiell, marketing manager at Connells.

"You can…let teenagers have the run of the top floor where they can fully enjoy the extra space, invite their friends along and play their music without disturbing the rest of the family who may be watching TV in the lounge."

City centre property is also currently extremely popular with renters, with a recent study by the Alliance & Leicester finding that its proximity to their place of work is the first thing a buyer looks for in a potential rental accommodation