Despite regeneration plans not yet being completed, properties in the South Coast town of Boscombe in Dorset have rocketed by as much as 30%, a Dorset estate agent has claimed.

The excitement revolves as much around plans for Europe’s first artificial surf reef, as it does around a regeneration project that involves the building of luxury flats and a ‘spa village’ development scheme for the whole of Boscombe.

The price jump has happened in only 18 months, and is expected to continue once the reef is finished.

Andrew Emery, service development officer for the seafront claims the project will put Boscombe on the map as a surfing resort. “It will be a European first. There are no artificial surf reefs in the northern hemisphere,” he said.

"There are two in Australia, one in New Zealand and one is being built in America at present so this is the first in Europe and the northern hemisphere," he added.

A block of luxury apartments on Boscombe seafront will be launched on March 24 as part of the regeneration scheme.

Sand-filled geotextile bags will be submerged east of Boscombe pier – also to be renovated - to create waves up to 13 feet high and double the number of good surfing days to more than 150 each year.

Boscombe Pier, one of only 55 piers left in the country, has been neglected since the 1950s until work began to improve it this year. A new restaurant, continental landscaping, surf shops and chalets will also line Boscombe seafront and will be ideal for watching the surfers.

The luxury apartments named after the reef have been built in a horseshoe shape to maximise sea views with each one having at least one balcony or terrace.

The penthouses have air conditioning and hot tubs on roof terraces with prices for the two and three bedroom apartments up to £925,000.

Sales agent Stephen Noble, said: "Despite all the regeneration plans not being completed the price of properties in the Boscombe area have already risen outstripping those in the immediate surrounding area.”