House prices in Iver are likely to escalate by 33.1 per cent after the high speed Crossrail service starts at the end of next year, according to a forecast by real estate experts Jones Laing LaSalle.

In view of that, it was no surprise when all 21 flats on a new development a few metres from the station sold in the space of four hours last week.

The properties were being sold off plan two years ahead of the scheduled completion date.

It was a chance for buyers to jump in now and hopefully watch the value of their future home go through the roof if the predictions turn out to be right.

Head of sales for Howarth Homes Linzie Howland said her team had made preparations for eager beavers to kip overnight at their Uxbridge head office ready to be at the front of the queue when the sales book opened the following day. Six took advantage of the offer.

She said “We knew from the initial feedback from customers registering their interest that demand was going to be high. We made provision for anyone wishing to arrive early to sleep overnight at the launch venue.

“People started arriving just over 24 hours before we opened the doors. At the head of the queue was a first time buyer who arrived the afternoon before the development was due to be launched at 3pm the following day.

“By 4.30pm we had reserved more than 50 per cent. The development was fully sold by around 7pm. Because we had purchasers’ solicitors present, contracts were exchanged on every property to secure the sale.”

The majority of flats are one beds on the development called The Link in Ritchings Park, Iver.

The cheapest was £250,000. The most expensive of the two bedroom properties was just under £400,000.

“Demand was greater than supply,” reported the sales boss. “Many prospective purchasers towards the back of the queue left disappointed.”

The lucky ones were a mix of investors and purchasers including a number of first time buyers wanting an apartment as a home for themselves, not to rent out to tenants.

The flats have streamlined kitchens with handle-less units and a full range of built-in appliances. Bathrooms are hotel style contemporary havens with gleaming white suites and Porcelanosa tiles.

Howarth Homes’ next development will be 33 apartments a few minutes from Hillingdon station due to come on stream at the end of April.