THESE might be Britain's most sought-after council flats... and they're in Poole.

Brand new block Nile Court, which has just opened to residents, has views over Poole Harbour.

The development of one- and two-bedroom flats, all of which have private balconies, features a 'communal public art area' and underground parking.

Thirty out of the 46 flats in the nine-storey Holes Bay building are only available to tenants registered for council accommodation.

Monthly rents will be around £270, although the top floor flats will set the occupiers back a slightly higher at £320.

The other 16 apartments will be sold to people on a shared ownership basis with housing association Sovereign Living.

All of the flats are now occupied, with tenants moving in over the past weekend.

Councillor Vikki Slade, leader of BCP Council, who helped open the flats, said: "The flats are amazing and the views are spectacular, and you have to bear in mind they are almost all for local people on the housing register.

"They've already all been snapped up, and those who have got them are very lucky indeed.

"It is a great place to live, and as well as the harbour views you can also watch the speedway."

Residents of Sandbanks will share similar views, although homes on the peninsula often sell for more than £10 million.

Properties with sea views and glimpses in nearby Canford Cliffs and Lilliput also change hands for between £1m and £3m.

Helen Hann, divisional director at Sovereign, said: "It's great to see people moving into, and enjoying, their new homes."

Local estate agent Adrian Dunford, of Tailor Made, said: "Everyone aspires to have a sea view can they can cause an uplift in the value of a property anywhere from 25 per cent to even 50 per cent.

"Having a view of Poole Harbour is even more sought-after than nearby Bournemouth pier.

"This is the location where people want to live when they come into the area."