THREE-STOREY living is fast becoming a versatile lifestyle, with a growing number of new-build developments embracing the flexible design trend.

John Fisher, managing director of T A Fisher, said: "We are witnessing increased demand for three-storey homes, including from couples and young growing families who appreciate and demand all the advantages afforded by urban living.

"They appreciate and enjoy the convenience of easy access to extensive shopping and entertainment, communications and transport routes - and, of course, good schooling."

He cites Cliddesden Place in Basingstoke as the perfect example of modern three-storey living on a new gated development, which T A Fisher has just released through estate agents Poulters.

The development brings together a mix of houses and apartments in one of Basingstoke's premier residential locations.

The new homes are being built in Cliddesden Road on land bought from Queen Mary's College, and the three-storey houses have been released with prices from £499,950.

Since the furnished show house opened, Nic Austen, head of Poulters in Basingstoke, said: "The interest has been fantastic and predominately from local people who know the Fisher brand and appreciate the location."

He added: "This development is massively bucking the current trend in the property market."

The completed development will consist of four five-bedroomed houses and 14 one and two-bedroomed apartments. Some of the apartments have balconies and the two-bedroomed designs feature en suite shower rooms.

The houses offer some 2,020 square feet of accommodation and Mr Fisher said: "Buyers have come to expect their property to work harder for them - and three-storey living certainly delivers greater versatility and more scope for creative configuration of space."