The caste borders the grounds of Clyne Park in Swansea

Clyne Castle is being converted into 17 one and two bedroom apartments.

House-hunters were not deterred by the �205,000 to �500,000 price tag and they were snapped up when they went on sale on Wednesday morning.

The demand is seen as further evidence of a property boom in the city which has seen house prices rise by a third in the past 12 months.

I've been looking for property in the area and I just thought you can't afford to miss out Lee Woodman

Lee Woodman, a 23-year-old web designer, set up camp outside the castle at 2200BST on Sunday.

"I was fourth in the queue. If you want something badly enough then you've got to be prepared to do it," he said.

"I've got a two-bedroom in the west wing. I'm absolutely delighted. I think it's a really nice flat.

"It's an incredible location. You've got Spanish style beaches on Gower just two miles away and the city centre is just down the road.

"I've been looking for property in the area and I just thought you can't afford to miss out.

"Camping out was a good way to meet your new neighbours."

Buyers had to put down a 1% deposit although they were told their new homes would be ready until next year.

Mr Woodman believes tourists and visitors to the area are partly responsible for driving up house prices in the city.

"I use to work in a pub in Rhossili and saw the way businesses was increasing," he added.

"You've got Catherine Zeta Jones and Bonnie Tyler promoting the place in The Times every weekend which must help."

The average price for a home in Swansea is now �111,354 according to the latest figures from the Land Registry - a rise of 33.2% in the last year.

Many mortgage lenders are predicting continued growth throughout 2004 even though interest rates are on the rise.

Peter Griffiths, chief executive of the Principality Building Society, said: "While there is evidence of a slowing down in prices in our capital city, Cardiff, we believe that house prices across Wales will continue to increase throughout the year at a higher rate than other parts of the UK.