With marriages happening later in life, and divorces on the increase, there are more single people on the property market.

It is imperative that planners and builders take account of this when deciding what type of properties to build and where to build them

Martin Ellis, Halifax economist

"People are also living longer," Halifax economist Mark Ellis said.

The bank found 40% of homebuyers were single in 2001, compared with one quarter in 1983.

The rise is being attributed in particular to the increasing numbers of singletons among young adults and the elderly, with women leading the shift.

The proportion of single women buying their own home has risen from 8% to 15% in the past two decades.

Planning implications

Halifax said house builders should take note of the findings for planning future building projects.

"It is imperative that planners and builders take account of this when deciding what types of properties to build and where to build them," Mr Ellis said.

"It's no use building three or four bedroom houses when the demand is for one or two bedroom houses and flats."