THE image of the beer-swilling single man living in traditional bachelor pads could be a thing of the past. According to Bryant Homes, over the last 12 months 100 per cent of buyers living on their own in the Weald opted for a three or four-bedroom detached home usually bought by families.

Also, single men in the Weald are spending an average of £392,857. Louise Frampton, regional sales manager, says this change in housebuying trends could be down to a change in the buyers.

She said: "Single men seem more reluctant to move away from the comforts of the family home and, as a result, are making their first house purchase at an older age - by this time they can afford a larger property and are looking for something that will be spacious enough to accommodate changing circumstances.

"Another factor may be the number of divorcees coming back into the market. Men who find themselves single again will often go for a property of a similar size to the family home they are used to, with enough space for the children's weekend visits."