STATISTICS have revealed a growing trend for single living which is having a significant impact on the housing market.

The proportion of one-person households in Britain rose from 18 to 29 per cent between 1971 and 2003, with 24.5 million people living alone in 2003, up from 18.6 million in the early Seventies.

According to Mintel’s recent Singletons research report, people are spending more time living on their own before settling down to marry, especially common among women who are becoming more independent and socially confident and more inclined to take time out to see the world.

Theresa Cremin, a regional sales director for David Wilson Homes, said: “Apartment living more than fits the bill for these growing numbers of singletons, offering a home with a spacious, yet manageable layout, which is also extremely low maintenance, with no garden or guttering to worry about - an important factor whether you’re a young or not-so-young singleton.

Apartments also suit singletons’ social needs - there’s usually someone on the doorstep should you need a spare pair of hands to fix a lightbulb, for example, and with many of our apartment schemes located in desirable town centres and established residential areas, shops, theatres, bars and restaurants can also be just a short walk away.

Another beauty of single living is that you can live exactly how you want to and personalise your home to suit your tastes.

Adds Theresa: “Many of our single buyers are attracted by our Expressions optional extras which allows them to personalise and adapt their new home ahead of moving in, choosing from a wide range of accessories, tailored to the style of their new home, from soft furnishings including curtains and light fittings, to study furniture packages, flooring and wardrobes. This removes the sourcing hassle for singletons and still allows for design freedom.”

For information about David Wilson Homes in Kent, call 0800 234 455 or visit www.davidwilsonhomes.co.uk