THE different stages of a person’s life determines their priority when buying a new home, according to survey results from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

The factors which make the difference between a sale or not, range from security and nightlife, to transport, shops and schools.

The survey, which is part of the ongoing research by the RICS into the different preferences of various age groups, shows how men and women's priorities vary according to their marital status, lifestyle and most importantly, whether or not they have children.

The survey asked 140 chartered surveyor estate agents to state the three most important criteria specified by different social groups when looking for a new home.

Single men identified leisure and transport as their major concern, with security being the most important priority for single women and divorcees.

However, after single women move in with their partners their interests shift to include garages and off street parking. And when couples and single women have children, naturally a garden and a good school become the focus.

Trevor Hines, RICS south east regional director, said: "The factors which are important to people at different times in their lives do not come as any real surprise.

"The value of this research is how it is used by housebuilders and developers when considering who they are aiming their new homes and apartments at, and any influence the surrounding neighbourhood has on prospective purchasers."

Gay couples' interests focus on the same issues as single men and women - nightlife, leisure and security. These priorities also make a re-appearance as important factors for divorcees, along with the quality of neighbourhoods.