An increasing number of single people are choosing to buy property alone rather than wait for marriage or a partner to come along, according to a survey.

Mortgage adviser Charcol said singletons made up the bulk of lone buyers, choosing the security of a home over a long term partner.

Fifteen years ago most people waited until they were married or at least living with someone before taking the property plunge

Ricky Okey, Charcol

"It seems to be mortgage rather than marriage that people aspire to," said Charcol.

Also boosting figures for lone buyers were the rising number of divorcees, or people buying alone after a separation.

Going it alone

Charcol's survey of mortgage loans found the number of single homeowners has risen by 13% over the last 15 years.

The mortgage lender said this figure would rise further as lifestyles continue to change.

"Fifteen years ago most people waited until they were married or at least living with someone before taking the property plunge," said Charcol manager Ricky Okey.

Single buyers' impact on the housing market has snowballed over the past decade

Ricky Okey, Charcol

The majority of those questioned, 81%, said they were buying alone through choice rather than necessity.

As many as 61% cited independence as the key reason for living alone while 67% viewed it as a financial investment.

Single strength

Singletons are leading the trend, as marriage plans are put on the back burner and the number of single people between 20 and 30 years old continues to rise.

"The strength of the singleton cannot be ignored," Mr Okey said.

"With singletons ploughing more and more money into property, the property market is becoming increasingly conscious of this growing economic power base."

Single 20 or 30-somethings make up 43% of first-time buyers, but there is also a large number of single second-time buyers re-entering the market after splitting from partners.

Cashing in

The bad news for the singles markets is that estate agents are aware of this growing trend.

Charcol said it is the market for flats or semi-detached houses which is seeing a significant rise in prices.

"Single buyers' impact on the housing market has snowballed over the past decade," said Mr Okey.

"We believe it will keep gathering pace for the foreseeable future.