Home sweet home, with love from your Valentine

This seemingly whimsical notion is backed up by a recent survey, in which an overwhelming majority of respondents said that potential partners are more attractive to them if they already own a home.

The poll, posted on behalf of ooba, South Africa's largest bond originator, showed that 75% of respondents view a potential partner as more attractive if they own a home. Another 18% said that they didn't have a preference, while 4% said partners who rent are more attractive and only 3% said that they would prefer a partner who still lives with his or her parents.

"The image of a newlywed husband and wife entering their first home together is becoming outdated," says Careen Mckinon, ooba Sales Direct Manager. "Modern relationships are clearly about two independently established individuals building a life together. Since property is the largest asset that most people will ever own, it's a measure of your financial standing and independence."

"Of course," says Justin Clarke, Privateproperty.co,za CEO, "most people can't just dash out and buy a property in the hopes of attracting romance, but any young person with an income, whether they are in a relationship or not, should start thinking about how to invest in property in the future.

"By starting early and getting a foothold on the property ladder, you're preparing yourself for anything that the future might hold. And if your property gives you the added opportunity of attracting you a partner, then home really will be where the heart is."