Demand for new housing will have virtually dried up by the year 2010.

That prediction was one of a number of surprising findings contained in a Bermuda Housing Corporation study released yesterday.

Based on information gleaned from the 1991 Census, the Island's first ever detailed housing report will serve as a blueprint for future Government policies.

Among its findings were: Bermuda has the highest number of one person households in the world. 30 percent of homes are occupied by singles; An ageing population means demand for housing will have virtually dried up by the year 2010. There may even be a glut of surplus houses; Over the last 30 years, households with five people or more have effectively disappeared. The average household size is now 2.61 persons per household compared with 2.9 in 1980; Forty one percent of the population own their homes. This compares favourably with 38 percent in France and 42 percent in Germany; and There will be an increasing demand for smaller homes for the elderly.

Canadian statistician and economist Dr. Anthony Stukel, who compiled the report, yesterday commented on its findings.

He advised Government to concentrate on upgrading and repairing existing homes in light of the anticipated decrease in housing demand over the next 30 years.

"The message really is that up until now the concern was with quantity - now it's quality,'' he said. "Since 1983 new residential construction has been very high and basic needs were satisfied. But a substantial number now are in need of repair and some are an eyesore.

"Using existing housing is probably better then going into new residential construction. It will improve the appearance of the Country which is very important for Bermuda being a tourist attraction.'' Types of housing, he said, should be adapted to changing demands. An ageing population will need smaller units with fewer bedrooms.

But Mr. Stukel said the construction industry should not be alarmed by the report's findings.

Instead, the information would help them make sound decisions for the future of the industry. Renewal and repair of housing areas particularly in north east Hamilton and its environs would create a significant amount of work for construction companies, he said.

The dramatic increase in single households could be attributed in part to the one car per household rule, he said.

"There must be some correlation I'm quite sure,'' he said. "For many young people a car is a status symbol and not always a necessity.'' Barracks left behind after the departure of US Naval Air Base are unlikely to meet Bermudian housing standards, he said.

Housing report issued "The best thing to do is just get rid of them. The land is perhaps more valuable than the existing structures.'' The units, he said, were unlikely to appeal to Bermudians unless a substantial amount of money was spent upgrading them.

Minister of Health, Social Services and Housing, the Hon. Quinton Edness praised the Bermuda Housing Corporation for the report.

"The report will help Government remain pro-active,'' Mr. Edness said.

"Before, there was no place to go for meaningful information on housing.

"As far as Government is concerned, this report is very valuable with regard to population trends. It provides us with a wealth of information.'' It also raised issues of concern to Government including the rising number of single parent families and a growing elderly population, he said.

"The rapid rate of growth in the elderly population will lead to tremendous problems which we need to look at them in advance. The report is an insight into the future and what we must do. That's why we're so excited about it.''