  We present the results of an investigation on the main structural properties
derived from VRI and Halpha surface photometry of galaxies hosting nuclear
emission-line regions (including Seyfert 1, Seyfert 2, LINER and starburst
galaxies) as compared with normal galaxies. Our original sample comprises 22
active galaxies, 4 starbursts and 1 normal galaxy and has been extended with
several samples obtained from the literature. Bulge and disc parameters, along
with B/D relation, have been derived applying an iterative procedure. The
resulting parameters have been combined with additional data in order to reach
a statistically significant sample. We find some differences in the bulge
distribution across the different nuclear types that could imply familes of
bulges with different physical properties. Bulge and disc characteristic
colours have been defined and derived for our sample and compared with a
control sample of early type objects. The results suggest that bulge and disc
stellar populations are comparable in normal and active galaxies.
