Single Women in Homeownership: A Growing Trend
Recent insights from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) highlight significant trends in the landscape of homeownership, particularly among single women. According to Jessica Lautz, NAR’s deputy chief economist and vice president of research, the dynamics of home buying have shifted dramatically over the past few decades.
Shifting Demographics in Home Buying
The landscape of homeownership has undergone notable changes since the 1980s. In 1981, married couples constituted a substantial 73% of home buyers, while single women and single men represented 11% and 10%, respectively. Fast forward to today, and the share of married couples has decreased to 62%, whereas single women have increased their market presence to 20%, with single men trailing at 8%.
The peak for single women buyers was recorded in 2006 at 22%. In the past eight years, their representation has stabilized between 17% and 20%, indicating a consistent growth trend.
First-Time Home Buyer Trends
The evolution of first-time homebuyers is equally striking. Back in 1985, a significant 75% of first-time buyers were married couples. Today, this figure has halved to 50%. Meanwhile, the proportion of first-time homebuyers who are single women has surged from 11% in 1985 to 24% in 2024. Conversely, single men’s share has only slightly increased from 9% to 11% during the same period.
Factors Influencing Home Buying Decisions
Several factors contribute to the observed increase in homeownership among single women. Lautz suggests that single women are more likely to have children under the age of 18 living at home and are also inclined to purchase multigenerational residences. This demographic and lifestyle consideration may influence their decisions in the housing market.
Economic factors play a crucial role as well. Lautz highlights income disparities, noting that women typically buy homes with a household income averaging $71,300, in contrast to single men, who report an average income of $87,500. This income difference grants men greater purchasing power, despite the higher rates of home purchasing observed among single women.
Age and Financial Decisions
There are also notable age disparities among buyers. The median age for first-time homebuying among single women is 40 years, while the median age for single men is 34 years. Additionally, women often exhibit a willingness to make financial sacrifices to secure homeownership. Lautz reports that 44% of women made such sacrifices, compared to 37% of men. Common sacrifices include reducing spending on nonessentials, cancelling vacations, and even taking on additional work.
Future Outlook for Women in Home Buying
Lautz’s findings align with predictions from Sotheby’s International Realty’s 2025 Luxury Outlook Report, which anticipates that by 2030, women will control approximately $34 trillion, or 38% of all investable assets. This substantial economic power may further influence the housing market as women increasingly become key players in homeownership.
The evolving role of women in the real estate market emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of their contributions and challenges. As trends continue to shift, the emphasis on homeownership among single women will likely persist, capturing the attention of policymakers and industry experts alike.