Single women are purchasing homes at more than twice the rate of single men, according to recent data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). They now constitute the second-largest category of homebuyers, trailing only married couples.
Why it matters: The housing market has traditionally focused on families and couples. However, today's buyers increasingly include financially independent women purchasing homes—earlier in life and with distinct priorities. This demographic shift is influencing the design, marketing, and sale of homes across the United States.
20% of home purchases in 2024 were made by single women, per the NAR 2024 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report. Single men bought 8%. Among first-time buyers, 32% were single women.
“What we found is 92% of all home purchases are led by women. We not only did quantitative research, but we also studied the demographics,” said Mollie Carmichael, principal, advisory at Zonda. “Meanwhile, for one in five homes purchased for the 55+ consumer, it’s a single woman doing the buying.”
See More: The 2025 Housing Market: What it Means For New Homebuyers
What is Driving the Shift?
For many women, buying a home is about long-term security and self-reliance. “Women recognize the importance of home ownership and stability. They recognize a home as a good long-term investment that is lower risk,” said Jennifer Beeston, executive vice president at Rate.com.
“Studies have shown that women are less likely to take a financial risk then a man, so home ownership is a great way to safely invest for their future. We are finally breaking free of the concept that women should wait to be married to buy a home.” Homebuilders are adapting. Features that resonate with solo women buyers are becoming more common in new construction.
Smart features: En-suite laundry, heated bathroom floors, and high-tech kitchen appliances — like boiling water taps and sensor-activated ovens — are top picks.
Condo perks: For busy buyers, a building concierge to handle parcels is a valuable asset. Bonus points for a gym and pool.
Personal touches: Walk-in closets, open-concept layouts, and roomy spaces for floating shelves, kitchen islands, or a dining table that brings people together.
See Also: 7 Differences Between What Millennials and Boomers Look for in a Home
Why Single Women Prefer to Purchase Their Own Homes
1. A path to wealth: Many single women view homeownership as a key to achieving long-term financial security. Rising incomes and financial literacy empower them to invest in real estate solo.
2. Stability matters: Owning offers steady payments and protection from rent hikes. It’s especially valuable for those with kids or multigenerational households, ensuring consistent schools and housing.
3. Control + comfort: New construction allows single women to pick layouts, finishes, and features that reflect their lifestyle. It’s a chance to build a space that feels like home.
4. Safety first: New builds — especially in planned communities — often come with security features and a strong sense of community. That’s a big draw.
5. Smart location choices: Proximity to work, friends, and amenities supports a balanced lifestyle. Many single women choose locations that boost quality of life and connection.
See More: The Gen Z + Millennial Dream Home: 5 Things Younger Homebuyers Want
Go Deeper: Women earned 82.7 cents for every dollar a man earned in 2023, per the Institute for Women's Policy Research. This income gap affects borrowing power. However, “85% of all consumer purchases are led by women and two-thirds of the U.S. consumer wealth by 2030 will be controlled by women, so it's huge,” said Carmichael.
Meanwhile, A 2022 Urban Institute study found that single women were more likely to be denied conventional loans than men with similar financial profiles.
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