Housing News

Power Moves: How Single Women are Outpacing Single Men in Homeownership

All the single ladies…may be buying homes.

Single women made up 20% all homebuyers, according to the National Association of Realtors’ 2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. This was up slightly from 19% the previous year. (The report surveyed those who purchased a primary home from mid-2023 through mid-2024.)

In addition, single women bought two-and-a-half times as many homes as single men. The latter made up 8% of homebuyers.

"Single women continue to outperform single men in the housing market and are second only to married couples as the [largest] share of homebuyers," said NAR’s Deputy Chief Economist Jessica Lautz.

Many women hope to lock in the majority of the housing costs through a fixed mortgage, build wealth through homeownership, and provide a secure  home for their families.

"Single women clearly value the stability homeownership provides and are willing to make financial sacrifices to obtain this housing goal even on lower household incomes than their male counterparts," said Lautz.

Single women embrace homeownership across all ages

In 2022, women owned 58% of the 35.2 million homes owned by single Americans, compared to men's 42%, according to the Pew Research Center.

This shift in homeownership is influenced strongly by older women as the median age of single female buyers was 60, according to the NAR report. Many women, including those who are widowed or divorced, prioritize homeownership as a source of independence and long-term stability.

One of the big advantages to homeownership for many is fixing the bulk of their monthly housing costs rather than being beholden to a landlord that could increase the rent.

For these women, homeownership offers not only a place to live but also a solid investment and a sense of control over their futures.

Yet, it's not just older women leading the charge.

About a quarter of all first-time buyers, 24%, were first-time buyers, according to NAR.

The income challenge: How single women make it work

Despite earning less money, single women continued to purchase homes even in a challenging housing market.

The median income for single female home buyers in 2024 was $72,500—the lowest among all household types. Meanwhile, while single men had a median income of $88,300.

With a smaller budget, single women often must save longer, consider down payment assistance and other programs, and explore affordable housing options.

Once they purchase their homes, single women may be reluctant to leave.

In 2024, only 18% of single women sold their homes, down from previous years. For older women especially, a home may provide security as they age, potentially making them less inclined to move.