One in five recent homebuyers were single women. This is the largest group of homebuyers second only to married couples, according to a recent report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The same report shows that prior to 2024, the last time single female homeownership was 20% or above was in 2010.
The research team at This Old House analyzed prevailing trends among single women homebuyers using data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the U.S. Census Bureau to uncover why they buy more than single men. We also interviewed industry experts to gain insight into the relationship between single women and homeownership.
“Owning a home signals the gains that women have made in education and the workforce and greater gender equality in intimate relationships,” says Rachel Allison, associate professor of sociology at Mississippi State University.
Although single women comprise a larger portion of recent homeowners than single men, members of both groups can still struggle to afford the upfront costs of homeownership. If you leveraged the majority of your savings on a down payment, contracting with a cheap moving company can help build some breathing room back into your moving budget.
Key Takeaways
- Single women homebuyers grew to 20% in 2024, while single men homebuyers fell to 8% from 10% in 2023, according to the NAR.
- Single women householders made up more than double (68%) that of single men householders (32%) among family households that didn’t include a married couple, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
- Single women are more likely to care for a child under 18 and purchase a multi-generational home than single men, according to the NAR.
- Single women are also more likely to make financial sacrifices (45%) to achieve homeownership than single men (40%), according to the NAR.
Single Women Homebuyer Trends
Among recent homebuyers in 2024, 20% were single females, and 8% were single males, according to the NAR. While the number of single women homebuyers increased from 19% in 2023, the number of single men homebuyers fell from 10% year-over-year, per the NAR. Single males also comprised 10% of recent homebuyers in 1981, with women slightly ahead at 11%, according to the NAR.
Data from the Census Bureau shows that, in 2024, 34% of Americans aged 15 and older had never been married, up from 23% in 1950. “Women do not need a partner to pursue homeownership,” says Allison, “It is more culturally acceptable now for women to own homes alone than in the past.” In fact, the number of married households has trended downward since the mid-1900s, corresponding to an upward trend in the number of nonfamily households, per the Census.
In 2024, 74% of family households were headed by a married couple, according to Census data. Single women comprised 68% of householders of family households without a married couple, while single men comprised 32%. The same trend exists among nonfamily households, with 52% headed by single women and 48% by single men.
Why Do Single Women Buy More Homes Than Men?
“Homeownership can provide not only shelter but also stability for women with families,” says Krista Paulsen, professor at Boise State University. Single women are more likely to have children under 18 in the home (16%) and purchase a multi-generational home (15%) than single men (13% and 10%, respectively), according to the NAR. “Single women are buying homes at higher rates in younger demographics, possibly because they are more likely to have caregiving responsibilities, whether for elderly parents or children,” says Sam Chandan, director of the Chao-Hon Chen Institute for Global Real Estate Finance at the New York University Stern School of Business.
For single women without children or parents to care for, homeownership may have a different meaning. “Many young women were raised with messages of achievement, empowerment, and independence that may make them see homeownership as a valuable life goal,” says Allison. In analyzing the financial arrangements single women and single men made prior to purchasing a home, the following trends emerged, per the NAR:
- The typical household income of single women first-time homebuyers ($69,600) and repeat buyers ($73,600) is less than that of single men first-time homebuyers ($83,300) and repeat buyers ($92,500).
- Single women are more likely (45%) than single men (40%) to make financial sacrifices, such as reducing spending on nonessential clothes, entertainment, and goods.
- More single women (41%) used the sale of a previous home to make a down payment than single men (31%).
- Single men (56%) are more likely than single women (46%) to use their savings for a down payment on a home.
Single women (16%) are more likely to move to be close to friends and family compared to single men (8%), per the NAR. “Single women homeowners would benefit from having a strong network of social support,” says Allison. However, single men (16%) are more likely to move due to a change in a family situation than single women (12%).
Expert Tips for Single Homeownership
Some homeownership comes with advantages and disadvantages. “Single homeowners may find freedom in being the only person making decisions about the organization and décor of their home,” says Allison. “Of course, being solely responsible for the home can also be a challenge.”
Financial prudence can go a long way for single homeowners, says Chandan. “Having a rainy-day fund or cash reserve becomes especially important to help carry you through periods of unemployment or unexpected medical and family expenses.” Homeowners may also face several additional types of unforeseen costly repairs, “such as a new roof or furnace,” says Chandan.
Budgeting for monthly homeownership expenses requires more than just setting aside enough for the mortgage payment. “For homeowners with conventional mortgages, the monthly expenses of homeownership are fairly predictable, though increasing costs for insurance and property taxes can pose a financial burden,” says Paulsen. “Buyers need to be aware of how transportation and commute costs will figure into their monthly budget.”
If possible, stay ahead of any financial concerns that may threaten your ability to afford your home. “Be aware that if circumstances change and you need to sell, it’s not a costless or frictionless undertaking,” says Chandan. A proactive approach—regardless of the outcome—serves homeowners better than a reactionary one.
