Let’s rewind to 1981—a time when the Post-it Note made its debut, IBM introduced its first microcomputer, and Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 was topping the charts. It was also the year the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) first published the Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, uncovering a trend that has only gained momentum over time: single women outpacing single men in homeownership. Fast forward to today, and despite rising home prices and wage gaps, single women continue to be a driving force in the housing market.
Breaking Barriers: How We Got Here
It’s wild to think that before 1974, women couldn’t even secure a mortgage without a male cosigner. The passage of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act changed the game, allowing women to take control of their financial future. Since then, single women have made homeownership a priority, proving that financial independence and stability are worth the effort—even when the odds are stacked against them.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Back in 1981, the breakdown of home buyers looked like this:
- Married couples: 73%
- Single women: 11%
- Single men: 10%
Fast forward to today:
- Married couples: 62%
- Single women: 20%
- Single men: 8%
The peak for single women buyers came in 2006, when they accounted for 22% of all home purchases. Between 2016 and 2024, their share has fluctuated between 17% and 20%. Meanwhile, single men have remained between 7% and 9% over the last decade.
Among first-time home buyers, the shift is even more striking:
- In 1985, married couples made up 75% of first-time home buyers. Today, that number has dropped to 50%.
- Single women first-time buyers jumped from 11% in 1985 to 24% in 2024.
- Single men have seen only a slight increase, from 9% to 11% over the same period.
Why Women Are Leading the Charge
One easy explanation for this shift is the declining marriage rate. In 1950, 23% of Americans over the age of 15 had never been married. Today, that number has climbed to 34%. But that doesn’t explain why single women are stepping up while single men are lagging behind.
A closer look at the data shows that motivations matter:
- Women are significantly more likely to buy a home to be near friends and family, making emotional and practical support a priority.
- Stability is a key factor—single women buyers are more likely to have children under 18 at home and are slightly more likely to purchase multi-generational homes.
- While both men and women cite “the desire to own a home” as their main reason for buying, men are more likely to purchase for retirement (7% versus 4% for women).
Financial Challenges and Sacrifices
Here’s the reality: single women are making it work with less.
- The median household income for single women first-time buyers is $71,300, compared to $87,500 for single men.
- Despite earning less, single women are willing to make financial sacrifices to achieve homeownership. 44% of them cut spending on non-essential goods, vacations, and even take on second jobs—compared to 37% of men.
- Many single women double up with family or friends to save for a down payment, showing just how determined they are to own a home.
Because of these challenges, single women buyers tend to enter the market later than men. The median age for a first-time female buyer is 40, compared to 34 for men. But by the time they become repeat buyers, that age gap levels out—likely reflecting career growth and major life transitions happening later in adulthood.
Final Thoughts
No matter how they get there, one thing is clear: single women are proving that homeownership isn’t just for married couples. They’re making strategic sacrifices, planning for stability, and taking control of their financial futures in ways that weren’t possible just a few decades ago.
The resilience and determination of single women buyers continue to shape the housing market, and their impact will only grow. For more insights on this and other home-buying trends, check out the full Profile of Home Buyers and Sellersreport.
matthewpasciuta.com 
Leave a comment