One in five homebuyers is a single woman – here’s what’s driving the shift

Move over men. Women are making major moves in the housing market, and many are doing it solo. Single women now account for roughly one in five U.S. homebuyers, more than double the share of single men. As their presence in the market grows, they’re not only reshaping the demographics of who buys homes but reshaping the market itself with what types of homes they are looking for and the services they need to support their needs. Women continue to buy homes regardless of the obstacles Despite the ongoing ups and downs of the housing market, including economic cycles and affordability obstacles including post-pandemic high interest rates, low inventory, and soaring prices, women – particularly Millennials – have continued to show resiliency. One of the most striking new developments? Among first-time buyers, single women now earn a median income of $73,000, surpassing single men (at $66,400) for the first time ever, reflecting women’s rising earning power and educational achievement. Outside of income, there are additional demographic considerations driving these trends within the segment of single female homeowners. According to NAR’s 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers,71% of single female buyers have purchased a home before, indicating repeat buyers. Younger women, particularly Gen Z, now represent 30% of all single female buyers – the highest generational share on record. Still, even more younger women want to buy homes, but affordability remains a roadblock. Many younger millennials and Gen Zers want to purchase a home but can’t afford it right now due to economic obstacles. When faced with some of these rising economic pressures and determining how much home you can afford, it’s important to consider not just the sticker price of the home, but the total cost of homeownership – including closing costs, taxes, and ongoing maintenance and upkeep. According to a 2025 American Home Shield survey, the first year of homeownership can cost $86,698 when f