Five Myths About Women Homebuyers and What the Data Really Shows

March is Women’s History Month in the United States, a time to recognize the contributions women have made to our history, culture and society. It’s also a good moment to reflect on how women continue to shape the housing market.

Women have become one of the most influential forces in homeownership. Single women consistently purchase more homes than single men each year, and women increasingly lead homebuying decisions in households across the country.

Yet, despite this growing impact, many outdated assumptions about women buyers still persist in housing conversations.

Let’s take a closer look at five common myths about women homebuyers and what the data actually reveals.

Related: Start the New Year Strong: Why Down Payment Programs Should Be Part of Your Homebuying Plan

Myth 1: Women need a partner to buy a home

Reality: Women are one of the largest groups of independent homebuyers.

For years, single women have represented a significantly larger share of homebuyers than single men. Data from the National Association of Realtors regularly shows single women accounting for nearly one in five home purchases, compared to roughly half that share for single men.

Many women choose to buy homes on their own for reasons including financial independence, stability and long-term wealth building. Homeownership offers the opportunity to build equity, establish roots in a community and create a strong financial foundation for the future. Programs that help reduce upfront costs can play an important role in helping more women achieve that goal.

Myth 2: Women wait longer to buy because of income gaps

Reality: Women often prioritize homeownership earlier as part of long-term financial planning.

While income disparities still exist across the workforce, research shows that many women view homeownership as a key step toward financial security. For some buyers, owning a home is part of a strategy to build wealth over time rather than relying solely on income growth.

That’s where down payment programs can make a meaningful difference. Thousands of programs across the country offer grants, forgivable loans or low-interest second mortgages that can help eligible buyers cover upfront costs.

By connecting homebuyers and housing professionals with these programs, Down Payment Resource helps ensure more people can access opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Related: Down Payment Programs 101: The 3 Most Common Homeownership Programs Explained

Myth 3: Women are more hesitant buyers

Reality: Women tend to be highly informed buyers who do their homework.

Studies have shown that women often spend more time researching neighborhoods, financing options and property conditions before making a purchase decision. That preparation can make them more confident once they find the right home.

In today’s housing market, where affordability and competition can vary widely by region, access to clear information is critical. Tools that help identify down payment programs and affordability options allow buyers to explore opportunities they may not have known existed.

For many buyers, discovering a program that can help cover a portion of the down payment or closing costs can be the difference between waiting and moving forward.

Myth 4: Women only buy smaller homes

Reality: Women purchase a wide range of properties.

Women buy everything from starter homes to investment properties. Many single women homebuyers purchase homes similar in size and price to those purchased by couples, particularly when they are planning to stay in a community for several years.

As women increasingly lead household financial decisions, they are also playing a larger role in determining where families live, what type of property they purchase and how that home supports their lifestyle and long-term financial goals.

Access to financial resources and homeownership programs expands the options available to all buyers, including those navigating the process on their own.

Related: How Do I Apply for Down Payment Assistance? Here’s a Step-by-Step Guide

Myth 5: Women rely heavily on others to make financial decisions

Reality: Women frequently lead the homebuying process.

Research shows women influence or control the majority of household financial decisions in the United States, and housing is no exception. From selecting neighborhoods to evaluating loan options, women often guide many of the most important steps in the homebuying journey.

That leadership is reflected in how buyers approach the process today. Many want access to tools, education and resources that allow them to make informed decisions with confidence.

Expanding opportunity for today’s homebuyers

More than 2,600 homebuyer programs exist nationwide, yet many buyers are unaware they qualify for help. These programs can provide support with down payments, closing costs, and other upfront expenses, making homeownership more accessible. By making these opportunities easier to discover, Down Payment Resource helps lenders, housing counselors and real estate professionals connect buyers with solutions that fit their financial situation.

Access to clear, reliable information can make a meaningful difference for buyers navigating the path to homeownership. For women pursuing homeownership independently — whether buying a first home, relocating for a career opportunity or building long-term wealth — understanding the financial resources available can open doors that might otherwise seem out of reach.

That progress is worth recognizing during Women’s History Month, which honors the contributions of women to history, culture and society. In housing, that story includes the growing number of women purchasing homes, building equity and shaping communities across the country. While challenges around affordability and access remain, expanding awareness of financial resources and homebuyer programs is helping more people turn homeownership into a reality. 

By connecting buyers with down payment opportunities, Down Payment Resource supports that mission every day, helping ensure that all homebuyers — including the increasing number of women leading the way — can explore the path to homeownership with confidence.

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Down Payment Resource builds tools that help mortgage lenders, real estate agents, multiple listing services and consumer listing sites build relationships with homebuyers by connecting them with the down payment help they need.

To learn how Down Payment Resource can help you support homebuyers, contact us.