Women Homebuyers Shape Housing Demand

Reflecting on women’s progress toward societal and economic equality during Women’s History Month, it is revealing to explore their advancement as homebuyers, especially over the 50 years since passage of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) in 1974, because buying a home can be foundational to building generational wealth. 

In the United States single women are emerging as the leading group of homeowners. According to LendingTree and the National Association of Realtors^®, single women have been owning more homes than single men since 1981, and this trend shows no signs of slowing. 

Bedazzling the Market

In the U.S. overall, single women own 2.72 million more homes than single men, 11.14 million compared to 8.42 million, according to LendingTree.

This statistic is significant because it highlights a shift that has been unfolding for decades. Single women are not just buying homes—they’re also outpacing single men in key markets across the country. In San Diego, 46% of single women are homeowners compared to 39% of single men, according to Porch. In Southern states like Alabama, Louisiana, and South Carolina, single women hold a dominant share of homeownership, further signaling their growing role in the real estate market.

Factors Contributing to Male-Female Gap

1. Higher Incomes
   One of the most significant factors contributing to the rise in single women homeowners is the gradual narrowing of the gender wage gap. While women still earn less than men in many fields, their earnings have steadily increased in recent years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the gender wage gap has narrowed from 36% in 1980 to 18% in 2020. This increased earning potential has enabled more women to qualify for mortgages and accumulate the savings necessary for homeownership. In addition, many single women homebuyers – and single men – can qualify for down payment assistance, helping them qualify for a mortgage and start building generational wealth.
   
2. Educational Advancements
   Women are now more likely to obtain a college degree than men, a trend that has helped them achieve higher-paying jobs and greater economic independence. In fact, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, women represent the majority of college graduates in the U.S. This higher educational attainment has opened the doors to better career opportunities, positioning women to earn more and build the financial stability necessary to purchase a home on their own.
   
3. Desire for Stability
   For many women, homeownership is not just about acquiring property—it’s about securing stability for themselves and their families. Homeownership offers a sense of permanence that renting often does not. Many women prefer the predictability of fixed monthly mortgage payments over the uncertainty of fluctuating rental costs. Additionally, owning a home provides the stability of being able to live in one place for an extended period, which is particularly important for women who prioritize factors such as the quality of schools and healthcare facilities in their communities.
   
4. Financial Empowerment
   Homeownership represents more than just a financial achievement—it also symbolizes independence and empowerment. Historically, women have been dependent on male partners or family members to secure housing. However, in recent decades, more women have taken control of their financial futures and are now the primary decision-makers when it comes to buying property. This shift in behavior is not just a personal milestone—it also reflects a broader cultural change where women are increasingly seen as equal players in the economy.
   
5. A Woman’s World
   Over the past few decades, societal perceptions of women’s financial independence have evolved. Women are now seen as key economic contributors, and their ability to independently secure financial resources—like purchasing a home—is becoming more widely accepted. No longer do women need to wait for a partner or spouse to make homeownership a reality. With increased financial autonomy, women are actively seeking homeownership on their terms.

Homebuying & the Single Woman

Looking ahead, it’s clear that the trend of single women leading the charge in homeownership is likely to continue. As more women enter the homebuying market, we hope they will search our database of 2,400+ assistance programs to see if they are eligible for those in their area and/or for their profession. With an average $18,000 of assistance available, these programs can help applicants put down a larger down payment, pay down their interest rate, pay closing fees, or, with some, pay their real estate agent’s commission.

With narrowing wage gaps, increasing educational attainment, an ongoing desire for stability and a little bit of down payment assistance when needed, women are well-positioned to shape the housing market for years to come.