Single Women Outpace Men in First-Time Homebuying, Driven by Income and Financial Savvy
Single women are increasingly becoming a dominant force in the housing market, not only outpacing single men as homebuyers but also demonstrating stronger financial footing, particularly among first-time buyers. A recent report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reveals a shift in income dynamics, with single women reporting higher median incomes than their male counterparts when entering homeownership.
Income Disparity Reverses for First-Time Buyers
Among first-time homebuyers, single women reported a median annual income of $73,000, compared to $66,400 for single men, according to the NAR’s 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, analyzing transactions between July 2024 and June 2025. This marks the first time the NAR has observed an income advantage for single women in this segment of the market. Previously, male buyers consistently earned more, with the 2024 report showing a median income of $73,100 for women and $87,500 for men.
“While it’s uncertain whether the flip is the start of a new trend, this is the first time the organization has found that the income disparity favors women,” said Jessica Lautz, deputy chief economist and vice president of research for NAR.
Growing Representation of Single Women in the Market
The trend is reflected in the growing proportion of single women entering the housing market. Single women now account for 25% of first-time homebuyers, a significant increase from 11% in 1985. In comparison, single men represent 10% of first-time buyers, up from 9% in 1985. 21% of all homebuyers are single women, while 9% are single men.
Lautz suggests that single women “understand how homeownership is a wealth-building tool. They build sacrifices,” often cutting back on non-essential spending, entertainment, vacations, and even taking on second jobs to save for a down payment. Specifically, 41% of single women buyers reported making financial sacrifices, compared to 31% of men.
Historical Context and Ongoing Challenges
While single women are gaining ground, broader gender pay gaps persist. The Pew Research Center reported that in 2024, women earned an average of 85% of what men earned, an improvement from 81% in 2003 and 65% in 1982. Historically, women faced significant barriers to homeownership, requiring a male co-signer for mortgages until the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974 ensured equal access to credit.
Despite progress, affordability remains a major hurdle. Rising mortgage rates, increasing home prices, and limited inventory are making it harder for all buyers, particularly those relying on a single income. From 2000 to 2024, median home prices increased by about 207%, while median per-capita income grew by around 155%, according to a recent study from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
Financial Planning and Future Outlook
Financial planner Nicole Romito, a partner at Private Vista in Chicago, notes that single women are increasingly prioritizing homeownership as a key financial goal. “What I see is women are not waiting to either get married or find a life partner before moving forward and accomplishing their financial goals,” she said.
The median age of first-time single female homebuyers is 44, compared to 39 for men. For repeat buyers, the age difference is minimal, with women at 63 and men at 64.
As single women continue to represent a significant and growing segment of the housing market, their financial strategies and preferences will likely play an increasingly important role in shaping market trends.
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