More and more single women are becoming homebuyers.
Citing an October 2016 National Association of Realtors report, the online industry publication and newsletter Construction Dive reports the number of single-women homebuyers has been on the rise since 1981, climbing from 11% to 22% at the market’s peak in 2006.
Single women now account for 17% of homebuyers, and their numbers are expected to grow.
“They don’t fear buying a home and are not waiting to be in a relationship to qualify for a mortgage,” Elizabeth Weintraub, a California-based broker, tells Construction Dive.
Single men, on the other hand, are purchasing homes at far lower rates, accounting for 10% of homebuyers in 1981 and a 7% share in 2016.
Married couples are also experiencing a downshift. They account for 66% of the homebuying market today, down from their peak of 81% in 1985, the NAR report shows.
Single female homebuyers represent a variety of ages and backgrounds. They are widowed, divorced, have never been married or are looking to relocate near schools because of their children.
