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Single Women Homebuyers' Income Tops Men's, Yet Buying Hurdles Remain

A 2025 National Association of Realtors report reveals that single women first-time homebuyers now have a higher median income ($73,000) than single men ($66,400), a first in the organization's data. Their share of the first-time buyer market has risen to 25% from 11% in 1985, while single men remain at 10%. However, women still earn less than men overall, at 85% of men's income in 2024, and face challenges like saving for down payments. Historical context shows the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974 improved women's mortgage access, leading to single women owning 58% of homes by unmarried Americans by 2022. Despite progress, economic disparities and financial barriers persist in the housing market.

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Single Women Homebuyers' Income Tops Men's, Yet Buying Hurdles Remain

Single women first-time homebuyers now have a higher median income than single men, according to new data, but broader economic gaps and financial barriers persist.

Income Shift Among First-Time Buyers

  • For transactions from July 2024 to June 2025, single women first-time buyers reported a median income of $73,000, compared to $66,400 for single men, per the National Association of Realtors' 2025 report.
  • This marks the first time the NAR has found an income advantage for women in this segment, reversing a long-term trend where men outearned women.
  • Jessica Lautz, NAR deputy chief economist, noted uncertainty if this is a lasting trend but highlighted women's strategic view of homeownership.

Growing Share of Single Women in Housing Market

  • Single women now represent 25% of first-time homebuyers, up from 11% in 1985, while single men account for 10%, up from 9%.
  • Among all homebuyers, 21% are single women and 9% are single men.
  • Lautz stated that single women "understand how homeownership is a wealth-building tool" and make sacrifices to achieve it.
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Age and Financial Planning Insights

  • Single women first-time buyers have a median age of 44, older than single men at 39, based on NAR research.
  • For repeat buyers, the age gap narrows: women at 63, men at 64.
  • Financial planner Nicole Romito observed that women are not waiting for marriage to pursue financial goals, with homeownership often a top priority in financial plans.

Persistent Pay Gap and Historical Context

  • Overall, women still earn less than men; Pew Research Center data shows women earned 85% of men's income in 2024, up from 81% in 2003 and 65% in 1982.
  • Historical barriers: Before the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974, women struggled to secure mortgages independently.
  • By 2022, single women owned 58% of homes held by unmarried Americans, per Pew, reflecting long-term growth since the 1974 legislation.

Ongoing Challenges in Home Buying

  • Despite income gains in first-time buying, the overall pay gap and the need to save for down payments present significant hurdles.
  • Sacrifices are often required to accumulate down payment funds, as noted in the report's concluding remarks.
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