More Women Buying Solo

By: Jim Buchta: REALTOR® Magazine Online
In the past 20 years, the percentage of single female homebuyers has nearly doubled, making unmarried women the second-largest group of buyers behind married couples.

Last year, single women accounted for about 20 percent of the market, compared with single men--who made up just 8 percent. The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University reports that the total number of unmarried homeowners increased to 17.5 million from 13.9 million between 1994 and 2002; and, during that period, about 30 percent of all new homeowners were single women.

The increasing number of single women entering the market has sparked demand for town houses and condominiums, boosted the home improvement industry, and prompted the mortgage industry to offer more programs to non-traditional buyers.