Single Gen Z women are outpacing their male counterparts in home buying, according to a new report from The Associated Press.
More than one-third (35%) of Gen Z homebuyers were single women, compared to 18% of single Gen Z men, according to survey data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
NAR surveyed homebuyers between July 2024 and June 2025, from Gen Z to the Silent Generation, ages 80 to 100. Gen Z had the largest share of single women homebuyers of all the generations.
I’m not saying Gen Z are major homebuyers—they’re not. Gen Z only accounts for 4% of all homebuyers in the country—at a time that “the share of U.S. homes bought by first-time buyers of all ages sank to the lowest level on record, going back to 1981.”
In general, single women of all generations are “becoming homeowners at greater rates than single men,” making up 25% of all homebuyers in the survey period. Only 11% of single men purchased homes.
Historically, this trend dates back to 1981. NAR reports that during the housing boom about 20 years ago, “The share of homes bought by single women peaked at 22%, while single men’s share of homeownership peaked at 12% in 2010.
These numbers are more remarkable given that women weren’t legally allowed to get a mortgage on their own until the passage of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) in 1974.
Gen Z’s Homeownership Challenges
Given their age and the state of the economy, it’s no wonder that Gen Z members face homebuying challenges. AP says, Gen Z is “typically just getting started in their careers, with their best income-earning years ahead. They are unlikely to be married and may have student loans to pay off.”
Plus, Gen Z had a median annual income of $76,000 in 2024, which, says NAR, is the lowest among homebuyers of all generations, while the median home sales price last month was $417, 700.
On the positive side, AP says Gen Z homebuyers are more likely to get financial help from their families, and “savvy about looking into community grants or other payment assistance programs for first-time homebuyers.”
According to Nar, about 10% of Gen Z have already tapped into their 401(k) retirement savings plans to use as a down payment.
Opportunities For Small Business Owners
New home sales present numerous opportunities for various types of small business owners. The obvious one is real estate professionals. But the opportunities go far beyond that. New homebuyers need stuff—lots and lots of stuff.
They need furniture, movers, painters, contractors, landscapers, security systems, internet service, insurance, and probably a trip or two to buy home décor and necessities. They’re looking for local restaurants, dry cleaners, dog groomers, gyms, and coffee shops in their new neighborhoods. And because many Gen Z buyers discover products and services through social media, small businesses with a strong online presence have an opportunity to connect with them early and earn their loyalty.
Buying a first home is rarely just one purchase—it’s the beginning of dozens of spending decisions. And for small business owners, that creates a ripple effect of opportunity that extends far beyond the housing market itself.
Rieva Lesonsky is the founder of Small Business Currents, a content company focusing on small businesses and entrepreneurship. You can find her on Twitter @Rieva, Bluesky @Rieva.bsky.social, and LinkedIn. Or email her at Rieva@SmallBusinessCurrents.com.
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