It’s hard to believe that only sixty years ago, a woman couldn’t get a credit card or a mortgage without a male co-signer. Fast forward to today, and the landscape of real estate has shifted dramatically.
According to a recent report by Axios, single women aren’t just entering the market—they are leading it. From the national stage to right here in North Carolina, women-led households are becoming a powerhouse force in the economy.
The Numbers Behind the Trend
The data from LendingTree and Maxwell tells a compelling story of financial independence:
- The Majority Share: In North Carolina, single women own nearly 14% of homes, while single men own just over 9%.
- Solo Strength: In 2023 alone, solo female mortgage applicants made up 18% of the total market.
- Financial Lead: Interestingly, one in three women with partners chose to buy their homes on their own because they were in a stronger financial position to do so.
A Generational Shift
While “strength in numbers” plays a role—women outnumber men in most age groups—the real intrigue lies in who is buying. Gen Z and Millennials made up the largest share of single women mortgage applicants last year. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a generational shift in how women view wealth and stability.
The Work That Remains
While we celebrate these milestones, the Axios report reminds us that opportunity isn’t yet equal across the board.
- The Equity Gap: Homeownership rates for single Latina and Black women remain the lowest in the U.S. (39% for Latinas vs. 62% for non-Hispanic white women).
- Single Mothers: This group also faces significantly lower homeownership rates compared to single fathers.
Our Take
At Invest in Her Real Estate, we believe that homeownership is one of the most powerful tools for building generational wealth. Helping women claim their stake in the market is exactly why we do what we do.
We aren’t just watching the numbers grow; we are committed to ensuring that all women—including single mothers and women of color—have the resources and support to turn the “dream” of ownership into a reality.
Data Source: Originally reported by Axios Raleigh.