Gen Z Home Buyers: Single Women at 35%, Single Men at 18%, Per NAR Report

Single women in their 20s are increasingly purchasing homes, accounting for 35% of Generation Z home buyers, according to the National Association of Realtors' 2026 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends report. This figure represents an increase from 30% the prior year and is the highest share of any age group.

The report, based on transactions between July 2024 and June 2025, defines Gen Z buyers as those aged 18 to 26.

Among this cohort, 18% of buyers are single men. Single women have long made up a larger share of homeowners than single men, although the gap is narrowing. 2 million homes owned by unmarried Americans, compared with 42% for men. That compares with 64% and 36%, respectively, in 2000.

Despite rising homeownership, estate planning remains limited. Trust & Will's 2026 Estate Planning Report found that 60% of women and 50% of men have no estate planning documents.

Among all singles, only 16% have a will, compared to 37% of married individuals. Overall, 40% of homeowners have a will, while just 16% of renters do.

“You get the rare person who thinks about it ... but the overwhelming majority buy the house and then are thrust right back into their 40- or 50-hour work week." Assets passing through a will are generally subject to probate, a court process involving validation of the will, payment of taxes and debts, and distribution of assets. Accounts with named beneficiaries, such as retirement and life insurance policies, typically bypass probate. A financial advisor added that wills can specify instructions for property, including directing that a house be sold and proceeds distributed to heirs. The data highlights a growing demographic shift in homeownership among young single women, alongside ongoing gaps in estate planning.”