Single Women Are Reshaping the Housing Market: What It Means for San Diego
The real estate landscape is evolving, and one group is leading the charge: single women. A recent article from the Detroit Free Press by Brendel Hightower, titled ["How Single Women Are Driving the Housing Market: Willing to Make Sacrifices"], shines a spotlight on this powerful trend. As a San Diego real estate broker, I’m excited to unpack this phenomenon and explore what it means for our local market. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or simply curious about San Diego’s housing scene, this shift offers fresh insights—and opportunities—you won’t want to miss.
A Quick Look at the Article’s Key Points
Hightower’s piece highlights the rise of single women as a dominant force in homebuying. Nationally, single women accounted for 20% of all homebuyers in 2024, compared to just 11% for single men. Among first-time buyers, their presence is even stronger, jumping from 11% in 1985 to 24% in 2024. The article profiles Bria Myers, a 27-year-old Detroit resident who navigated the market with the help of programs like Huntington Bank’s "Home For Good," which eased financial hurdles like down payments and closing costs. The takeaway? Single women are prioritizing homeownership, making sacrifices, and leveraging resources to build wealth and stability—outpacing single men for over four decades.
What This Means for San Diego’s Real Estate Market
San Diego’s housing market, known for its high demand and competitive prices, mirrors many of the dynamics in Hightower’s article—but with a local twist. Here, single women are increasingly flexing their buying power, driven by career success, financial independence, and a desire for long-term security. With the median home price in San Diego hovering around $975,000 (per California Association of Realtors, Q1 2025 data), affordability is a challenge, yet single women are finding ways to break in.
This trend could intensify competition in certain segments of our market, particularly for starter homes and condos priced between $500,000 and $750,000—properties that align with the budgets of first-time buyers like Myers. Neighborhoods like North Park, South Park, and even parts of Chula Vista are already hot spots for this demographic, thanks to their vibrant communities and relative affordability compared to coastal enclaves like La Jolla or Del Mar.
What’s more, San Diego’s robust job market—spanning biotech, healthcare, and tech—supports the financial independence fueling this shift. Single women, many of whom are college-educated and climbing career ladders, are viewing real estate as a cornerstone of wealth-building, much like Jeanette Schneider notes in the article. This could signal a long-term rise in demand, putting upward pressure on prices but also diversifying the buyer pool in a market historically dominated by couples and families.
Backing It Up with Data
Let’s ground this in numbers. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), single women have outpaced single men in homebuying nationally since the 1980s—a trend that’s only accelerating. In California, women-owned homes have increased by 12% over the past decade (U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 Housing Survey). Locally, San Diego County saw a 15% uptick in single-female mortgage applications from 2022 to 2024 (per Ellie Mae’s Origination Insight Report). Pair that with the city’s 3.8% unemployment rate (Bureau of Labor Statistics, March 2025)—well below the national average—and it’s clear why this group is gaining traction here.
Practical Advice for Buyers and Sellers
For buyers, especially single women eyeing San Diego’s market, take a page from Bria Myers’ playbook:
Tap into Assistance Programs: Look into options like the California Housing Finance Agency’s (CalHFA) down payment assistance or San Diego Housing Commission grants. These can lighten the financial load in a pricey market.
Prioritize “Good Bones”: Focus on homes with solid fundamentals (new roofs, updated systems) over flashy finishes. A condo in Normal Heights might not be your dream home, but it’s a smart stepping stone.
Build Your Team: Partner with a local real estate agent who knows the ins and outs of San Diego’s neighborhoods and can connect you to lenders offering first-time buyer perks.
For sellers, this trend is your cue to adapt:
Target the Segment: Market your property to appeal to single female buyers—highlight safety features, low-maintenance upgrades, and proximity to community amenities like parks or cafes.
Price Strategically: With competition heating up for entry-level homes, a well-priced listing in the $600,000 range could spark a bidding war.
Showcase Value: Emphasize energy-efficient appliances or recent renovations—details that resonate with budget-conscious buyers planning for the long haul.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
Single women are rewriting the rules of homeownership, and San Diego is no exception. Their willingness to sacrifice, strategize, and seize opportunities is reshaping our market—and it’s a story worth sharing. Did this spark your curiosity about what’s next for San Diego real estate? Drop your thoughts below, share this post with your network, and head to [our website](insert link) for more insider insights. Whether you’re ready to buy, sell, or just explore, we’re here to guide you through this dynamic market. Let’s make your real estate goals a reality—together!