Gen Z Single Women Drive Growth in Solo Homeownership

A growing segment of the Gen Z population is securing real estate independently, with single women leading the trend. According to the National Association of Realtors' 2026 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends report, single women now account for 35% of Gen Z homebuyers, an increase from 30% in the previous year. This demographic shift is particularly pronounced when compared to their male peers; only 18% of Gen Z homebuyers are single men. While women have historically held a larger share of unmarried homeownership—owning 58% of such homes in 2022—the gap between genders is gradually narrowing. Despite the acquisition of significant assets, many of these young homeowners are neglecting essential legal safeguards. Data from the 2026 Estate Planning Report by Trust & Will indicates that 60% of women lack estate planning documents, compared to 50% of men. Furthermore, only 16% of all single individuals possess a will, a stark contrast to the 37% seen among married individuals. Financial advisors warn that dying intestate—without a will—leaves the distribution of property to state law, potentially bypassing the owner's wishes. While homeownership generally encourages planning, with 40% of homeowners having wills versus 16% of renters, the lack of preparation among single Gen Z buyers creates long-term risks regarding probate and asset distribution. To mitigate these risks, experts suggest utilizing revocable living trusts or specific deed attachments to avoid the probate process. Additionally, advisors caution against leaving a single property to multiple heirs to avoid potential disputes and management complexities, recommending instead that the property be sold and proceeds distributed.