The 2023 housing market will be different than what we’ve seen over the past two and a half years. Instead of frenzied competition, home sales activity will be more deliberate. Buyers will have more room for negotiation and sellers will have to reset expectations on price. While there are some remaining headwinds, there are favorable demographic fundamentals underlying the market.

One of the biggest demographic trends that will impact the housing market in 2023 and beyond is the rise of the female buyer and seller. Single women surpassed single men in homeownership back in 1985. In the subsequent four decades, more women have been going into homeownership solo.

The National Association of REALTORS®’ most recent profile of homebuyers and sellers demonstrates the important and growing role women play in the U.S. housing market. Single females account for the second-largest share of homebuyers in the U.S. after married households. About one in five first-time buyers last year was a single female buyer.