Reports on activity in luxury real estate markets have shown an increase in women leading deals and controlling interest. Over the past decade, more affluent women have appeared as owners, investors, purchasers, and sellers of luxury real estate. A recent report by Coldwell Banker Global Luxury, supported by data from Wealth-X, highlighted the change: women with a net worth of $5 million or more now own 15.2% of high-end residential properties in the U.S. These data are only one dimension of broader changes in wealth distribution and financial independence in spaces that were previously much more male-dominated.
A Narrative of a Movement
The Coldwell report provides raw data that supports a growing narrative about women’s increasing influence in real estate markets. More than 90% of the report’s respondents stated that women either share decision-making power in home purchases or lead the process entirely. This dynamic is heightened particularly (and predictably) by the growing numbers of single women whose participation in real estate investment has surged in recent years.
A report from the National Association of Realtors stated that in 2023, single women accounted for 19% of all homebuyers and owned 20.3 million U.S. homes, compared to the 14.9 million owned by single men. This trend is mainly being led by those the report calls SINKs, standing for “Single Income, No Kids,” who are directing their financial resources into real estate investments.
Generational wealth transfer is also set to become part of this narrative. Strategy consulting firm McKinsey & Company has pointed out that women will inherit significant wealth from an aging male population. Their report also predicts that by 2030, American women will control the majority of the $30 trillion in assets currently held by aging baby boomers.
A Resilient Luxury Market Favors Women
While the broader housing market remains challenged, and certain sectors in the luxury market have slowed, luxury real estate has remained largely resilient as an overall trend. In 2024, sales of homes priced over $1 million rose 7.1% year over year, according to research presented by Realtor.com analyst Hannah Jones. Luxury homes also reached a new price threshold, with the nationwide average hitting $1.55 million—an 11.5% increase. “Despite a challenging housing market,” says Jones, “the luxury segment picked up last year as luxury buyers tend to be less affected by elevated mortgage rates.”
The Coldwell report identifies women as the primary “silent drivers” of this growth, highlighting their purchasing power and decision-making roles.
Considering the New Face of American Wealth
The rise of women in luxury real estate reflects a broader societal transformation. A Fidelity report found that 71% of women own investments or purchase high-end properties. This is a significant change for these markets. It challenges traditional expectations about who controls the nation’s wealth and makes businesses reconsider who they should target. As the Fidelity report said, “It’s encouraging to see the number of women taking control of their finances swell over the past three years.”
Women accomplish this even though most financial and business education is focused on young men. This is another trend that will likely change in the near future. As more women become more successful in investment and business, there will be more opportunities for young women to connect with more experienced mentors and address gaps in early financial education with peer support.
The growing influence of women in luxury real estate powerfully reflects broader societal and financial shifts. The narrative of wealth and ownership is evolving from the rise of single women as major property investors to the increasing wealth controlled by married women and younger generations.
