More Single Women are Enjoying Benefits of Homeownership

Unmarried women are purchasing more condos and low-maintenance property

Although married couples still account for approximately 60 percent of today's home buyers, single women are quickly becoming an attractive market to sellers. According to the National Association of Realtors, 22 percent of homes purchased last year were sold to unmarried women – that's a 14 percent increase since 1995.

As a result, home builders are focusing more resources on targeting this growing consumer group by decorating model homes with lighter colors and featuring upgrades on rooms such as kitchens and baths. Realtors are also trying to target more single women by promoting more features that help women feel secure, such as safe neighborhoods and attached garages.

Single men only account for 9 percent of home sales, a number which has remained relatively unchanged since 1995.