Economists' Outlook

Housing stats and analysis from NAR's research experts.

Valentine's Day 2020 Home Buyer Households

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Using data from the 2019 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers we can break down household composition, and the relationships it has on home purchasing choices.

  • Among all recent home buyers, 61% were married couples, 17% were single females, 9% were single males, and 9% were unmarried couples.
  • 3% of recent buyers identified as gay or lesbian, and 1% identified as bisexual.
  • Among first-time buyers, 53% were married couples, and 67% of repeat buyers were married couples.
  • Among first-time buyers, 17% were unmarried couples, and 5% of repeat buyers were married couples.
  • Among all home buyers, 83% purchased a detached single-family home, 6% purchased a townhouse/row house, 5% purchased an apartment or condo.
  • 87% of married couples, and 86% of unmarried couples purchased a detached single-family home.
  • Married couple buyers were typically 46 years old with a household income of $106,900. They typically purchased a home that was a median of 2,020 sq. ft., for $294,000.
  • Unmarried couple buyers were typically 34 years old with a household income of $91,700. They typically purchased a home that was a median of 1,700 sq. ft., for $227,660.
  • Single female buyers were typically 54 years old with a household income of $65,000. They typically purchased a home that was a median of 1,500 sq. ft., for $200,450.
  • Single male buyers were typically 52 years old with a household income of $72,800. They typically purchased homes that were a median of 1,500 sq. ft., for $189,920.
  • 15% of all buyers were influenced to choose their neighborhood based on the convenience to a vet or outdoor space for their pet. 27% of unmarried couples chose their neighborhood based on the convenience to a vet or outdoor space for their pet.

For more information on how relationship status and household composition affects homeownership choices, check out the 2019 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.

Infographic: Recent Home Buyer Demographics

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