In recent years, women have emerged as a powerful force in the U.S. housing market. Although married couples still make up the largest share of buyers, single women are increasingly leading home purchases, outpacing single men by a wide margin, representing one of the fastest-growing segments of homebuyers nationwide. 

According to the National Association of Realtors 2024 homebuyer data, single women accounted for about 20% of all homebuyers, more than double the share of single men (8%). Additionally, among first-time buyers, nearly one-third were single women, another sign that women have no problem entering the housing market on their own.  

Beyond homebuyer share, broader ownership data shows that single women now own more homes than single men, a trend that highlights their growing economic independence and resilience in a challenging market. 

What about in Cuyahoga County, though? While there isn’t a specific county-level homebuyer share published as frequently as national reports, Ohio data reflects similar patterns: single women in Ohio own a larger share of homes compared to single men (13.7% versus 11.3%, respectively), mirroring the national pattern. It also suggests that women in Northeast Ohio are also an important and growing segment of homeowners and homebuyers. 

In our regional communities, organizations are actively working to support women and other residents in becoming homeowners, recognizing that homeownership builds generational wealth, stability and community strength. 

One powerful example of local action is the Make It Home Cleveland program, a collaborative effort among Cuyahoga Land Bank, Enterprise Community Partners, Cleveland Housing Partners, the Rocket Community Fund, the City of Cleveland and other partners.  

Make It Home Cleveland helps eligible residents living in tax-forfeited properties to purchase and repair their homes before those homes are sold on the private market. It provides: 

  • One-on-one homebuyer guidance 
  • Home repair support 
  • Legal assistance and counseling 
  • Pathways to sustainable ownership 

All of this is done in a way that supports economic mobility and long-term stability for buyers who might otherwise be at risk of displacement. 

Beyond purchase-assistance, local organizations are helping women prepare for long-term success as homeowners. For example, the Home Repair Resource Center (HRRC) in Cleveland Heights offers hands-on DIY home repair classes, including workshops on carpentry, plumbing, electrical work and general home maintenance — many of which are structured specifically for women who want to build confidence and skills before or after buying a home.  

HRRC’s classes for women teach practical skills like tool use, electrical repairs and basic carpentry, which empowers participants to care for their homes independently. These workshops reduce intimidation around home projects and help prospective buyers feel ready for the responsibilities that come after closing.  

In addition to classes, HRRC provides: 

  • Homeowner education workshops on mortgages, credit, budgeting, repairs and maintenance that can prepare buyers before purchasing;  
  • A tool library where members can borrow tools to complete repairs themselves.  

Local real estate professionals also offer targeted support for women entering the housing market. Groups like the Women’s Council of REALTORS® Northeast Ohio (part of the national network focused on advancing women in real estate) host networking, training and education events throughout the Akron and Cleveland areas. While events aren’t exclusively homebuyer assistance programs, they often include sessions, workshops or community programs that provide helpful information on topics like down-payment assistance, financing options and navigating the purchase process.  

These gatherings create opportunities for women to learn from experienced agents, lenders and housing professionals in environments that center their questions and concerns, whether someone is exploring homeownership for the first time or looking to build confidence in the market. 

Women have been among the early success stories in recent Cuyahoga Land Bank efforts — particularly in the revitalizing Circle East District near University Circle: 

  • Tabitha, a foster mom of two, returned to work with the Land Bank after a positive experience buying her first home through the organization. This time, she found a newly renovated home in Circle East that gave her the space her family needed. 

Together, community resources like Make It Home Cleveland, HRRC repair classes and REALTOR®-led women’s education events are creating multiple pathways toward confident, supported homeownership for women across Cuyahoga County. 

The increasing share of female homebuyers (particularly single women) signals both a shift in economic empowerment and an opportunity for targeted support from community programs. When organizations like Cuyahoga Land Bank and Enterprise Community Partners create intentional pathways to ownership, they help ensure that women’s rising role in the housing market translates into lasting wealth and stable communities.