Single men reaping bigger benefits from homeownership than single women

Homes owned by single men have appreciated 16 percent, or $10,112 more, on average since purchase than homes owned by single women. Additionally, homes owned by single men are valued at 10 percent more.

Studying more than 2 million single-family homes owned by either single men or single women, RealtyTrac noted that the average estimated current market value of homes owned by single men was $255,226, compared to single women’s, which was $229,094.

Single men’s homes have increased $63,921 on average since they purchased, an increase of 33 percent, while single women, who only have seen an average of $53,809 increase, or 31 percent, since they purchased.

Among the homeowners who have had their home for at least 15 years, single men still have the lead, with a market value of $288,912, 17 percent higher than single women in the same situation. For men, these homes have gained a 145 percent return on their purchase price, an increase of $170,765 since they bought. Single women saw an increase of 127 percent return, or $134,269.

“Women earn less than men on average — 19 percent less in 2015 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics — giving them less purchasing power when it comes to buying a home,” said Daren Blomquist, senior vice president at RealtyTrac. “So, it’s not surprising to see the 10 percent gender gap in average home values between single men and single women homeowners; however, the slower home price appreciation for homes owned by single women demonstrates that less purchasing power is also having on a domino effect on their ability to build wealth through homeownership as quickly as single men.”

Additionally, RealtyTrac reported that single women are more likely to own a home in an area with a higher population of criminal offenders (8 percent more than men), but in areas with lower environmental hazard risk (22 percent lower risk than men).