How Household Composition Determines Homebuying Choices

Homebuyers base their purchasing decisions including the type of home they need on a variety of factors, including relationship status and income.

Detached single-family homes were most popular among all homebuyers, at 83 percent of buyers. Only four percent bought an apartment or condo, and seven percent bought a townhome or row house. Based on a 2017 profile of homebuyers and sellers, the National Association of Realtors' data show that 65 percent of recent homebuyers were married couples, and 18 percent were single females, the two largest shares. Unmarried couples accounted for eight percent, and single males had the smallest share at seven percent..

Single female buyers were typically 52 years old with a household income of $62,300. They typically purchased a home that was a median of 1,530 sq. ft., for $185,000. Married couple buyers were typically 44 years old with a household income of $101,500. They typically purchased a home that was a median of 2,050 sq. ft., for $269,000.

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