Single women: A rising force in the luxury real estate market

According to the 2025 Luxury Outlook report from Sotheby’s International Realty, published in January 2025 and reported by Le Quartz, single women are emerging as some of the most influential buyers in prime property. By 2030, they are expected to control around 34 trillion dollars, close to 38% of investable assets in the United States. In Paris, Paris Ouest Sotheby’s International Realty advises this clientele in the 16th, in Neuilly-sur-Seine and across western Paris.

Women, the new buyers of prime property

Women are taking a growing place in the prime market. The 2025 Luxury Outlook report expects them to control around 34 trillion dollars by 2030, close to 38% of investable assets in the United States. This rise stems from greater financial independence and an intergenerational wealth transfer estimated at 84 trillion dollars by 2045. In 2024, single women already made up about 20% of buyers, against 8% for single men.

From the 1974 co-signature to financial independence

Women buyers’ independence is recent. Until 1974, a single woman in the United States often needed a man’s co-signature to take out a mortgage. Fifty years on, these buyers position themselves as seasoned investors, with a strategic view of prime property. They know what they are looking for and readily acquire rare properties, chosen for the address, the view or the character.

Younger generations and the influence of social media

Younger generations are also driving the high-end market. Millennials made up about 38% of buyers in 2024. Influenced by trends spotted on Instagram, they look for modern, renovated and connected properties. Demand is rising for penthouses with terraces, contemporary lofts and restored private mansions that combine period character with present-day comfort.

An internationalising prime market

Wealthy individuals are relocating in growing numbers. The report forecasts 135,000 high-net-worth individuals moving country in 2025, against 128,000 in 2024. The United Arab Emirates remain the leading destination, ahead of the United States. This movement benefits the iconic luxury cities, Paris, London and New York, where buyers target rare properties in strategic locations.

What these buyers look for in Paris

In Paris, these buyers target properties combining prestige and exclusivity. Private mansions in the 16th arrondissement, Haussmann apartments in the Triangle d’Or and on avenue Montaigne, and villas on the heights of Saint-Cloud rank among the most sought after. Despite fluctuating rates, the prime market shows, according to Philip White, president and chief executive of Sotheby’s International Realty, an « impressive adaptability ». Demand focuses on rare addresses, unobstructed views and bespoke services.

Prime property prices in Paris

The segments this clientele targets rank among the most expensive in Paris. As a benchmark, in early 2026:

• Triangle d’Or and avenue Montaigne (8th), prime residential: around 15,000 to 21,000 €/m², with trophy assets exceeding 25,000 to 30,000 €/m²
• 16th (Victor Hugo, Trocadéro): around 11,000 to 13,000 €/m², with private mansions well beyond

A private mansion or a large estate falls outside the price per square metre: its value rests on the address, the building and its rarity. A tailored valuation remains essential.

FAQ – The new buyers of prime property

Who are the new buyers of prime property?

They are increasingly single women, financially independent. According to the 2025 Luxury Outlook report from Sotheby’s International Realty, they made up about 20% of buyers in 2024, against 8% for single men. They invest in rare properties, chosen for the address, the view and the character, with a clear long-term view.

What share of wealth will women control?

Women will control around 34 trillion dollars by 2030, close to 38% of investable assets in the United States. This figure comes from the 2025 Luxury Outlook report from Sotheby’s International Realty. It reflects greater financial independence and a wealth transfer estimated at 84 trillion dollars by 2045.

Which Paris properties do these buyers look for?

They target properties combining prestige and exclusivity. In Paris, private mansions in the 16th arrondissement, Haussmann apartments in the Triangle d’Or and on avenue Montaigne, and villas on the heights of Saint-Cloud rank among the most prized. Demand focuses on rare addresses, unobstructed views and bespoke services.

How many wealthy individuals are changing country?

The 2025 Luxury Outlook report forecasts 135,000 high-net-worth individuals relocating in 2025, against 128,000 in 2024. The United Arab Emirates remain the leading destination, ahead of the United States. This movement supports demand for prime property in Paris, London and New York.

Why does prime property remain attractive?

Prime property keeps its status as a safe haven. Despite fluctuating rates and uncertainty, the market shows strong adaptability, according to Philip White, president and chief executive of Sotheby’s International Realty. It combines security of investment, transmission across generations and rarity of the asset, with steady demand for rare, well-located properties.

How do you get a prime property valued in Paris?

Valuing a prime property rests on a street-by-street, floor-by-floor reading of the market. Paris Ouest Sotheby’s International Realty values property free of charge in the 16th, the 17th, Neuilly-sur-Seine and the Marais, with the international exposure of the Sotheby’s International Realty network. You can request a free valuation on +33 1 40 60 50 00.

Valuing a prime property in Paris and western Paris

To find the value of a prime apartment, a private mansion or a villa, Paris Ouest Sotheby’s International Realty combines local expertise with international exposure through the Sotheby’s International Realty network. The 16th arrondissement office welcomes you at 95 avenue Victor Hugo, 75116 Paris. You can request a free valuation or reach an advisor on +33 1 40 60 50 00. The conversation stays confidential, with no obligation.