W
omen are poised to drive the luxury real estate market in 2025, according to a report by Sotheby's International Realty. The report notes that women's presence in the high-end housing market is set to increase, with single women homeowners making up 20% of the market in 2024, compared to just 8% for single men.

    By 2030, women are expected to control $34 trillion, or about 38% of all investable assets in the U.S., and an impending intergenerational wealth transfer will contribute to women controlling more wealth than ever before. Financial autonomy is a key factor driving this trend, with many women being financially savvy and knowing what they want.

    Younger generations are also playing a significant role in shaping the luxury real estate market. Millennials, who have been influenced by social media and television shows, are opting for luxe properties that showcase their personal style. In the U.S., millennials made up 38% of homebuyers last year, and this year could see a pronounced movement of wealthy individuals looking to lay roots in new countries.

    According to a Henley and Partners report cited by Sotheby's, 135,000 high-net-worth individuals are expected to move internationally in 2025, with the U.S. seeing the second-highest inflow of rich homebuyers behind the United Arab Emirates. Despite this trend, international buyer purchases in the U.S. have declined significantly since 2017, down from $153 billion to $42 billion.

    Sotheby's International Realty president and CEO Philip White notes that the luxury housing market is showing impressive adaptability in the face of economic uncertainty, with many buyers seeking out properties that meet their unique needs and preferences.