The New Faces of Luxury Real Estate: How Affluent Women Are Shaping the Market

In 2025, affluent women are redefining the luxury real estate market. With their focus on sustainability, functionality, and personal connection, these buyers are reshaping what it means to own high-end properties. Let’s explore how these women are leveraging their financial independence and unique tastes to leave a lasting mark on the industry.

Financial Independence Drives Growth

Women have become an economic powerhouse. According to the Global Wealth Report by Credit Suisse, women control approximately 40% of global wealth as of 2024. This growing financial independence allows them to invest significantly in real estate, often focusing on properties that align with their values and lifestyles.

Take, for example, real estate investor Barbara Corcoran, who transformed a $1,000 loan into a billion-dollar business. While Corcoran’s initial focus was residential sales, she eventually expanded into luxury properties, driven by her keen understanding of market trends. Her success story inspires countless women to view real estate not just as a home but as a vehicle for building long-term wealth. We partner regularly with financial managers and lenders here who help clients, just like you, do exactly this.

Design Trends Led by Affluent Women

Affluent women are prioritizing thoughtful design elements that enhance their living experience. According to a report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 75% of female luxury buyers prefer homes with wellness amenities such as yoga studios, spa-inspired bathrooms, and meditation spaces. Additionally, 80% value sustainability, with features like solar panels, reclaimed materials, and energy-efficient systems ranking high on their must-have lists.

Entrepreneur and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey is a prime example. Her Montecito estate, known for its eco-friendly design and breathtaking gardens, showcases the balance between luxury and sustainability that many affluent women seek. Winfrey’s home serves as an inspiration for those looking to integrate green practices into high-end living.

Building Generational Wealth

For affluent women, real estate is often about more than personal comfort—it’s about creating a legacy. A study by Morgan Stanley highlights that 70% of affluent women prioritize investments that build generational wealth, with real estate being a key asset class.

Our girl Barbara Corcoran (mentioned above) knows a lot about this. So do we.

This is something more and more families are able to do, thanks to smart financial planning and leveraging expert service in the management of their assets. Working with professionals in lending and real estate can help first time homebuyers, single individuals, families with one or limited incomes, and the emerging affluent position themselves in smart financial circumstances. 

We’ve worked with several lenders over the years who have helped families and individuals position themselves to keep a former primary residence as a rental property while purchasing a new primary residence. This kind of transaction allows you to begin building a real estate portfolio, which is a key in generational wealth building – the kind that everyone can do! I’m happy to give a recommendation if you’re looking for a lender or financial manager to help steer you in this direction!

A Focus on Personal Connection

Unlike traditional luxury buyers, affluent women place a premium on emotional connection. The NAR found that 65% of female luxury buyers seek homes that align with their personal stories and lifestyles. Bespoke interiors, flexible spaces, and curated design elements are becoming more popular as women seek homes that reflect their identities.

Reese Witherspoon (who spoke at the Sotheby’s Global Networking Event in Nashville in 2024!) provides a great example of this trend. Her Nashville farmhouse blends traditional Southern charm with modern functionality. Witherspoon’s home prioritizes flexible spaces for family gatherings and work-life balance, illustrating how personal connection drives her real estate choices.

How to Follow in Their Footsteps

The strategies used by affluent women in the luxury real estate market can be replicated:

1. Start with a Clear Vision: Define what luxury means to you—whether it’s sustainability, location, or bespoke design.

2. Invest in Long-Term Value: Focus on properties that appreciate over time. Seek advice from real estate experts to identify high-growth markets.

3. Prioritize Sustainability: Invest in eco-friendly features that not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance property value.

4. Embrace Personalization: Create spaces that reflect your lifestyle and values. Customization is key in making a property feel like home.

As women continue to shape the luxury real estate market, their influence is setting new standards in design, sustainability, and financial strategy. By focusing on long-term value and personal connection, they’re paving the way for a more thoughtful and impactful approach to high-end living.

If you’re ready to take inspiration from these trailblazers and start your own journey in luxury real estate, let’s connect. Together, we can turn your dreams into reality.