Single-person households are growing, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University. Not coincidentally, the number of people who have bypassed wedding vows is also increasing.

Between 1975 and 2002, the number of Americans who have never married increased from 24% to 29%. The number of homeowners without spouses will grow by 5 million in the next 10 years, according to the Center.

While some single homeowners choose single family residences, the homes of choice for these purchasers tend to be those with lower maintenance requirements, such as condos and town homes