Despite the slightly lower percentage of female ownership compared to male ownership, Aussie women are leading the charge in property investment.
From buying homes to selling properties, women are demonstrating proactive engagement and initiative in shaping their financial futures.
Recent data reveals that there is a growing trend of single women entering the property market. Not only are they entering the market, but they are also borrowing more. In fact, the average loan size for single female mortgages increased by 7% to $411,752 in 2021. This data highlights the increasing financial independence and confidence of single women in pursuing their property ownership goals.
Despite these positive trends, there are still some unique challenges and considerations that women face in the world of property investment. From financial constraints to societal expectations, here are some of the key challenges and considerations for women looking to invest in property.
Gender Pay Gap
Australian women face a staggering $1.01 million earnings gap compared to men over their careers. Despite a slight narrowing, the gender pay gap remains at 13.3%. By retirement, women on average have $136,000 less in superannuation, leaving them with $151,000 below the ‘comfortable retirement’ threshold. Factors contributing to the gap include limited wage increases, fewer promotions, and industry-related wage discrepancies. Closing this gap is imperative for achieving financial parity and women’s economic security.
Single Income
Another challenge for single women investing in property is relying on a single income. With the absence of a second income from a partner, it can be challenging to meet all financial commitments and still have enough money left over for savings and investment. This makes it crucial for single women to carefully plan and budget their finances before jumping into property investment. It may also require making sacrifices in terms of lifestyle choices in order to save and invest effectively.
Financial Education
One way to address the challenges faced by single women investing in property is through financial education. By equipping women with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed financial decisions, they can better navigate the complexities of property investment. This may include understanding how to read and analyse market trends, managing debts and credit, and creating a financial plan that aligns with their long-term goals. Financial education can also empower women to negotiate better deals and seek out more favourable investment opportunities.
Support Networks
Investing in property can be an overwhelming and daunting task, especially for single women who may not have a partner or family member to rely on for guidance. This is where support networks can play a crucial role. Women can seek out mentorship from successful female investors, join women-led investment clubs or attend networking events specifically geared towards supporting women in property investment. These support networks not only provide valuable advice and resources but also serve as a source of motivation and encouragement.
