She Invests, She Owns, She Thrives

Women, Property, and Financial Power: Why Ownership Matters in 2025

For years, property ownership has been one of the most powerful ways to build financial security, yet women remain underrepresented in property investment. The latest 2025 CoreLogic Women & Property Report sheds light on the progress women have made, but also highlights the challenges that still exist.

Women are stepping into homeownership at nearly the same rate as men—62.7% of women now own at least one residential property, compared to 64.4% of men. But when it comes to property investment, the gap is clear. Only 11.4% of women own an investment property, while 14.2% of men have taken that next step into wealth-building. Even more striking, 40% of women have no investments at all, compared to 27.8% of men.

It’s not about a lack of ambition. More women than men actually see homeownership as extremely important—44% of women ranked it as a top priority, compared to just 33.5% of men. But the barriers that stand in the way, from affordability challenges to financial confidence, make it harder for women to take action.

So why does this matter? Because property ownership is one of the most effective ways to build long-term wealth. In Australia, residential property makes up 56% of household wealth, and home values have grown by 159% over the past two decades. That means homeowners have been building wealth at nearly twice the rate of those relying on income and savings alone. Women who own property are putting themselves in a stronger financial position—not just for today, but for the future.

But the road to ownership isn’t the same for everyone, and women are facing some very real financial hurdles.

What’s Holding Women Back?

One of the biggest challenges for women entering the property market is affordability. Rising property prices are a concern for everyone, but women feel the pressure even more—41% of women say affordability is their biggest barrier, compared to 37% of men. Saving for a deposit is another major roadblock, with 34.7% of women struggling to put together enough upfront funds to buy a home.

Then there’s the issue of borrowing power. More women than men report struggling to qualify for a mortgage, with 17.4% of women citing loan approval as a challenge, compared to just 11.2% of men. This isn’t surprising when we consider that women still earn less than men on average. The gender pay gap in Australia sits at 11.9%, and that financial disadvantage carries through into borrowing power, savings, and overall wealth accumulation.

For those earning under $100K, the difference in homeownership rates is clear. Only 58.9% of women in this income bracket own property, but for those earning over $100K, that number jumps to 85.5%. The numbers tell a simple truth—higher earnings make homeownership easier to achieve, and women are more likely to be locked out of the market because of lower incomes.

But perhaps the most overlooked challenge is confidence. The gender investment gap is real, and it’s not just about income levels. Women are more likely to feel uncertain about investing and are less likely to take financial risks, even when those risks could lead to wealth-building opportunities. Many women believe they need a 20% deposit to buy a home, when in reality, they could enter the market with as little as 5% through the right loan products and government incentives.

How Women Can Take Control of Their Financial Future

The good news is that property ownership isn’t out of reach—it just requires the right strategy. Many women assume they need a huge deposit, but in reality, there are loan options that allow you to buy with as little as 5%. There are also First Home Buyer grants and government schemes designed to make property more accessible, yet many women either don’t know about them or don’t believe they qualify.

Another powerful strategy is rentvesting—buying in an affordable area while continuing to rent where you want to live. It’s a great option for women who feel priced out of their local market but still want to get a foot on the property ladder. By thinking outside the box and focusing on long-term wealth-building instead of immediate convenience, women can start growing their financial future in a way that works for them.

For those already in the market, refinancing is another way to create financial flexibility. Women who already own property can use their home’s equity to fund their next move—whether that’s buying an investment property, renovating, or just securing a better interest rate to reduce repayments. The key is knowing what’s possible and working with a professional to find the best path forward.

There’s also a need for more education and support around investing. Many women feel uncertain about where to start, but the truth is, you don’t need to be an expert to build wealth through property. You just need to start with the right guidance. Working with a mortgage broker or financial professional can take the guesswork out of the process and create a plan that fits your personal goals.

The Future of Women & Property: It Starts Now

The 2025 Women & Property Report makes one thing clear—women want to own property, but they face more barriers than men when it comes to affordability, investment, and financial confidence. These barriers aren’t impossible to overcome, but they do require a shift in mindset and a willingness to take action.

The more women understand about homeownership, the better equipped they are to build wealth, create financial security, and step into their power as property owners and investors. The first step is getting informed. The next step is taking action.

If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to buy or invest, consider this your sign. The right time is when you have a plan that works for you. Let’s make that plan together.