While buying a home solo was once seen as a stretch, one group of buyers is increasingly finding a way to set up for their own financial future, on their own terms.
Single women are now one of the fastest-growing groups of solo home buyers in Australia.
Recent statistics show approximately 26.6% of homes in Australia are owned exclusively by women. This marks a significant shift from just a few decades ago, when women faced far greater barriers to entering the property market independently.
Statistics show 26.6% of property are owned exclusively by women. Picture: Getty
My Bui, an economist at AMP says this positive trend is enabled by the growth of women’s participation in the workforce, which has grown to 75% compared to 45% in the 1970s according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
“Higher employment also means that women are better equipped to make their own financial decisions and have the capacity to ensure their own financial security for retirement,” she says.
But beyond the headline is a broader shift: women are taking control of their finances and using property to set themselves up for the future.
A shift in mindset, not just the market
For many women, the decision to purchase property is less about timing the market, and more about taking control of their financial future.
Rather than waiting for a partner or a ‘perfect’ moment, more single buyers are entering the market with a clearer sense of what they want to achieve, and how property fits into that plan.
“There still remains a considerable financial gender gap in Australia,” My says.
"Lower earnings in their working life also means that, on average, women tend to have a smaller nest egg, which potentially heightens the need for them to go into the property market so they can have long-term security on their own terms.”
Rather than just focusing on one short-term decision, buyers are taking a more active role in understanding their finances.
Paul Williams, Manager and Owner at Mortgage Choice in South Melbourne, agrees, noting that “single women are now one of the fastest-growing segments in the owner-occupier market and indeed investor market.”
“Historically, property was often a joint venture, but today’s women aren’t waiting for a partner to build equity,” he says.
Women today believe that homeownership, on their own, is entirely within their realm. Picture: Getty
That independence is also shifting how people prepare. Buyers are taking a more active role in understanding their finances, from reviewing spending habits and savings capacity to researching borrowing options and long-term goals.
Preparing for the long term
This shift isn’t just anecdotal, it’s reflected in how women are approaching the market, with preparation for the future a defining trait.
Women are increasingly entering home ownership with clear intent, often prioritising financial security and long-term stability.
“In Australia, women have lower financial literacy compared to men. Research has also shown that women tend to be more risk averse than men on average. Both mean that women are more likely to invest more cautiously,” My says.
“Because of this, the property market is a natural choice. Given that it has historically performed well in Australia, it is tangible (unlike stocks or bonds), and is perceived to be less volatile than financial markets.”
That preparation is also shaping what they buy, and how it supports their financial position over time. For instance, waiting to purchase a ‘forever home’ means risking the opportunity to enter the market at all.
Instead, more solo buyers are focusing on getting a foot in the door in a way that works for their current circumstances, while keeping future flexibility in mind.
Paul agrees, saying that preparation is a key strength: "Women often come to us with a higher level of detail around their cash flow and spending,” he says.
“It’s about proving you can manage the mortgage before you actually have one.”
The financial check-in moment
As buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions a person can make, it can often trigger a broader financial reset. It’s a moment where people naturally reassess everything: savings, spending, debt and longer-term goals.
“Major life moments like buying a home tend to prompt people to take a closer look at their overall financial position,” My says.
“While the focus is often on deposits and loans, it’s also a valuable opportunity to check in on things like super and make sure everything is working together.”
Paul adds that lenders are also looking at the full picture: “It’s the difference between a ‘yes’ and a ‘not yet’,” he says.
“Lenders don’t just look at your income, they look at your financial conduct, your savings habits and your existing debts.”
It’s this ‘check-in moment’ that can play an important role in shaping long-term financial outcomes, particularly when short-term decisions are made alongside future planning.
Rather than treating super as separate or something to revisit later, it can be seen as part of the same financial picture, sitting alongside savings, lending and day-to-day money management.
With the right tools, these moments don’t need to be time-consuming of complex – just a quick way to see how you’re tracking. AMP Super members have access to a range of tools, including digital financial advice, for no extra fees.
Women are taking control of their finances and using various tools to help get ahead. Picture: Getty
They can help people actively understand how their choices today, from how much they borrow to how they contribute to their super, can influence their financial position over time.
AMP Super members also have access to the award-winning Lifetime Boost feature, which works in the background to increase Age Pension eligibility to potentially access a higher income at retirement.
Making informed financial decisions
While saving for a deposit remains front of mind for many, affordability is still a key challenge, particularly for single-income buyers.
That’s why taking a broader view of finances is becoming more important, My says.
“Super is often seen as something for later, but it’s one of the most important long-term assets people have, and one of the biggest assets after the home,” she says.
“When you’re already reviewing your finances for a home purchase, it makes sense to include super in that conversation.”
Paul says long-term planning is critical, particularly for solo buyers: “We look at a mortgage as one piece of a broader wealth puzzle,” he says.
“For a single buyer, the stakes are higher because there isn’t a second income to lean on, so planning ahead helps ensure the home remains an asset, not a liability.”
Looking at how different parts of your financial life work together can help create a clearer path forward.
This is where having the right support can make a difference.
Rather than navigating each decision in isolation, AMP offers an integrated approach --with banking and home loan solutions through AMP Bank, as well as award-winning super that offers access to tools like Digital Financial Advice for no extra fees -- supporting Australians to make confident decisions today while keeping their long‑term financial future in view.
“Having access to accurate and nuanced information is very important, especially for women, who have a bigger financial literacy gap to men in Australia versus global peers,” My says. “This translates into poorer investment decisions and lower retirement savings.”
“The best way to close this gap is equitable access to advice and financial education resources which allow women to understand the complex jargon and make informed decisions.”
Building a future on your own terms
For many women, buying solo isn’t just about property ownership. It’s about building a stable and independent financial future.
That means thinking beyond the purchase itself and considering how today’s decisions contribute to long-term wellbeing.
“It’s not about choosing between goals,” says My.
“But a well-rounded financial situation also requires a healthy super balance and adequate future planning.”
Paul puts it simply: “Don’t let ‘perfect’ be the enemy of ‘entry’.”
“Your first property doesn’t have to be your forever home,” he says.
“Getting into the market early allows you to start building equity and benefit from long-term growth.”
Taking this more connected approach can help ensure progress in one area doesn’t come at the expense of another.
Women are increasingly using apartments as 'starter homes' to build equity and move into their next place. Picture: Getty
Instead, it allows buyers to move forward with greater clarity, knowing how different parts of their financial life support each other over time.
A growing force in the market
The rise of single female home buyers reflects a broader change in how Australians approach money.
There’s a growing willingness to engage, plan and take action during key life moments, using opportunities like buying a home to take a more active role in shaping their financial future.
And while challenges still exist, more women are backing themselves, making confident financial decisions and stepping into the market on their own terms, supported by a clearer understanding of how the choices they make today can influence where they end up tomorrow.
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