Why Women Are Missing Out on Property Investment

14 MAY 2025 By Finni 4 min read Investor Strategy

Women are underrepresented in property investment despite similar home ownership rates. Finni’s Eva Loisance unpacks the gap and how women can close it.

When it comes to home ownership, Australian women are holding their own. According to CoreLogic data, 64.4 per cent of men and 62.7 per cent of women own at least one residential dwelling. But the story shifts when you look at investment properties.

CoreLogic figures show that only 11.4 per cent of women own at least one investment property, compared to 14.2 per cent of men. The gap widens further among those holding multiple investment properties, with just 2.4 per cent of women reporting ownership of more than one, compared to 3.2 per cent of men.

Eva Loisance, expert mortgage broker at Finni Mortgages, says the gender gap in property investment is the result of several overlapping challenges.

“Women are earning less on average, they’re more likely to take time out of the workforce, and they tend to be more cautious about financial risk,” Eva explains. “All of those factors can make it harder or slower to get into property investment.”

The gap is especially striking among younger investors. CoreLogic data shows that 13.8 per cent of men aged 15 to 24 own at least one investment property, compared to just 6.4 per cent of women in the same age group.

“These early years really matter,” Eva says. “The earlier you invest, the more time you’ve got for your asset to grow in value. If women are missing that window, it’s harder to catch up later.”

In fact, 40 per cent of women report not owning any investments at all, compared to 27.8 per cent of men. Eva sees this as a missed opportunity for long-term financial security.

“Property isn’t just about owning something—it’s about building wealth over time,” she says. “Without an investment property in the mix, women are missing one of the key ways Australians grow their financial futures.”

Eva believes that in addition to lower incomes and greater financial caution, confidence also plays a role. “Some women feel less confident dealing with numbers or negotiating with lenders. Others hold back because they think they need to be earning more or have a bigger deposit than they actually do.”

But Eva says the numbers show that most investors aren’t big-time players. CoreLogic data reveals that 71.5 per cent of property investors hold just one investment property, 18.9 per cent hold two, and fewer than six per cent hold three. Less than one per cent own five or more.

“Most investors aren’t sitting on massive portfolios. They’re everyday Australians who start with one property and build from there,” Eva says. “You don’t need to have it all figured out or wait until everything is perfect.”

She points out that investors span every age group, from young adults to retirees. While 12 per cent of investors are aged 65 to 74, there’s strong representation among those aged 35 to 54, and five per cent are aged 25 to 34.

“There’s no age where it’s ‘too late’ to start investing,” Eva says. “And there’s no age where it’s ‘too early.’ What matters is taking that first step.”

For women looking to close the gap, Eva recommends starting with education and support.

“Learning about your borrowing power, understanding different loan options, and getting familiar with the process can really boost confidence,” she says. “Working with a broker makes a big difference too, because you’ve got someone guiding you through the options, crunching the numbers, and helping you navigate lenders.”

Eva encourages women not to wait for the perfect conditions before jumping in.

“There’s always a reason to hold back—interest rates, market conditions, job changes,” she says. “But the reality is, there’s never a perfect time. You don’t need to start with your dream investment. Start with what’s achievable, and build from there.”

At the end of the day, Eva believes the key to closing the investment gap is action.

“Every investor I’ve worked with has had doubts. Every investor has felt unsure at some point,” she says. “But waiting doesn’t close the gap. Acting does.”