The landscape of real estate ownership is undergoing a transformation, with women increasingly taking charge of property investments. In 2024, women registered 1.29 lakh residential property transactions, marking a 14 per cent rise from the previous year, according to data from Square Yards. This trend underscores the growing financial independence and confidence of women in making long-term investment decisions.
Comparing Growth Trends Among Buyers
While women homebuyers saw a substantial 14 per cent increase in transactions, their male counterparts also experienced an 11 per cent rise, registering 2.18 lakh transactions compared to 1.96 lakh in 2023. Despite the higher volume of purchases by men, the faster growth rate among women indicates a closing gap in property ownership.
Shift in Joint Ownership Patterns
Interestingly, joint ownership (male and female) transactions saw a decline of 7 per cent during the same period, although they still represented 40 per cent of total registered residential transactions. This drop suggests that more women are opting for independent ownership, reflecting a shift in societal norms and financial autonomy.
Cities Driving the Change
The report analyzed residential transactions across key metropolitan cities, including Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad. The cumulative total of residential transactions in these regions reached 5.77 lakh in 2024, reflecting an overall 4 per cent increase from the 5.56 lakh transactions recorded in 2023.
The Role of Economic and Social Factors
Several factors are fueling this surge in female homeownership. Increased workforce participation, higher disposable income, and enhanced access to financial literacy are enabling more women to invest in real estate. Furthermore, government incentives and financial benefits have played a pivotal role in encouraging women to become homeowners.
Government and Financial Support
Many state governments offer stamp duty concessions ranging from 1 per cent to 3 per cent and reduced registration charges of 0.5 per cent to 1 per cent for female buyers. Additionally, major financial institutions extend a 0.05 per cent reduction in home loan interest rates for women, making homeownership more accessible. Tax benefits under Sections 80C and 80EE further incentivize property investment, ensuring greater affordability.
Women as Key Decision-Makers
The rise in women-led property transactions signifies more than just economic progress—it represents a shift in societal perspectives. According to Kanika Gupta Shori, COO and Founder of Square Yards, women are becoming "formidable decision-makers and influential consumers" in the real estate sector. The growth in independent female buyers highlights a broader movement toward financial self-reliance and empowerment.
The Future of Women in Real Estate
With digital advancements simplifying property searches and financial transactions, the trend of women investing in real estate is expected to continue. As more women prioritize asset-building and long-term security, the real estate market will see an even greater influx of female buyers, further transforming the industry landscape.
