Women Power! How Women Are Dominating SA's Property Market in 2025!
South Africa's property market is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the increasing influence of women. No longer just a secondary player, women are stepping into the spotlight as primary homebuyers, shaping the landscape with their financial independence and clear vision for the future.
The Rise of the Female Homebuyer
From single professionals to entrepreneurial mothers and retirees, women are entering the property market with unprecedented confidence. Adrian Goslett, regional director and CEO of REMAX Southern Africa, highlights this shift: "Women are not just entering the property market – they are transforming it. Their influence is driving change across buyer priorities, development planning, and agent strategy across the country."
Standard Bank's data reinforces this trend. Toni Anderson, head of Home Services at Standard Bank, reveals that women have consistently comprised 70% of all home loan clients (joint or sole applicants) over the past 19 years. More strikingly, nearly 40% of all main applicants for home loans are now women. Furthermore, a remarkable 66% of female main applicants in the past two years purchased homes without a co-applicant, showcasing their increasing independence in the housing market.
What Women Want: Security, Convenience, and Community
Kobie Potgieter, Broker/Owner of REMAX Independent Properties in Gqeberha, notes the specific demands driving female homebuyers. "There has certainly been a rise in multi-generational purchases, often led by women who are buying with both current and future family needs in mind... But, we are also seeing a rising number of financially independent women... entering the market." These women prioritize security, peace of mind, low-maintenance living, community connection, and proximity to family, work, and essential services.
Developments like Westbrook are catering to these needs by offering walkable communities, schools, retail spaces, and 24/7 security. These master-planned estates provide the balance of independence, lifestyle, and safety that many women seek.
The Numbers Don't Lie
The average price of properties purchased by female main applicants at Standard Bank has surged by 48.2% from R800,000 in 2015 to R1.3 million in 2025. This is supported by a 74.3% growth in the average gross income for female main applicants over the last decade, rising from R38,000 in 2015 to R57,000 in 2025. This demonstrates the growing financial power and influence of women in South Africa's property market.
The message is clear: women are reshaping the South African property market, and their influence will only continue to grow.