For many young women in Australia, owning a home feels less like a dream and more like a fantasy. After years of rising property prices and skyrocketing living costs, it’s no surprise that some are questioning whether homeownership is possible or even worth it.
But with interest rates now starting to fall and the cost of living showing signs of easing, momentum is shifting. Buyer activity is expected to increase, and those who are ready to buy will have more options (and potentially more power) in the market. Still, under the surface there is a deeper issue brewing: if young women continue to be shut out of homeownership, the long-term consequences could be profound.
According to CoreLogic’s 2024 Women & Property report, there is a significant gender gap in homeownership among younger Australians. Specifically, 51.6% of men aged 18–29 own at least one property, compared to just 27.3% of women in the same age group. Overall, women under 35 are significantly less likely than men to own property, and the gap is growing.
This gap isn’t about a lack of career ambition or interest in homeownership. It’s about access. Women in this age group earn less on average ($67,800 vs. $83,500 for men), and are more likely to work part-time or casual employment due to disproportionate caregiving responsibilities (32.9% for women vs. 12.9% for men). And these figures don’t even capture the additional challenges faced by Aboriginal women, migrant women and women with disabilities.
Owning a home isn’t just about having a roof over your head. It’s a foundation. It creates stability, a buffer in tough times, and a pathway to building long-term security, wealth and independence. And for women, who are more likely to experience career breaks, unpaid caregiving, financial abuse, or wage inequality, this foundation is crucial.
When women are priced out or give up on owning property, we risk locking in and compounding disadvantage for decades. Without property as an asset, more women may reach retirement with less, face greater housing insecurity, or lack the financial freedom to leave unsafe or limiting situations. We’re already seeing the impact: women over 55 are the fastest-growing group at risk of homelessness in Australia.
That’s why Penny exists.
We’re not here to gloss over how hard the housing market is, especially in our capital cities, but we are here to make sure a lack of confidence, knowledge, or support doesn’t hold women back. Penny breaks the process down, helping you build a personalised plan, and connecting you with tools and professionals that respect your goals.
Whether you’re just starting to think about buying, or are actively on the journey, Penny is your partner in making clear, confident decisions, on your terms.
Because this isn’t just about owning property. It’s about ensuring a generation of women don’t fall further behind.