Women have become the dominant force in South Africa’s property market, according to a recent report by Lightstone, a data provider for the property and vehicle industries. The report highlights that women-only buyers account for 38% of properties, totalling 2,154,000, compared to men-only buyers, who own 29% (1,694,000) of properties. Women also co-own 33% of properties, alongside male co-owners. This shift marks a significant trend reversal from ten years ago when mixed-gender couples were the largest group of property buyers, outnumbering both male-only and female-only purchasers.

In 2016, female-only buyers surpassed male-only buyers, and this trend has continued, with women-only buyers surpassing couples in 2022. Despite this increase in ownership, Lightstone’s research reveals that women generally purchase properties at lower values compared to men and mixed-gender couples. The price gap between properties bought by female-only buyers and those purchased by couples has widened since 2020, with most women purchasing homes in the under-R750,000 range.

The findings highlight the increasing role of women in South Africa’s property market, but also underscore the challenges they face, particularly in accessing higher-value properties. Despite this, the steady rise in female ownership points to growing financial independence and involvement in the property sector. As women continue to lead in property ownership, this trend signals a broader shift in South Africa’s real estate dynamics, with women playing a crucial role in shaping the future of the market.