South Africa’s homebuying trends reveal a growing number of young female buyers, particularly in the 26–30 age group, who now represent 14% of female homebuyer applications from January to July 2024. This marks a 2% increase over their male counterparts, highlighting their resilience in a challenging economic environment marked by high interest rates. A significant portion of these women are opting to buy homes independently, a trend reflecting the prioritisation of financial independence and often described as ‘houses before spouses.’ This shift is evident in Lightstone’s 2024 data, where women-only homeowners constitute 38% of the market, outpacing men-only homeowners at 29%.

Ooba Home Loans data indicates a strong preference among female buyers for freehold properties, with 59% of first-time female buyers and 65% of repeat buyers choosing this type of property. The demand for investment properties has also surged among women, particularly those aged 26–30, with applications for such properties rising to 7.5% in 2024 from 2.4% in 2019.

This trend reflects a broader strategy of using property for wealth creation. Notably, the average price paid by female homebuyers aged 18–25 has increased by 31.7% over the past five years, suggesting a strong focus on financial wellness and property investment. As interest rates are expected to decrease, further growth in homebuying, particularly among young first-time buyers, is anticipated.