Women & Real Estate: How Women Are Changing the Investment Landscape

Real estate has long been one of the most reliable paths to building wealth — and women are taking their place at the forefront of this opportunity. From homeownership to investment portfolios, women are reshaping how real estate is bought, owned, and profited from in the United States.

 

Over the past several decades, women have steadily increased their presence in the housing market. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, single women accounted for about 20% of all homebuyers in 2024, up from just 11% in 1981.

 

This isn’t just a trend — it’s progress. In fact, data from the Pew Research Center shows that single women own more homes than single men overall, with women owning about 58% of homes held by unmarried Americans.

 

What’s driving this? Women are increasingly seeking financial independence, stability, and long-term wealth creation. Owning real estate — whether a primary residence or an investment property — is a foundational way to build equity and secure financial freedom.

 

 

• Women often have access to 18% less of the real estate market than men, largely because of the persistent wage gap, making it harder to qualify for loans or compete in hotter markets.
• Women tend to pay slightly higher mortgage costs than men in most states.

These challenges underscore why education, mentorship, and tailored investment strategies are critical — particularly for women stepping into real estate for the first time.

 

When it comes to investing in income-producing property — rentals, fix-and-flips, or commercial deals — women are making strides, but there’s room for growth.

 

• Recent data suggests that about 30–32% of real estate investors in the U.S. are women — up from under 30% just over a decade ago.
• In commercial real estate ownership, women represent an even smaller share — roughly only 2% of owners — highlighting a significant opportunity for growth and empowerment.

This gap is not due to lack of ability — women bring unique strengths to investing, including disciplined, long-term strategies, strong planning skills, and collaborative decision-making. A recent survey of investors found that many women feel confident in their investment approach and willing to take measured risks to reach their goals.

 

Real estate is the foundation of generational wealth in the U.S. — and women stand to gain tremendously as they build equity through homeownership and investment portfolios.

 

Owning property can:

 

• Create passive income through rentals
• Build equity that grows over time
• Provide tax advantages
• Serve as a hedge against inflation
• Offer opportunities to scale into larger portfolios

Despite historical barriers, women continue to break new ground in real estate — and the trajectory points upward.

 

Empowering More Women to Invest With Confidence

At its core, real estate investing isn’t just about transactions. It’s about strategy, education, and support — all areas where women are showing strength and promise.

 

If you’re a woman considering your first investment property — or expanding your current investment portfolio — here are a few tips to help you get started:

 

1. Build your education first – understand markets, returns, and numbers.
2. Connect with mentors and peers – networking can strengthen confidence and open doors.
3. Start small, think long term – real estate rewards patience and smart planning.
4. Use professionals you trust – real estate advisors, lenders, and accountants can make complex decisions easier.
   
   

Women are increasingly shaping the housing market as buyers, owners, and emerging investors. While challenges remain — especially in investor representation — the trends show a growing movement toward financial independence, community building, and wealth creation through real estate.

 

Whether you’re buying your first home, investing in rentals, or exploring fix-and-flip opportunities, now is a powerful time for women to take the lead in real estate. The opportunity isn’t just to participate — it’s to thrive.