A recent report by CoreLogic, titled “2025 Women & Property,” highlights the gender disparity in investment assets among women. While home ownership rates are relatively equal between men and women, women are underrepresented in investment properties and other assets such as cryptocurrencies and super funds.
The report surveyed home ownership, motivations, barriers, and attitudes towards dwelling ownership across genders in Australia. It found that 64.4% of men and 62.7% of women own at least one residential property, indicating a balanced ownership rate. Similarly, the percentage of “rentvestors” is almost equal, with 8.5% of females and 8.2% of males renting their property.
However, when it comes to investment properties, the gender gap becomes apparent. Only 11.4% of women own at least one investment property, compared to 14.2% of men. Additionally, 2.4% of women and 3.2% of men reported owning multiple investment properties. The gender investment discrepancy is even more significant in cryptocurrencies, with 24.1% of males owning cryptocurrencies compared to only 8% of females.
Furthermore, the report reveals disparities in shares and superannuation. While 34.7% of men own shares, only 19.1% of women do. Similarly, 44.8% of men hold superannuation, while 56.3% of women have it.
CoreLogic’s head of research, Eliza Owen, attributes the gender investment gap to various factors such as income disparity, risk aversion, lower financial literacy rates, and discomfort with mathematics. She emphasizes that this gap has been widening over the years, particularly among younger generations.
The report also highlights the impact of affordability and low income on women’s investment opportunities. Forty percent of women surveyed do not own any investments, compared to 27.8% of men. Additionally, the gender pay gap plays a significant role in women’s challenges in accessing the housing market, including saving for a deposit, high prices, and loan approvals.
While the report indicates promising parity in dwelling ownership between men and women, it acknowledges the need for further empowerment and support for women in terms of investment and property ownership. Efforts to address the gender pay gap and provide financial education and opportunities can help bridge the investment gap.
