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One in four homes owned by Women   Article Date :28 Aug 2006 Number of female homeowners climbing steadily Women are increasingly entering the property investment arena, with the number of female homeowners climbing steadily. Latest figures from First National Bank (FNB) show that despite a legacy of earning less than their male counterparts, 25% of all women earning between R60 000 and R200 000 per annum already own a property. Statistics from bond originator MortgageSA show a similar pattern with one in four home loans granted in the first half of 2006 going to female property buyers. FNB Home Loans CEO Ed Grondel says these figures are encouraging as it indicates that women are taking responsibility for their future financial well-being. He says the growth in home ownership among women can in part be attributed to more women entering higher income brackets as well as the recent property boom brought about by the rapid drop in lending rates. Grondel says home ownership is not the only place where the impact of female investors is being felt. A growing number of women are also opting for long-term investments in the way of fixed or notice deposits, with women accounting for 53% of the total investment book at FNB. Latest figures from Standard Bank show that women are becoming particularly active in the buy-to-let market. Standard Bank economist Elna Moolman says the percentage of female participants in the residential property investment market increased from 28% to 37% between 2000 and 2005. At the same time, the percentage of male investors decreased from 61% to 56%. Moolman says although the increased presence of females may be due to rising joint ownership and registering a property in the female's name for tax purposes, more active female participation reflects women's empowerment and higher employment. Moolman says rising property prices and healthy capital gains prospects have also lured more female investors to the buy-to-let market. MortgageSA marketing manager Ruth Nel says there is no doubt that women's increased disposable income is beginning to show in the property market. She expects more female buyers, particularly younger women, to enter the market as economic opportunities increase over the next few years. According to MortgageSA statistics the average age of women buying a house has remained constant over the past two years at around 40 years. Nel believes this will change as more women in their late twenties and early thirties with well-paid jobs invest in property as a sign of their own success and independence. Pam Golding Property Group CE Andrew Golding agrees that women are becoming more aware of the investment benefits of buying property. Says Golding: ``It is increasingly evident that women play a key role in the property purchase decision, whether it be for investment, leisure use or permanent residence purposes.' CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE MAIN NEWS PAGE