Women are claiming their space: Female homeownership surges past men in growth rate

Only a little over a fifth of homeowners are women, yet their numbers are growing at 14%—a rate higher than that of male homeowners (11%), according to residential transaction data from real estate marketplace Square Yards.

Residential transactions by sole women buyers accounted for 22% of total residential transactions in 2024, up from 20% in 2023, reaching 1.29 lakh transactions.

“As women gain greater empowerment through education, workforce participation, and financial independence, the current momentum speaks volumes. Women are emerging as a dominant force in homeownership, securing their futures with confidence,” says Kanika Gupta Shori, COO and Founder of Square Yards.

This rise can be attributed to favourable benefits for female buyers. Various initiatives in India have made homeownership more accessible and affordable for women. First-time homebuyers can avail of subsidies of up to ₹2.67 lakh under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana’s (PMAY) Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS). Many states, including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Assam, offer a 1-3% concession on stamp duty and a 0.5-1% reduction in registration charges for women buyers. Additionally, major lenders provide a 0.05% lower home loan interest rate if a woman is the main applicant or co-applicant. Tax benefits under Sections 80C, 80EE, and 24(b) further enhance affordability, allowing deductions of up to ₹1.5 lakh on the principal amount and ₹1.5-2 lakh on interest, making property ownership more financially viable.

Technology has also empowered women in homebuying through online property platforms, mortgage calculators, and budgeting apps for informed decision-making. Additionally, social media, fintech innovations, and digital payments have enhanced accessibility and financial inclusion, offering greater autonomy.

This trend has also encouraged many families to register homes under women’s names. Under the PMAY, at least one woman must be registered as the property owner, ensuring financial security. However, this raises the possibility that while women may be listed as homeowners, they may not always be the actual purchasers of these properties. A clearer understanding of the types of residential properties included in the registered transaction data could provide better insights into this trend.

Total residential transactions registered with the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) across nine key cities—Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad—reached 5.77 lakh in 2024, reflecting a 4% increase from 5.56 lakh in 2023.

Interestingly, despite tax rebates offered under joint ownership, transactions under joint ownership between men and women declined by 7%. However, it remained the dominant category, accounting for 40% of total registered residential transactions.