Women Homebuyers Rising: 30% Invest, 69% Purchase for End-Use

In recent years, women's role in the real estate market has undergone a remarkable transformation. According to the latest ANAROCK Consumer Sentiment Survey (H2 2024), a growing number of women homebuyers are entering the market not only as end-users but also as astute investors. The survey reveals that while over 69% of women purchase homes for end-use, around 30% are investing in property for financial gains. This shift highlights their increasing financial independence and the evolving dynamics of the housing market.

In this article, we examine the survey's key findings, explore women homebuyers' changing investment preferences, and discuss what these trends mean for the future of real estate in India.

Key Survey Insights

The ANAROCK Consumer Sentiment Survey (H2 2024) offers a detailed look at the preferences of women homebuyers, showing a clear trend toward real estate as a favored asset class over other investment options like the stock market. Here are some of the most significant insights:

• Real Estate as an Investment:
  At least 70% of women now view real estate as the most preferred investment asset class—a notable increase from 65% in H2 2022 and 57% in the pre-COVID era.
• Shift from Stock Market:
  Women’s preference for stock market investments has plummeted to just 2% in H2 2024, a dramatic decline from over 20% in H2 2022, indicating a strong pivot towards real estate.
• Homebuyer Type:
  Approximately 31% of women are buying homes purely for investment purposes, while 69% are purchasing properties for end-use. This represents a shift from the 79:21 split seen in H2 2022, highlighting a growing trend of women investing with a long-term vision.
• Budget Preferences:
  The survey shows that at least 52% of female respondents in H2 2024 preferred premium or luxury homes priced over ₹90 lakh. Meanwhile, around 33% are looking for properties in the ₹90 lakh to ₹1.5 crore range, 11% favor homes priced between ₹1.5 crore and ₹2.5 crore, and 8% prefer properties above ₹2.5 crore.
• Preference for Under-Construction Homes:
  Demand for under-construction properties has risen, with over 18% of women now favoring them compared to just 10% in H2 2022. Conversely, the preference for ready-to-move-in homes has declined from 48% to 29%, signaling a shift towards the potential long-term gains of under-construction projects.

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Survey Data Summary

To provide a clearer picture, here is a summary table of the key findings from the ANAROCK survey:

What These Trends Mean for the Real Estate Market 

1. Empowering Women Homebuyers

The survey underscores the increasing role of women in the real estate market. With higher disposable incomes and growing financial independence, women homebuyers are becoming a critical force in the sector. Their dual role as investors and end-users signals a mature approach to property buying, where long-term value and quality of life are both prioritized.

2. Shift in Investment Strategy

The marked decline in preference for stock market investments—from over 20% in H2 2022 to just 2% in H2 2024—highlights a strong shift towards real estate. Women are now more inclined to invest in properties, seeing them as a stable asset class that offers both tangible value and long-term appreciation. This trend could drive further growth in the affordable and premium housing segments, as more female investors seek properties that promise robust returns.

3. Impact on New Launches and Under-Construction Projects

With a growing acceptance of under-construction homes, developers are likely to tailor new projects to meet this demand. The preference for properties in various price ranges—from budget to luxury—suggests that a diversified approach in new developments could cater effectively to the evolving tastes and financial strategies of women homebuyers.

4. Boost to Market Confidence

These trends reflect a broader market confidence among female investors, indicating that they view real estate as a secure investment amid economic fluctuations. With increasing numbers of women stepping into the market, developers and investors can expect more balanced growth across different segments of the real estate market.

Conclusion

The ANAROCK Consumer Sentiment Survey (H2 2024) clearly illustrates the rising prominence of women homebuyers in the Indian real estate market. With 70% of women now favoring real estate as their preferred investment and a shift towards under-construction projects, the landscape is rapidly evolving. As 31% of women invest in property and 69% buy for end-use, these trends not only signify greater financial empowerment but also herald a more robust and diverse property market.

For investors, developers, and policymakers, understanding these shifts is crucial to capitalizing on emerging opportunities. As women continue to assert their presence in the housing market, their influence is set to drive innovation, improve market dynamics, and contribute to a more sustainable real estate ecosystem. Stay informed and leverage these insights to navigate the future of property investment in India.

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