Updated October 2026, 2026 tax changes: from 1 July 2027, negative gearing for residential property is generally limited to eligible new builds (later buyers of that dwelling can't access it), and the 50% capital gains tax discount for individuals, trusts and partnerships is replaced with cost base indexation and a 30% minimum tax on gains. Properties held at 7:30pm (AEST) on 12 May 2026 keep their existing negative gearing treatment, and the changes to capital gains tax apply only to gains that accrue after 1 July 2027; investors in new builds can choose the 50% discount or the new rules. Both changes are now law; see the ATO. This is general information only; speak to a registered tax agent about your situation.
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Property investment has played a key role in women’s financial independence, which has changed dramatically in recent years with remarkable advancements in several nations. Likewise any other major industries in Australia, Aussie women are rapidly moving forward considering property investment as their key source to build wealth.
Compared to males, women face several financial obstacles, especially when it comes to investing and property. Women’s financial stability and homeownership aspirations are nevertheless hampered by systemic problems like income inequality, investment inequalities, and affordability constraints.
Many women, even those with high incomes, are less confident about investing and tend to avoid financial risks. To help them build long-term financial security, it’s important to provide clear financial education, supportive policies, and diverse investment options. A supportive property investment company like Liviti can help more women confidently enter the property market.
So why does it matter?
Property ownership isn’t just about having a place to live, it’s a critical tool for financial security, wealth accumulation, and retirement planning.
1. Property Ownership as a Key to Financial Security
- 56% of Australia’s total wealth is held in residential property, making it the largest source of wealth for individuals.
- Over the past two decades, property values have grown by 193.1%, far outpacing wage growth (81.7%).
- This means homeowners have been able to build wealth significantly faster than those relying on income and savings alone.
2. Protection Against Housing Costs in Retirement
- Homeownership plays a critical role in financial stability during retirement.
- Owning a home can reduce rent-related financial stress in retirement.
3. Higher Wellbeing and Stability for Homeowners
- The NAB Australian Wellbeing Survey found a strong correlation between homeownership and overall wellbeing.
- Homeowners reported a higher standard of living and mental wellbeing compared to renters.
- Even financially stressed homeowners reported better security than renters, highlighting the emotional and psychological benefits of owning property.
4. Rising Housing Costs
- Housing affordability is at its worst levels on record, with rising deposits and interest rates limiting access to homeownership.
- The ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ is playing an increasing role in helping first-time buyers enter the market, highlighting the growing difficulty of purchasing property independently.
- Though this is shifting toward ‘The Home of Mum and Dad’, where children are moving home to their parents in order to save money for a deposit.
Property ownership in Australia is more than just a financial investment, it is a foundation for wealth-building, financial security, and wellbeing.
Addressing affordability and financial literacy gaps can help create a more equitable property market.
Why Property Ownership is Key to Long-Term Financial Well-Being
Let us understand the relationship between property and wealth. Owning a home is a powerful driver of wealth accumulation, creating a significant financial advantage over renting. According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), property is the largest asset class for middle- and high-income households, with homeownership rates exceeding 92% in these groups.
This disparity stems from the fundamental difference between building equity through mortgage payments and simply covering housing costs with rent. When homeowners make mortgage payments, they gradually increase their ownership stake in the property, creating a tangible asset that may appreciate in value over time.
This equity serves as a cornerstone of financial security, contributing significantly to overall net worth. A PropTrack report found that buying remains cheaper than renting for approximately one-third of homes in Australia, particularly when considering long-term investment potential.
Conversely, renters’ payments provide shelter but do not translate into long-term asset ownership, leaving them with limited potential for wealth growth through housing. Consequently, homeownership emerges as a crucial pathway to financial stability and prosperity, offering individuals the opportunity to build a secure financial future.
Moreover, property investment plays a key role in generational wealth-building. However, ABS data also highlights that women are underrepresented in property ownership, underscoring the need for greater financial literacy and investment opportunities to bridge this gap.
The Barriers Holding Women Back from Property Investment
There are many indicators that suggest the pay gap between males and females. Based on the employment to population ratio, 68.5% of males had jobs as compared to 60.5% of females. Females worked on an average only 31.9 hours as compared to 38.4 hours for males.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
The report by ANZ reveals a persistent gap in financial wellbeing between women and men, with women generally experiencing lower scores due to various socio-economic factors.
These factors include employment status, household living arrangements, caring for dependents, and mental health, all of which can significantly impact a woman’s ability to earn, save, and build financial resilience.
Women often feel less confident about their finances, particularly in planning for the future and understanding the risks associated with long-term investments.
This lack of confidence and knowledge contributes to women making fewer long-term investments, hindering their financial security. On top of that, Lenders often assess borrowing capacity based on income and savings history which can disadvantage women, particularly those with career breaks.
The Gender Investment Gap: A Missed Opportunity
The 2025 CoreLogic Women and Property report reveals both parity and disparity in property ownership and investments between men and women in Australia. While overall dwelling ownership is similar between genders (64.4% of men and 62.7% of women), a smaller percentage of women (11.4%) own residential investment properties compared to men (14.2%).
This gap is particularly evident among Gen Z, with significantly more young men owning investment properties. Furthermore, 40% of women reported having no investments at all, including property, compared to only 27.8% of men, highlighting a significant “gender investment gap.”
Beyond property, substantial differences exist in other asset classes. Men lead in superannuation and boast considerably higher average balances. The survey also uncovered a notable divide in share ownership and cryptocurrency investment, with men participating at much higher rates.
Even in co-ownership of investment properties, men tend to co-own more frequently than women. These findings emphasise the need for greater financial literacy and targeted initiatives to encourage women’s participation and success in diverse investment avenues.
Despite these gaps, the report also found that more women rate home ownership as extremely important compared to men. However, a larger proportion of women also cite affordability as a significant barrier to entry.
Turning Barriers into Opportunities: How Women Can Secure Their Financial Future
Several government schemes support home ownership. Most are for people buying a home to live in, not an investment property:
- Housing Australia Future Fund
The Australian government established the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund with the goal of promoting affordable and social housing. Providing 4,000 homes for elderly women at risk of homelessness as well as women and children affected by domestic and family violence is a major goal. This program supports the financial stability of vulnerable women by addressing housing security, which may open up future real estate investment opportunities.
Additionally, if you are a first time home buyer there are several more advantages you can avail. These initiatives offer a range of financial support, including direct lending, concessional loans, and mortgage relief, often allowing households to benefit from multiple forms of assistance.
The First Home Owner Grant Scheme provides a one-time grant to eligible first-time homebuyers who will live in the home (it is not available for investment properties), funded and administered by state and territory governments. Additionally, the Indigenous Home Ownership Program focuses on facilitating homeownership for First Nations people by providing access to affordable home loan finance and support networks. The First Home Super Saver Scheme lets eligible first home buyers release certain voluntary superannuation contributions towards a deposit, subject to limits, conditions and tax rules. It has restrictions as well as benefits, so speak to a licensed financial adviser and a registered tax agent before using it.
The Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme (formerly the Home Guarantee Scheme) lets eligible home buyers purchase with a low deposit and no LMI. Finally, the Help to Buy shared equity scheme, run by Housing Australia, is designed to help eligible low to middle-income earners enter the housing market.
How Liviti Can Help You Leverage Your Investment Journey
There is a need for a smarter, more strategic approach to property investment. With expert guidance, access to the right properties, and investment strategies tailored to individual goals, women can be better placed to work through these barriers. Guidance from a property investment consultant Sydney can help keep decisions informed and strategic.
At Liviti, our focus is helping people build long-term wealth through property. As more women take control of their financial future, working with property investment advisors Sydney can provide structure for long-term planning. Collaborating with investment property advisors Sydney through a property investment company helps keep each step aligned with both personal goals and market opportunities.
Whether you’re looking to buy your first property or expand your investment portfolio, Contact us to explore how you can start your journey towards financial security today.
