Investing is an important step towards securing a stable financial future. It can take many forms, such as gold, SIPs, real estate, direct stocks, or government securities. According to a survey conducted by real estate consultant Anarock, women today prefer investing in real estate rather than gold. This finding challenges the stereotype that women tend to invest more in gold.
The survey, which had a sample size of 5,500 consumers, showed that 65 per cent of women would like to invest in real estate or properties in general, while only 8 per cent preferred gold. In addition, the survey revealed that 7 per cent of women choose to invest in fixed deposits (FDs).
The survey also provided insights into women’s preferences for real estate investments. It found that 83 per cent of female respondents were interested in buying properties costing above ₹45 lakhs, while cost-efficient and reasonable homes priced below ₹45 lakhs were the most undesired.
The survey also highlighted that the budget range of ₹45-90 lakh was the perfect range for thirty-six per cent of women interested in buying homes, while twenty-seven per cent preferred mid-luxury homes priced from ₹90 lakhs to ₹1.5 crores. Lastly, twenty per cent preferred luxury properties costing over ₹1.5 crores.
According to Santhosh Kumar, Vice Chairman of Anarock Group, women proved to be significant buyers in the residential real estate segment over the past decade, particularly in urban centres. He also noted that women’s preferences influence newer trends in the real estate market, from ready-to-move properties to bigger homes and specific budget ranges.
Women are increasingly also purchasing real estate properties for investment purposes. The survey found that the proportion of women purchasing properties for investment and end-use had changed from 82:18 to 77:23.
Anarock also highlighted that women in India could benefit from purchasing and registering houses in their own names, as numerous government schemes champion and promote ownership of homes by women in India.
For example, under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna (PMAY), the government’s coveted scheme started in 2015, it requires homes to be registered with a woman as a co-owner or in a woman’s name to be eligible for the scheme.
Women homebuyers can also enjoy lower charges on stamp duty in multiple states, and financial institutions like banks offer discounted or lesser rates on home loans to women compared to men.
Women are increasingly becoming a significant segment of real estate buyers in India, and their preferences shape the real estate market. Investing in real estate offers many benefits for women, and they can take advantage of government policies that promote women’s home ownership. Therefore, investing in real estate can be a smart financial decision for women who want to secure their financial future.
