Research from Cotality has highlighted a significant gender gap in property ownership across New Zealand.
The report found significant differences between men and women when it comes to owning the home they live in. Among Gen Z respondents (aged 18-29), 53% of males said they owned their home, compared with just 33% of females. The gap was also evident among Millennials (aged 30-44), where 66% of men owned their home compared with 47% of women.
The pattern extends to property investing as well. Among Gen Z, 20% of men reported owning an investment property compared with 13% of women. For Millennials, 15% of men were property investors compared with just 9% of women.
Interestingly, the report found that more women than men consider property ownership to be highly important, despite fewer women owning property.
Cotality Chief Commercial Officer Lisa Jennings said the implications were significant. “Early entry to the property market gives more time for wealth to accumulate and a gateway to more options later, as well as the tenure benefits from owning a property. This is a concern for younger females, who don’t own property as frequently as males,” she said.
Why the gap exists
One of the key drivers behind the ownership gap is income. According to the report, 25% of men earn at least $100,000 per year, compared with just 12% of women. This difference can make it harder for women to save a deposit and meet banks’ loan servicing requirements.
The research also identified a confidence and knowledge gap: 6% of men said they had not yet purchased property because they did not know where or how to start, compared with 16% of women.
These barriers can slow the path to home ownership, even when the desire to buy is strong.
Steps that can help close the gap
While these statistics highlight challenges, there are also practical ways people can strengthen their chances of entering the property market.
For example, prospective buyers can:
- Build a clear savings plan for a deposit.
- Take advantage of KiwiSaver withdrawals for a first home.
- Explore low-deposit lending options where appropriate.
- Seek professional guidance early in the process.
Getting reliable advice can also help demystify the process and build confidence about borrowing and purchasing decisions.
Property ownership has long been one of the main ways New Zealand households build long-term financial security. Understanding the steps involved – and the support available – can make the journey more achievable.
Understanding your borrowing options is an important step when planning a path into property ownership. Contact us if you would like help reviewing your finances and mapping out a strategy to move forward with confidence.
