Women home in on profit

WOMEN are proving their place is in the home, with female investors making more profits than male counterparts.

Analysis of Australian Taxation Office figures has revealed women are proving more adept at investing in real estate over the long term, buying properties with better returns and long- term growth.

The proportion of women who own an investment property has also risen at a faster rate than men in recent years, despite women earning less than men on average.

Calla Property’s Susan Farquhar, who mentors men and women on getting into the market, said Aussie women were better investors because they took a keener interest in property and were more comfortable committing to a mortgage at a younger age.

They were also better at saving for a deposit, more inclined to seek advice and less prone to risky investments, she said.

“Women tend to start when they’re below 35, often when they’re still single,” Ms Farquhar said.

“Much fewer men will invest when they’re single and they tend to wait till they’re older and in a secure relationship.”

Women’s keener focus may help explain changes in the gender balance of property ownership.

Roughly 13 per cent of women taxpayers owned an investment property in 2010 but in five years the figure rose to 15.2 per cent, according to ATO data.

In the same period, the proportion of men with an investment property was consistent, going from just under 15 per cent to 15.7 per cent.

About 47 per cent of all investment properties are now owned by women.