South African Women Bought More Homes Than Men in Q3 2025

• According to Absa's Homeowners Sentiment Index, more women than men bought homes in South Africa during Q3 2025
• It monitors consumer confidence about the property market
• Overall homeowner sentiment decreased slightly by one point, to 85%

According to the Absa Homeowners Sentiment Index (HSI) for the third quarter of 2025, South African women bought more homes during the quarter than men did.

The HSI, a significant indicator of consumer confidence in the South African property market, indicates a slight dip in overall homeowner sentiment – falling back by one percentage point to 85 percent from the previous quarter – and remains strong on a historical basis.

The Absa report states that confidence in property as a long-term asset class continues to hold, and many South Africans see property as a reasonably stable and secure investment, buoyed by strong rental demand for cash flow.

This is especially so, when considering that easing inflation and lower interest rates are contributing factors for renewed optimism related to property sentiment, in addition to the ongoing issues of unemployment and many other economic challenges.

Overall, South Africans remain cautiously optimistic about property as a tool to achieve financial stability and long-term security.

The most recent Absa HSI for Q3 2025 has provided indications that, in this quarter, more homes were purchased by women than men in South Africa.

The HSI is a leading indicator of consumer sentiment in the property market in South Africa, and it indicated a slight dip in overall homeowner sentiment: down one percentage point to 85 percent from the prior quarter. However, in historical terms, sentiment was still robust.

According to Absa, confidence in property as a long-term investment remains strong with much South Africans seeing property as more stable and secure, especially with a solid demand for rental units.

The report indicated optimism was supported by positioning inflation and lower interest rates, but noted challenges with unemployment and slow economic growth placing negative weight on the sentiment index.

Overall, South Africans are cautiously optimistic about property and the ability to achieve financial stability and long-term security.