It’s 2025 and we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Sex Discrimination Act which, amongst other measures, made it possible for women to get a mortgage without a man’s countersignature. 

It’s a great time to reflect on how far we have come in promoting financial equality between the sexes. In recent years, we have seen further strides. For example, the number of primary (or sole) female mortgage applicants increased from 29% in 2017 to 33% in 2021¹. 

It’s also a good time to consider the work still to be done  

The gender pay gap, which although narrowing, with many women needing a higher multiple of their annual salary to be able to purchase a home versus men, still presents a home ownership barrier to many women. 

Combine this with the cost-of-living and higher mortgage interest rates over the last few years, and it is unsurprising that many women feel that getting a mortgage is just as out of reach as it was in the 1970s. 

Advice is key 

Don’t be downhearted about your mortgage prospects – we are here to help you explore your options and ensure you have access to all the advice and information you need to make financial decisions with confidence. 

¹Habito, 2022 

As a mortgage is secured against your home or property, it could be repossessed if you do not keep up mortgage repayments.

‍

‍