New research suggests that more women are planning to purchase a home independently rather than with a partner. The study revealed that 37 per cent of women aim to buy a property on their own, compared to 35 per cent who plan to do so with a partner.
Four in ten women highlighted the importance of feeling financially secure on their own, while a third expressed a desire not to depend on a partner for life progression. Nine out of ten women also said it was crucial to reach this milestone independently but others highlighted they also wanted full control over deciding where to live.
Data from Skipton Building Society also suggests that women are more likely to buy alone than men. In 2024, it processed 11.5 per cent more mortgage applications from solo female buyers than male ones, and so far in 2025, it has received nearly seven per cent more individual applications from women than men.
However, saving for a deposit on a single income can be a daunting task, with 36 per cent struggling to find a suitable property within their budget and preferred location.
Other potential buyers are concerned about covering additional legal fees and surveys without financial assistance from a partner. Meanwhile, a third are worried about whether they will be approved for a mortgage without a second income.
The study was commissioned by Skipton Building Society to promote its Track Record Mortgage, which evaluates an applicant’s rental payment history to determine affordability – eliminating the need for a deposit.
Its head of mortgage products and proposition, Jen Lloyd, said: “While solo buyers are incredibly motivated, they face a disproportionate number of barriers. The challenges are significant and too often overlooked.
“The risks and pressures of buying alone can feel amplified, but that shouldn’t prevent people from pursuing this path. It’s clear there’s demand for more flexible, accessible products tailored to today’s buyers.”
On average, women saving for a home have £9,420 set aside for a deposit but believe they will need approximately £27,414 to buy a home. It’s also expected to take another five years before they can get on the property ladder.
Jen added: “As a building society founded on fairness, we believe in designing solutions that reflect how people actually live. That’s why we created our Track Record Mortgage – to help renters who are financially ready but locked out by traditional deposit requirements.”
Aneisha Beveridge, head of research at Hamptons, part of the Skipton Group, added: “The rise in solo homeownership is closely tied to shifting life milestones.”
She added: “With more people going to university, many are renting for longer and delaying homeownership until they’re settled in a stable job and location.”
“At the same time, marriage and parenthood are happening later in life, meaning more people are buying homes alone rather than as couples.”
An overwhelming 82 per cent acknowledge the potential pitfalls of purchasing a property alone. Over half are apprehensive about the financial burden should their earnings fluctuate unexpectedly, while 46 per cent worry about covering unexpected maintenance costs.
Nearly six in 10 (59 per cent) say greater awareness of support schemes would help, while 58 per cent would like to see mortgage products better tailored to single applicants. And 49 per cent believe homeownership would feel more achievable with extra help towards deposit costs.
Jen Lloyd added: “We need to do more to raise awareness of existing support, so solo buyers feel seen, supported, and confident in their homeownership journey.”