More women now investing in buy-to-let property

A growing number of women are investing in the buy-to-let market as an alternative to the failing of the pensions industry, new research shows.

According to a new study by Simple Landlords Insurance, 40% of buy-to-let landlords are now women, reflecting the fact that property is moving towards equality at a faster pace than all other major industries.

The poll of 447 landlords revealed that 63% of female landlords perceive rent for monthly income as their long-term business goal, as opposed to long term capital growth, compared with 53% of men.

The research also found that women are more likely than men to have become accidental landlords, with 48% of female landlords proving to be deliberate buy-to-let investors, compared to 61% of men.

Women were more likely to have become landlords after moving in with a partner and renting out their own property or through purchasing a property for a family member to live in, such as a child attending university. 

Female landlords are also likely to provide rented accommodation to a more diverse range of tenants than men. Some 35% said they would rent to housing benefit recipients, compared with 25% of men. Women were also more open to renting to pensioners, students and single employed tenants. 

Alexandra Huntley, head of operations at Simple Landlords Insurance, said: “As recently as 1970 women could be refused a mortgage without a male guarantor. But buying, selling, renovating, and renting property is no longer just for the boys. Those stereotypes are firmly consigned to history.

“Women have been steadily gaining ground over the last 50 years and are increasingly gaining financial independence through property investment.”

Alexandra Huntley will be hosting a seminar at the Property Investor & Homebuyer Show next week on ‘women in property’ in conjunction with Bindar Dosanjh, founder of the Female Property Alliance.

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