Women and mortgages: female homebuyers on the rise

2026 marks 50 years since women in the UK were first legally able to apply for a mortgage on their own. Since then, the mortgage market has moved on dramatically—but the story isn’t just about access. It’s also about confidence, affordability, and how quickly people can build the deposit and evidence lenders look for.

Ahead of International Women’s Day, this data-led editorial explores how female mortgage applications have evolved, where the momentum is strongest, and what matters most for women planning to buy.

Key trends in female mortgage applications

Recent years show clear movement in how women apply for mortgages—both in terms of who is applying and the types of purchases being made.

• More women are applying on their own. Over the last five years, the proportion of sole female mortgage applicants has risen.
• Women make up a larger share of applications. In 2020, 36% of mortgage applicants were women; by 2025 this increased to 47%.
• First-time buying is still a major part of the picture. In 2026 so far, almost 21% of female applicants were first-time buyers, compared with 12% in 2024.
• The age profile is concentrated in the 25–34 range. Women aged 25–34 account for 58% of female first-time buyers and 41% of female homebuyers overall.
• The gender gap is narrowing. In 2026, 15% of applicants were solo males and 12% were solo females.

Taken together, the data suggests that female homebuyers are becoming more visible in the market—not only as co-applicants, but increasingly as sole borrowers.

A brief history: from restrictions to choice

It’s easy to forget how recent the shift was. For much of the 20th century, women could face barriers that went beyond affordability.

• Before the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, lenders could refuse mortgages based on gender.
• In earlier decades, women’s property rights were also limited. The Married Women’s Property Acts helped establish that a woman’s assets could be treated as her own.

The result of these legal changes was more than paperwork. It opened the door for women to apply independently—an important step towards normalising female homeownership.

Where the momentum is strongest—and what’s changing

While more women are applying, the pattern of who is buying and how they’re buying has shifted.

Women are more likely to buy in their 20s and 30s

The strongest concentration of female first-time buyer applications is in the 25–34 bracket. That aligns with a period when many people are balancing career growth, savings-building, and major life decisions.

There are signs of caution around first-time buying

Even with rising application shares, the proportion of women making a first-time move can fluctuate year to year. When the wider market feels uncertain—particularly around mortgage costs and deposit requirements—people often delay or reassess.

Why affordability still matters: the practical drivers behind the numbers

Mortgage decisions are ultimately based on affordability and risk, not gender. However, the financial starting point can differ—and that can influence who applies, how much they can borrow, and how quickly they can move.

1) Income differences can affect borrowing power

The UK’s gender pay gap means many women earn less on average than men. Since lenders assess affordability using income, this can translate into lower borrowing capacity for some applicants.

2) Deposits take longer to build

A deposit is often the biggest hurdle for first-time buyers. If disposable income is lower, saving can take longer—meaning the “right time” to apply may arrive later.

3) House prices can widen the gap

Even when borrowing power is similar in principle, the reality of house prices and deposit sizes can make the path to ownership harder. For solo buyers, the impact is often more noticeable because there’s no second income to share the burden.

4) Confidence and financial comfort play a role

Mortgages can feel complex. Research into financial confidence suggests some women may feel less comfortable managing financial decisions independently, which can affect how quickly they act.

What women can do to strengthen a mortgage application

If you’re a woman planning to buy, the most useful approach is to focus on the factors lenders assess and the evidence you can provide.

Get your finances in order

Lenders typically look at more than just income. They may consider credit history, existing commitments, and the size and source of your deposit.

Practical steps include:

• keeping spending predictable during the application window
• avoiding new credit commitments close to applying
• reviewing outgoings so you understand what’s likely to be assessed

Prepare proof of income early

If your income is straightforward, it’s still worth gathering documents early. If your income is more complex (for example, self-employed or variable), having the right paperwork ready can reduce delays.

Consider your loan-to-value (LTV)

Your LTV—the deposit compared with the property price—can influence how lenders view the risk of the application. Increasing your deposit can help you move to a lower LTV band.

It’s also sensible to keep an emergency buffer rather than using every available pound on the deposit.

Choose a mortgage term that fits your plan

A longer term can reduce monthly payments, while a shorter term may reduce interest paid overall. The “best” option depends on your priorities and how long you expect to keep the mortgage.

Make sure your application reflects your real situation

Lenders assess affordability based on your circumstances. Presenting a clear picture of income, commitments, and deposit readiness can make the process smoother.

Women are buying—at different ages and in different ways

The data shows that female homebuyers aren’t limited to one life stage. While the 25–34 group is the largest, there are also meaningful numbers of women applying later in life.

That matters because it reinforces a key point: homeownership doesn’t have to follow a single timeline. With the right preparation, women can approach the market when their finances, deposit, and confidence align.

Methodology (editorial data approach)

This editorial draws on internal analysis of mortgage applications made between 1 March 2019 and 25 February 2026.

• Figures are based on average trends intended to illustrate general patterns.
• The analysis is for informational purposes and does not constitute mortgage advice.
• Individual circumstances vary, and outcomes depend on personal financial profiles and lender assessments.

All data is correct as of 26/02/2026.