The Changing Face of Real Estate: Women at the Forefront of Property Ownership in India

Over the last few years, India has seen a notable transformation in the real estate sector. This expansion is primarily driven by a combination of economic development, urban migration, infrastructural investments, and changing customer aspirations. With changing lifestyles, better connectivity and infrastructure growth, and increased access to financing, real estate has become the first choice for wealth creation and personal security across different income groups.

Government initiatives, regulatory reforms, and a stronger emphasis on transparency have added further credibility to the sector, attracting both first-time buyers and seasoned investors. Amidst this momentum, one of the most transformative shifts is the growing participation of women in real estate ownership.

The trend indicates a wider societal transformation, with women taking greater control of household finances and long-term investments. Recent market statistics document a consistent and heartening upswing in women's involvement in real estate, with the YOY transactions done solely by women customers rising by 14 percent, touching 1.29 lakh. This saw their proportion of overall residential property deals increase from 20 percent in 2023 to 22 percent in 2024. With several benefits including enhanced access to credit, targeted government initiatives, and increasing financial literacy among women are considering homeownership not only as a residence, but also as a means to independence and security. Below are some of the key financial benefits and policy initiatives that are making homeownership more accessible and attractive for women in India.

Reduced Interest Rates and Higher Loan Eligibility Enhance Loan Affordability for Women

Most banks offer a small interest rate concession - typically between 0.05 percent and 0.10 percent to women homebuyers in India. This boosts affordability, savings in the entire loan tenure, and a reduction in the repayment amount over a span of time, making it affordable for women customers. Women are usually considered to be more creditworthy by lenders because of their prudent financial management and disciplined savings culture, and, overall, having lower default rates than men. A strong credit score and steady income can further enhance a woman’s ability to secure favorable loan terms. Furthermore, if a woman avails a home loan as a co-borrower, the increased cumulative income can raise the eligibility for loans.

Also Read: Kaleidoscope of Women in Indian Real Estate

Comprehensive Tax Advantages for Women Homebuyers

First-time homebuyers can claim an additional deduction of up to Rs. 50,000 on home loan interest under Section 80EE, provided they meet certain eligibility conditions. They are also entitled to regular home loan tax benefits - including deductions under Section 80C, where each co-owner can claim up to Rs. 1.5 lakh on principal repayment, and under Section 24(b), up to Rs. 2 lakh on interest payment. Additionally, they may be eligible for capital gains exemptions under Sections 54 or 54F if the property is sold and reinvested as per prescribed conditions.

These provisions not only make homes more affordable for women but also contribute to long-term financial security and wealth creation. Furthermore, women who take joint home loans can access substantial tax benefits - as a jointly owned and jointly repaid loan allows each co-owner to individually claim deductions, potentially totaling up to Rs. 7 lakh annually.

Stamp Duty Concessions Encourage Early Investment

Stamp duty, a compulsory charge paid upon property registration, differs across states in India. A number of state governments offer stamp duty benefits for women homebuyers, usually 1 percent to 2 percent of the transaction amount. In high-value urban markets, this translates to significant savings. Delhi offers women a 2 percent concession and women are charged 5 percent stamp duty in Rajasthan. These concessions not only save initial costs but serve as an economic incentive to encourage the homeownership of women.

Priority Access to Government Housing Schemes

Government housing schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) favor women applicants. In fact, under the PMAY's Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS), a female co-owner is typically a requirement to be eligible, particularly in the economically weaker sections and low-income group segments. This is because the policy rests on the idea of the government's vision of nurturing inclusive housing for women. With support for ownership or co-ownership, these schemes aim to extend protection and financial security to women in the long run.

Also Read: Women Builders & Interior Designers: Catalysts for Change, Challenge, & Creativity

In conclusion it can be said that the push toward women-centric benefits in real estate is more than just a financial incentive; it represents a paradigm shift in how property ownership is viewed in India. With women further shattering social and economic barriers, these specific benefits bring a sense of appreciation and empowerment, aiding women in becoming economically independent, significantly boosting the nation’s economic growth.