31% women buy homes for investment, only 2% prefer stocks, 12% pick gold

Real estate remained the most preferred investment asset class for 70% of women in H2 FY24, up from 65% in H2 FY22 and 57% in H2 FY19, according to a survey by property consulting firm Anarock. Meanwhile, women's preference for stock market investments fell sharply to just 2% in H2 FY24 from over 20% in H2 FY22. Chairman of Anarock, Mr. Anuj Puri, noted that women have strategically shifted towards housing, given the stock market's recent downturn compared to its bullish phase in 2022. Gold also gained popularity, with its preference rising from 8% in H2 FY22 to over 12% in H2 FY24. 

The survey highlighted a growing preference for premium and luxury homes, with 52% of women opting for properties priced above Rs. 90 lakh (US$ 1,03,083.16) in H2 FY24, compared to 47% in H2 FY22. Among them, 33% chose homes priced between Rs. 90 lakh (US$ 1,03,083.16) and Rs. 1.5 crore (US$ 1,71,762.28), 11% preferred the Rs. 1.5-2.5 crore (US$ 1,71,762.28 – 2,86,270.47) range, and 8% sought properties above Rs. 2.5 crore (US$ 2,86,270.47). Interest in newly launched properties increased, with 18% of women preferring under-construction homes, up from 10% in H2 FY22. In comparison, demand for ready-to-move-in homes dropped 29% from 48%. He attributed this trend to growing confidence in large, listed developers, allowing women to invest in under-construction properties with an eye on future returns. The survey also found that the end-use-to-investment ratio among women homebuyers shifted to 69:31 in H2 FY24 from 79:21 in H2 FY22, indicating a rising investment-oriented approach. 

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.