South African women beat men in an important economic indicator

·7 Nov 2025

Absa’s Homeowners Sentiment Index (HSI) Q3 2025 shows that women bought more homes than men in South Africa over the quarter.

Absa’s Homeowners Sentiment Index (HSI) is South Africa’s leading measure of consumer confidence in the property sector.

Overall, homeowner sentiment declined marginally by one percentage point to 85% from the previous quarter but remains high by historical standards.

South Africa now heads into the final quarter of the year, traditionally a time for financial reflection and planning.

Absa highlighted that the sustained confidence in property as a long-term investment is particularly noteworthy.

Many South Africans still view property as a secure investment asset, which is a key driver of positive sentiment and is stimulated by rental demand.

“Easing inflation and lower interest rates have supported optimism, while unemployment and slow growth continue to temper it,” it said.

“Overall, South Africans remain cautiously optimistic about property as a path to financial security and long-term stability.”

The latest Absa HSI revealed that females, particularly single women, account for more than half of all first-time homebuyer applications in 2025 to date.

“The rising homeownership aspirations in this subgroup are really spurring activity in SA’s residential property market,” it said.

“We’ve seen strong optimism in the property market hold steady over the past year, and people are acting on it,” said Absa Home Loans’ Tshepo Mashashane.

“It’s especially positive to see more women stepping into homeownership for the first time. It shows the market is recovering and diversifying in meaningful ways.”

Kamini Ramsamy, Head of Enterprise Risk at Absa Personal and Private Banking, added that consumers’ disposable income has also shown a recovery in recent quarters.

“However, the outlook for their finances remains strained in the short term, with time needed for them to gradually recover financially,” she said.

“Increased global uncertainties also continue to drive the cautious optimism among existing and aspiring homeowners.”