More women are choosing to buy homes on their own than ever before, according to new figures from Skipton Building Society, signalling a shift in the nation’s property-buying habits.
Skipton’s research found that 37% of aspiring female first-time buyers intend to purchase solo, compared to 35% who plan to buy with a partner.
The building society’s own mortgage data backs up the trend: in 2024, it recorded 11.5% more solo mortgage applications from women than men.
So far in 2025, female solo buyers continue to outpace their male counterparts by nearly 7%.
LONG-TERM INVESTMENT
Among those looking to buy alone, independence is a key driver. Half of respondents said they want to own a home without relying on others, 41% want full control over where they live, and 36% view solo homeownership as a long-term investment.
Yet the financial obstacles remain significant. The most cited challenge is saving for a deposit on a single income (38%), followed by concerns over legal and survey costs (37%), finding affordable homes in preferred locations (36%) and securing a mortgage without a second income (34%).
Currently, the average solo buyer has saved £9,420 – less than half the estimated £27,414 needed to get on the ladder. Many expect it will take them another five years to save enough.
SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES
Jen Lloyd, Head of Mortgage Products and Proposition at Skipton, says: “Our research shows while solo buyers are incredibly motivated, they face a disproportionate number of barriers, from saving for a deposit on one income to shouldering all the upfront costs alone.
“The challenges are significant and too often overlooked. The risks and pressures of buying alone can feel amplified, but that shouldn’t prevent people from pursuing this path. It’s clear there’s demand for more flexible, accessible products tailored to today’s buyers.”
FINANCIAL SECURITY
The research found 89% of aspiring solo buyers feel it is important to reach the milestone independently. Two in five said they want financial security in their own right, while 29% expressed a desire not to rely on a partner to move forward in life.
However, 82% of respondents acknowledged the risks of buying alone, with 53% concerned about changes to their income and 46% worried about being solely responsible for repairs.
Nearly two-thirds (65%) called for more support for solo buyers, and 59% said more awareness of existing schemes would help. A further 58% said they would welcome mortgage products better tailored to single applicants.
Aneisha Beveridge, Head of Research at Hamptons (part of the Skipton Group), adds: “The rise in solo homeownership reflects broader societal shifts.
“As higher education, stable employment, and family formation are happening later in life, more people are choosing to buy on their own – and it’s vital the housing market adapts accordingly.”
