More South African women own property than before - here's how to protect this asset

Home ownership is more than a milestone - for South African women, it's a declaration of independence and a long-term financial vision. With the right protection in place, a home becomes not just a roof over your head, but a powerful financial asset.
2025 data from Lightstone Property show that sole female buyers make up almost 40% of home ownership in South Africa - up from 30% in 2014. The numbers paint an empowering picture, where South African women are increasingly taking their place on the property ladder.
According to Lightstone, between June 2024 and June 2025, individuals bought approximately 200,000 residential properties. Of those,75,000 properties were bought exclusively by single female buyers (women who are the sole registered owners of the property, regardless of their marital or relationship status).
Protecting your prized asset
Owning a home is a major milestone for anyone. It offers freedom, stability and the opportunity to generate income through rental or resale. It's an asset you'll want to protect if something unforeseen happens, like a burst geyser, a break-in or a collapsed boundary wall. And if something does happen, you really want to avoid paying out of pocket.
With comprehensive home insurance, you'll be able to cover your building and your home's contents for any loss or damage.
Comprehensive home insurance cover usually includes:
- Burst pipes and geysers
- Accidental damage
- Weather-related claims
- Missing or broken keys, locks and remote controls
- Damaged swimming pool filters, boreholes and other pumps
- Theft
- Home assistance (emergency locksmith, electrical or plumbing services)
Many people don't realise that home insurance cover isn't just about 'stuff' - it can also provide cover if someone is injured while on your property. This is often called liability cover, and it's useful for handling related repair expenses, medical bills or even legal fees.
Get covered with Discovery Insure
Today's women understand the value of protecting their investments. In turn, Discovery Insure recognises that homeowners value having insurance cover that can be tailored to their needs. Whether you're a woman buying a first apartment, scaling down or holding a property portfolio, we can help you meet your lifestyle and financial goals.
Discovery Insure offers four flexible plans, each offering comprehensive cover: Core, Essential, Classic and Purple.
For South African women, buying property solo is increasingly becoming a strategic move to secure personal freedom and to shape the future on their own terms. Home insurance protects that freedom and future, making the journey secure and stress-free.
https://www.discovery.co.za/corporate/smart-money-what-women-want-from-home-insurance
https://corporate.lightstone.co.za/result/Articles/20001?DateFormat=MMM%20yyyy
https://www.rei.co.za/blog-posts/women-take-the-lead-in-property-ownership-in-sa
https://lightstone.co.za/newsletters/property/august2022/WomenownmorethanhalfofSAhomes