Australian Property News

Single female buyers on the rise

Posted on Tuesday, August 24 2010 at 12:52 PM

When selling, investors need to adapt properties to the growing force of single women making buying decisions in the property market, according to the Matusik Snapshot.

Single women now account for more than one third of real estate sales, said Michael Matusik of Matusik Property Insights.

Matusik said that as a result of a greater earning capacity and marrying later, women aren’t waiting to meet a potential partner before investing in the property market.

To adapt a property to this emerging market of buyers, and equally for the same demographic of renters, Matusik said investors need to know what this demographic really wants in a property. This includes:

• Good security and low maintenance. In many cases this means a unit situation (preferably not the ground floor). Townhouses are also a popular option.

• A safe location. The surrounding area needs to be well lit, well populated with good security like security lifts, automatic locks and gates, and sensor lighting. A security intercom is also considered highly.

• Proximity to work, inner city areas, social life and amenities.

• Adaptable space.

• Kitchens need to be real working spaces with sensible appliances and significant counter space.

• Outdoor living. From a small courtyard to a shared rooftop garden.