The emotional and financial journey of single mothers and homeownership

ACCORDING to a 2024 report from Lightstone, women are driving the local property market.

- ESTHER DEVAR

Women-only buyers own 38% of residential properties, compared to just 29% owned by men. But property ownership isn’t the only challenge women face. A report by Stats SA revealed that 45.4% of children live with only their mothers, while just 4.2% live with only their fathers.

The property burden on motherhood can be immense, which is why I believe in placing greater emphasis on the dual financial and caregiving roles that so many women take on. Whether single, widowed, or supporting families on their own, mothers need to be especially vigilant about the long-term financial implications of owning a home. Prospective home-buying mothers must look beyond the bond and seek expert financial advice before signing on the dotted line.

Homeownership represents stability and legacy. But it comes with responsibilities far beyond the initial purchase price. You're dealing with debt, credit, interest rates, and an unpredictable world. Its enough to make anyone's head spin, especially when there are often more immediate responsibilities to take care of.