Women now account for 47% of all solo mortgage applicants, up from 41% last year and 36% in 2020, data from Mojo Mortgages has revealed.
To mark the 50th anniversary of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, Mojo Mortgages has published data on female homeownership, highlighting long-term progress in financial independence alongside continued challenges for women buying alone for the first time.
Before the legislation came into force, lenders could legally refuse mortgage applications from unmarried women or require a male guarantor, significantly restricting access to homeownership.
Over the past five years, the proportion of sole female applicants has increased by 14%, narrowing the historic gender gap in mortgage applications.
However, the data also indicated that momentum has slowed for women attempting to enter the market as first-time buyers without a partner.
The proportion of single female applicants who are first-time buyers peaked at 28% in 2021 before falling sharply to 12% in 2024.
While 2025 has seen a modest recovery to nearly 16%, the majority of solo female applicants are now seeking remortgages, which account for 72% of applications.
Kayleigh Jackson, sales manager at Mojo Mortgages, said: “Fifty years ago, the ability for a woman to secure a mortgage independently was a radical step towards equality.
“Today, we celebrate the freedom and financial power that the Sex Discrimination Act unlocked, enabling millions of women to own their own homes.
“However, our data shows that while many women are confidently managing their existing property finances, getting that initial foot on the ladder alone is becoming harder.
“The persistent gender pay gap, the extended time it takes for women to save for a deposit, and a general financial confidence gap all contribute to this slowdown.”
She added: “Our mission is to empower all customers to navigate the mortgage world with confidence.
“We are actively working to break down these barriers by providing clear, fee-free expert advice and tailored resources to help women overcome the structural challenges that still exist, ensuring the promise of the 1975 Act is fully realised for the next generation of solo female buyers.”
