In Celebration of International Women’s Day
March 8 is International Women’s Day, a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women in all aspects of life. It’s also a moment to highlight the unique financial challenges women face—particularly in retirement.
Recent findings from the 2025 Women & Property Report by CoreLogic reveal a persistent gender gap in property investment, which has serious long-term financial implications.
While 62.7% of women own at least one residential dwelling—compared to 64.4% of men—fewer women invest in additional properties or other wealth-building assets.
For many Australian women, the family home is their most valuable financial asset, but it’s often tied up in equity, leaving them asset-rich but cash-poor in retirement.
Why Homeownership Matters More for Women in Retirement
The report found that women place a higher priority on homeownership than men—44% of women rated property ownership as “extremely important”, compared to only 33.5% of men.
This makes sense. For many women, owning a home is not just about financial investment—it’s about stability, security, and having a place to call their own for life.
However, with worsening housing affordability and the fact that women generally earn less than men over their lifetime, many find themselves “asset-rich but cash-poor” in retirement. They own valuable homes but lack the liquid cash to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
This is where home equity release solutions like Reverse Mortgages can make a world of difference.
[ ALSO READ: Women Live Longer than Men then Struggle Financially ]
The Hidden Power of Home Equity
Imagine if you could turn the value of your home into a reliable income stream—without having to sell or move. That’s exactly what a Reverse Mortgage allows you to do.
✅ Access your home equity – Your home isn’t just a place to live—it’s a financial asset. A Reverse Mortgage lets you tap into that value.
✅ Stay in your home – Unlike downsizing, a Reverse Mortgage allows you to access funds while still living in the home you love.
✅ No regular repayments required – Unlike a traditional loan, you don’t have to make monthly repayments. The loan is repaid when you sell, move into aged care, or pass away.
✅ Flexible funding options – You can receive the money as a lump sum, a regular income stream, or a line of credit—whatever works best for you.
This option is particularly beneficial for women who may have missed out on investment property gains or have lower superannuation balances due to career breaks, caregiving responsibilities, or part-time work.
Breaking the “Asset-Rich, Cash-Poor” Cycle
Many women in their 60s, 70s, and beyond find themselves in a situation where they have significant wealth tied up in their homes but struggle with everyday expenses like medical bills, home maintenance, or simply enjoying their retirement.
Here’s a common scenario:
Meet Joan, a 73-Year-Old Widow
To better understand how home equity release can benefit women, let’s take a look at Joan’s story—a real-life example of how a Reverse Mortgage helped a widow regain financial stability without selling her home.
At 73 years old, Joan had built a comfortable life with her late husband running a thriving restaurant. But when COVID-19 struck, their business suffered devastating losses. Tragedy followed when Joan’s husband passed away, leaving her to grieve while also facing unexpected financial troubles.
A year after his passing, Joan discovered an $80,000 supplier debt, leading to a caveat on her home. On top of that, she had:
✔ A $300,000 home loan
✔ A $26,000 car loan
✔ $7,000 in credit card debt
✔ $500 in overdue rates
✔ Solely reliant on the Age Pension
Although Joan’s lender granted her a one-year repayment break, she knew that wasn’t a long-term fix. Selling was not an option—her home was filled with memories of her husband, and she wanted to stay for at least another 3-5 years.
The Solution: A Reverse Mortgage
Joan needed a long-term solution that would allow her to clear her debts while keeping her home. After exploring her options, she chose a Reverse Mortgage, which enabled her to:
✔ Refinance her mortgage and car loan
✔ Clear her credit card and overdue bills
✔ Settle supplier debts and remove the caveat
✔ Fund home improvements (a fresh coat of paint and minor repairs)
In total, Joan accessed $355,000 upfront, giving her immediate financial relief. With her debts settled, Joan experienced immense relief and regained control over her finances. Her Age Pension was now enough to cover her daily expenses, and she no longer had to worry about repayments.
Most importantly, she got to stay in the home she loved, without the financial stress that had once consumed her.
Joan’s story is an inspiring example of how a Reverse Mortgage can empower women to take control of their financial future—without having to sell their home.
[ ALSO READ: Reverse Mortgage Trends: Divorced Women & Debt Consolidation ]
Empowering Women Through Financial Security
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s time to encourage more women to take control of their financial future.
If you’re a homeowner approaching retirement and feeling the pressure of financial insecurity—even if you own your home—you’re not alone.
Like Joan, many women have worked hard to own their home but find themselves struggling with daily expenses, unexpected costs, or outstanding debts.
A Reverse Mortgage can be a lifeline that helps women achieve financial independence, reduce stress, and enjoy a more comfortable retirement.
Want to learn more about Reverse Mortgage? Find out more about how to use a Reverse Mortgage for debt consolidation or download your FREE REVERSE MORTGAGE GUIDE.
Ready to Apply? You can now check your eligibility online or call Seniors First on 1300 745 745.
*Name has been changed to protect the privacy of Seniors First customers.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before you make any decision.
