The study of 1,000 women who do not currently own a home finds that 37% of them intend to buy a property independently, while 35% would buy with a partner.
In 2024, Skipton processed 11.5% more solo mortgage applications from women than men and so far in 2025, it has received almost 7% more applications from women buy alone than men.
41% of those asked said they wanted full control over decisions like where to live, but the challenge of saving for a deposit alone saw 36% struggling to find a suitable property within their budget and preferred location.
On average, those women putting money aside for a house currently possess £9,420 for a deposit but believe they will need over £27,000 in order to secure their first property.
A third are worried about whether will be able to secure mortgage approval without a second salary, and afford the legal and surveying costs of homebuying.
Head of mortgage products and proposition for Skipton Building Society, Jen Lloyd, said: “While solo buyers are incredibly motivated, they face a disproportionate number of barriers. The challenges are significant and too often overlooked. The risks and pressures of buying alone can feel amplified, but that shouldn’t prevent people from pursuing this path.
Aneisha Beveridge, head of research at Hamptons, which is part of the Skipton Group, added: “The rise in solo homeownership is closely tied to shifting life milestones. With more people going to university, many are renting for longer and delaying homeownership until they’re settled in a stable job and location.
“At the same time, marriage and parenthood are happening later in life, meaning more people are buying homes alone rather than as couples.”
