For many Australian women, owning a home is one of the most important financial milestones in life. It represents security, independence, and long-term stability. It is also, in most cases, the single biggest asset a woman will ever own.
Recent Australian data shows women are firmly participating in property ownership, but they often do so under greater financial pressure and risk than men. This is why protection products play a critical role in safeguarding not only the security of housing but also the woman behind it.
Women own homes, and often carry risk alone
According to CoreLogic research commissioned by Westpac, 62.7% of Australian women own at least one residential property, either as their home or an investment, close to parity with men.
Importantly, 26.8% of all residential properties in Australia are owned exclusively by women, meaning many homes rely on a woman’s income alone to meet mortgage and living costs. For many women, the home is not one asset among many — it is ‘the’ asset.
Mortgage stress can hit women harder
When women talk about stress, housing security sits alongside health, work, and caregiving as one of the biggest hidden pressures they carry. Research from Roy Morgan, widely used by lenders and regulators, highlights a clear risk gap where more than half (52.3%) of single owner occupier mortgage holders are at risk of mortgage stress with women making up the majority of this group.
In real terms, this equates to 205,000 single female mortgage holders classified as “at risk”, nearly double the number of men. With only 59% of single female mortgage holders working fulltime, income disruption due to illness or injury can quickly place housing at risk.
Income and wealth gaps can also increase exposure. Government data from the ABS and WGEA shows Australian women earn around 11.5% less than men, or approximately $12,600 per year on average. At the same time, women hold around 40% less net wealth overall, largely due to lower superannuation balances and fewer investment assets.
Why financial protection products are essential for women homeowners
Lower financial buffers often translate into higher stress, which in turn impacts physical and mental health, creating a cycle where financial strain and health vulnerability reinforce each other.
For many Australian women, home ownership represents their largest financial commitment and most important asset. When income is disrupted by illness, injury, or death, the risk is not just financial stress — it is the potential loss of the home itself.
This is why protection products play a critical role in supporting long term housing stability and financial resilience. Protecting your ability to earn income is also about protecting recovery time, allowing women to seek treatment, rest, and heal without the immediate fear of financial collapse.
Zurich’s Ezicover Life Insurance, Ezicover Income Protection, and Zurich Home Loan Protection solutions are designed to protect individuals and the income that supports them. When financial protection aligns with health realities, women are more likely to feel supported not just as policy holders, but as people.
Important information
This article has been prepared by Zurich Australia Limited ABN 92 000 010 195, AFSL 232510. Ezicover Life Insurance, Ezicover Income Protection and Zurich Home Loan Protection are issued by Zurich. Ezicover is a registered trademark of Zurich. This information does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider these factors and the appropriateness of the information to you. Consider seeking advice specific to your individual circumstances from an appropriate professional. You should also consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for the product available at www.zurich.com.au/life-insurance/documents or by calling 1800 022 114 in deciding whether to acquire or to continue to hold the product. A Target Market Determination for the products are available here or by contacting Zurich on 1800 022 114. Zurich has prepared the information on this website and Stella Underwriting Pty Ltd (“Stella”) is simply passing this information on to you. Stella acts as referrer for these products. Stella does not recommend, endorse or advise you about this insurance. They can only refer you to Zurich. If you buy a policy Stella will receive from Zurich a commission of 60% upfront and 10% ongoing (plus GST) of premiums paid. This amount is paid by Zurich and is not an additional cost to you.