Economy & Market

Women in Home Ownership

Published

1 year ago

April 18, 2025

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Vinita Singhania, discusses the importance of home ownership amongst women as a crucial step towards financial independence.

Financial independence is the ticket to a life of personal choice. For women, the idea is more than just income and savings and includes the possession of assets that yield long-term security. Financial inclusion has expanded, with more women taking charge of their investments. Women now represent over 25 per cent of individual investors and hold 33 per cent of the total individual assets under management (AUM). Notably, participation in mutual funds is also growing beyond the top 30 cities, as highlighted in the AMFI Factbook 2024.
Among all the investments, real estate is the most unique. Homeownership is independence, protection against uncertainty, and a foundation for future stability. Throughout the globe, successful women have identified property as a great wealth builder. Oprah Winfrey, the self-made billionaire, has continued to make property investments, which is a testament to having an appreciation of long-term worth. In India, professionals and businesswomen are defying conventional stereotypes by actively making property investments, thereby changing the narrative from reliance to economic independence.

Rise in women’s involvement in real estate investment
For decades, homeownership was considered a male-dominated domain. That is changing dramatically now. Women across all income groups are entering the real estate purchase business, looking at this activity not as a secondary option but as a main means of achieving financial independence. Industry data in recent years indicate that over 30 per cent of property buyers in urban India are women—a figure doubled in the last decade.
Policy incentives, such as lower stamp duties for women buyers and tax relief on home loans, are helping drive this trend. Section 80C of the Income Tax Act allows first-time female homeowners to claim a deduction of up to `1.5 lakh on the principal repayment of their home loan. Additionally, under Section 24(b), women can deduct up to `2 lakh on the interest paid for a home loan, provided they own the property entirely.
Above all, it is a shift in attitude—women are actively making their own financial security instead of waiting passively for it to happen.

Importance of home ownership to women
Home ownership is a financial foundation that no other investment can offer. In contrast to rental property, whose value fluctuates based on market trends, a home is a steady asset that gains value over the years. It accumulates wealth from generation to generation and provides a haven in times of need. Furthermore, women who are homeowners can avail themselves of more financial opportunities either by using the property as collateral for business expansion or by accessing education loans.
Apart from economic advantages, home ownership is a step towards autonomy. It guarantees that women have a place where decisions are theirs alone, without interference or social control. In a world where women’s economic independence is still questionable, homeownership is a revolution. Real estate investment strongly supports a woman’s social standing. Some banks provide women homebuyers with loans covering up to 90 per cent of the property’s value, compared to 80 per cent for men. Others offer extended repayment tenures of up to 30 years, easing the financial burden and making homeownership more manageable.

Challenges that still persist
Despite progress, several challenges persist. Financial literacy gaps remain a major issue. Many women are not introduced to financial planning early in life, which results in hesitation when making large investments like home purchases. Income inequality is also an issue. With the pay gap between men and women, still an issue in most industries, women will tend to be granted smaller loans than men, which reduces their purchasing power.
Social and cultural biases are also barriers. Economic choices in the majority of households are still within the purview of male household members, whereas independent investment choices by women are disapproved.
Moreover, legal and administrative complexities such as property title verification and mortgage approval processes can make it so difficult for first-time buyers.

Overcoming obstacles: Road to property ownership
Empowerment starts with awareness. Women need to give top priority to financial literacy, investment education, loan terms, and property laws. Banks and organisations now provide courses and online resources to make home buying easier. Accessing the policy incentives is a crucial step. The different states offer a lower rate of stamp duty to women buyers, and the banks provide differential rates of interest on housing loans. These incentives may significantly lower the cost of property ownership.
Maintaining and building a strong credit profile is of the utmost significance. Timely payment of loans, proper use of credit, and paying off current debts improve one’s loan-worthiness and better interest rates. There needs to be meticulous research. Women must research a variety of financing opportunities, compare homes diligently, and consult an attorney to discuss ownership papers prior to buying.
Consulting professional guidance from property and finance specialists can increase knowledge, thus making informed decisions in accordance with long-term financial goals. An informed strategy allows for an easier and more satisfying path to homeownership.

Conclusion
Women in India and across the world are redefining financial independence through real estate investment. Purchasing a property is a symbol of independence, planning and determination. While challenges remain, proactive steps, supportive policies and a determined mindset can help more women claim their rightful place in the real estate landscape. A home is an investment in empowerment, security and a future shaped by one’s own choices.

About the author:
Vinita Singhania, Chairperson and Managing Director, JK Lakshmi Cement Limited, is a businesswoman, and an industrialist, with diversified and rich business experience.

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Wonder Cement appoints Mahesh Singh as VP Corporate Brand Communication

Published

5 days ago

October 9, 2026

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Singh brings 20+ years of brand and marketing experience, and will lead integrated corporate brand communication initiatives at Wonder Cement

New Delhi

Wonder Cement, a leading cement manufacturer, has appointed Mahesh Singh as Vice President – Corporate Brand Communication. In his new role, he will oversee corporate brand strategy and communication, including digital and performance marketing, public relations, trade, events, exhibitions, sports and experiential marketing.

Singh brings over two decades of experience across marketing and communications, with roles spanning the automotive industry, agencies and entrepreneurship. He spent more than a decade with Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, working across integrated communication, media, digital, retail and consumer engagement. His stint also included helping build the company’s digital marketing capabilities.

He moved to dentsu X India as Vice President – Strategy & Planning, working across categories such as automotive, auto components, electric vehicles, FMCG, consumer electronics, BFSI, apparel and brand consulting. His responsibilities included media and marketing strategy, product launches, content, performance marketing and consumer activations.

Singh subsequently took an entrepreneurial route with Radiant Brands before joining Shriram Ltd (SPR Autotech) as Head – Marketing & Communications. There, his remit included brand and corporate strategy, communications, PR and ORM, retail identity, loyalty programmes and events.

At Wonder Cement, Singh will be responsible for bringing together the company’s corporate brand communication initiatives across digital, performance marketing, PR, trade, sports and experiential platforms. The role will focus on creating an integrated approach to communication across consumers, trade partners and other key stakeholders.

The appointment brings to Wonder Cement a marketer whose career has spanned the brand, agency and entrepreneurial sides of the communications ecosystem.

Wonder Cement, part of the RK Group, is a cement manufacturer with roots in Rajasthan and a focus on quality, trust and transparency. The company has grown to six manufacturing plants, and a cement capacity of 21.5 MTPA. With more than 2,000 employees and a network of over 5,000 dealers, its operations span manufacturing, distribution and customer engagement, with a focus on consistent product quality and efficient execution.

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JSW Cement commissions additional 1 MTPA grinding unit at Nagaur

Published

6 days ago

October 8, 2026

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With this commissioning, JSW Cement’s total cement grinding capacity has increased to 25.10 MTPA,
Mumbai

JSW Cement, one of India’s leading green cement producers and part of the diversified JSW Group, today announced the successful commissioning of an additional 1.00 MTPA cement grinding unit at Nagaur, Rajasthan. The commissioning marks another significant milestone in the Company’s growth strategy.

With this commissioning, JSW Cement’s total cement grinding capacity has increased to 25.10 MTPA, while its total clinker manufacturing capacity, including clinker capacity at its joint venture, JSW Cement FZC, stands at 9.74 MTPA.

JSW Cement had commenced operations in North India in March 2026 with the Nagaur Integrated Plant, comprising a 3.30 MTPA clinkerisation unit and 2.50 MTPA cement grinding unit. With the commissioning of the additional 1.00 MTPA cement grinding unit, the plant’s total cement grinding capacity has increased to 3.50 MTPA, enhancing the company’s ability to cater to the growing cement demand across Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and the National Capital Region (NCR). The expansion has been funded through a strategic mix of equity and long-term debt.

During the quarter ended 30th September 2026, JSW Cement has also commissioned the Alternate Fuel Handling System and the Waste Heat Recovery system (WHRS) at the Nagaur Integrated Plant.

Nilesh Narwekar, CEO, JSW Cement, said: “The commissioning of additional 1.00 MTPA grinding capacity at Nagaur is a key strategic priority for us and will accelerate JSW Cement’s expansion into North India. We look forward to servicing the growing needs of the region and contributing to the economic growth of Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and the NCR area. I am delighted to share that the company has commissioned this grinding unit within the expected timeline, showcasing our project execution capabilities. Further, the Alternate Fuel Handling System and the Waste Heat Recovery system (WHRS) are expected to substantially reduce our production costs going forward.”

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UltraTech becomes first Indian cement firm to cross 2 GW green energy

Published

7 days ago

October 7, 2026

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UltraTech Cement has crossed 2 GW of captive green energy capacity, with renewables and waste heat recovery meeting 48 per cent of its power needs.

Mumbai

UltraTech Cement Limited has surpassed 2 GW of installed green energy capacity for captive use, becoming the first cement company in India to achieve the milestone. The Aditya Birla Group company commissioned 116.55 MW of wind capacity at its Inter-State Transmission System-connected wind-solar hybrid project in Barmer, Rajasthan, along with 10 MW of Waste Heat Recovery System capacity at Sarlanagar Cement Works in Karnataka.

With these additions, UltraTech’s cumulative installed green energy capacity has reached 2,024 MW. This includes 1,580 MW of renewable energy capacity and 444 MW of waste heat recovery capacity, together meeting around 48 per cent of the company’s current power requirements.

The company said the milestone reflects the progress of its long-term energy transition strategy. In FY27 so far, nearly one-third of UltraTech’s 76 manufacturing units in India have maintained green energy utilisation above 50 per cent of their electricity requirements, while five units have crossed 95 per cent.

K C Jhanwar, Managing Director, UltraTech Cement Limited, said, “Crossing the 2 GW green energy milestone is the result of a strategy we have pursued consistently over the past decade. Cement is an energy-intensive, hard-to-abate sector, and showing that reliability and growth can go hand in hand with a rapid shift to green energy sets a benchmark for the industry. With nearly half of our power needs now met through green energy, we are significantly less exposed to fossil fuel supply constraints and power price volatility. As we scale up renewables, waste heat recovery and battery storage across our operations, we are building an energy foundation for stable, long-term growth.”

UltraTech commissioned 430 MW of green energy capacity in FY26 and continues to expand its renewable energy and waste heat recovery portfolio.

The company is also progressively integrating Battery Energy Storage Systems across its operations to improve renewable energy utilisation and supply reliability.

In 2025, UltraTech operationalised what it described as India’s first on-site hybrid round-the-clock renewable energy project at Sewagram Cement Works in Gujarat. The project combines solar, wind and battery storage.

As part of its decarbonisation strategy, UltraTech said it has not invested in new captive thermal power capacity for either greenfield projects or brownfield expansions at its integrated units for more than a decade.

The company said its expanding green energy portfolio is helping reduce dependence on conventional grid electricity and fossil fuel-based power, while lowering exposure to fluctuations in coal and electricity prices.

UltraTech aims to increase green energy’s share in its total power mix to 85 per cent by 2030. As a member of RE100, it has also committed to meeting 100 per cent of its electricity requirement through renewable sources by 2050.

UltraTech Cement, the cement flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, has a total grey cement capacity of 210.1 MTPA and white cement and putty capacity of 3.5 MTPA. The company is also a signatory to the GCCA Climate Ambition 2050 and has committed to the GCCA Net Zero Concrete roadmap.