Four Ways Single Women Can Start a Real Estate Side Hustle
Updated: Mar 8, 2025
Written by Annette Densham, Chief Storyteller
Multi-award-winning PR specialist Annette Densham is considered the go-to for all things business storytelling, award submission writing, and assisting business leaders in establishing themselves as authorities in their field.
The year is 2025, and the rental crisis is at an all-time high. A single mother sits at the dining table as midnight creeps closer. She has her laptop open, looking at her expenses. A full-time job, plus a little child support, just doesn’t cover the cost of food, medical care, travel, and housing. She clicks away from the spreadsheet where her costs are carefully outlined and visits property sites. It’s just a dream, but it’s such a sweet fantasy: homeownership. At this point, having a roof over her head is an achievement, even if the rental is overpriced and there’s barely room to move inside it.
This is the reality for many women. In today’s age, society places high expectations on women to successfully balance family responsibilities with career aspirations, expecting them to excel in both despite the complexities and challenges involved. This double burden keeps women trapped in a cycle of serving others yet never actually getting ahead. As a result, by the time women retire, they have, on average, 42% less superannuation than men, despite having carried double the workload throughout their adult years.
To dig deeper into this, I spent some time chatting with Mox from Investor Partner Group, a premium service provider in the property investment industry. This team has created a turnkey service offering every aspect of property investment under one roof. They’ve also partnered with female empowerment experts to create opportunities for women. Chatting with Mox about this shed interesting light on the industry.
The challenge of property affordability in Australia
Having the equity for something like property investment feels completely out of reach. Financial stability has become the great pipe dream many single mothers wish were a reality. Mox from IPG explains, “To buy property, a 10% cash deposit is required, and for single-income homes with children, this liquid capital simply doesn’t exist. The sad part is that many of these women would be phenomenal payers if they could get a lucky break to enter the property market, but the traditional routes of entry are simply inaccessible.”
Non-traditional ways single-income families can enter the real estate market
1. House hacking: A real, practical solution
Mox says that house hacking is a practical real estate investment strategy where you purchase a property, live in part of it, and rent out the other part to generate income. “The concept works by turning your home into an income-generating asset, which can significantly reduce your financial burden while helping you build equity over time. This is a simple way to cover mortgage costs, build equity, and reduce living expenses,” he says.
2. Rentvesting: A strategic move for financial independence
Mox says that financial independence is something every woman should strive for, despite economic circumstances making it increasingly difficult. He explains, “Rent-vesting means renting where you want to live while investing in a property elsewhere.”
“This approach allows women to live in desirable locations, close to work or their kids’ school, while building wealth through a more affordable investment property,” he adds.
3. Partnering with other investors
Mox notes that for many, partnering with friends, family, or other investors to collectively pool resources provides a reduced financial burden, diversified risk, and access to better properties. That said, it needs to be approached with care, as profits will be split, decision-making shared, and a close partnership maintained.
“Everyone’s values and goals need to be mutually beneficial and stay aligned for years to come,” is Mox’s top tip.
4. Creative financing
A Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) allows mums to use their retirement savings to invest in property directly. Mox explains that women can build wealth through real estate while saving for retirement:
“With an SMSF, they can purchase residential or commercial property, and the rental income goes into the super fund. There are strict rules around SMSF property investment, but it offers a way to diversify a portfolio and secure long-term financial growth.”
He adds that this option enables a single woman to grow wealth without tapping into personal savings or taking on personal debt.
Mindset shift: Real estate as a viable side hustle
While there are systemic barriers that make it harder for women to enter the real estate investment industry, it is still possible to get in. Mox believes it’s about working with a smart team committed to coaching, guiding, and helping women succeed.
“Varsha Banker from Real Estate for Women, in collaboration with myself at Investment Partner Group, is dismantling some of these systemic barriers and giving women a proverbial ‘leg up.’ Through the courses, mentorship, and free resources offered by Real Estate for Women, women are creating profitable side hustles and ensuring their retirement by investing in real estate,” he says, humbly acknowledging the incredible work they do.
Taking the first step towards building wealth, securing financial independence, and creating a legacy through property starts with making contact and believing that wealth is possible.
Annette Densham, Chief Storyteller Multi-award-winning PR specialist Annette Densham is considered the go-to for all things business storytelling, award submission writing, and assisting business leaders in establishing themselves as authorities in their field. She has shared her insights into storytelling, media, and business across Australia, UK, and the US speaking for Professional Speakers Association, Stevie Awards, Queensland Government, and many more. Three times winner of the Grand Stevie Award for Women in Business, gold Stevie International Business Award, and a finalist in Australian Small Business Champion awards, Annette audaciously challenges anyone in small business to cast aside modesty, embrace their genius and share their stories.
