Wealth creation in the UK is evolving faster than ever before, and women are playing an increasingly prominent role. According to Reuters, women now make up around 46% of the country’s millionaires, with their wealth growing by 11% annually.
This growth is reflected in the increasing number of women stepping into senior roles, including the 25 female billionaires now residing in the UK. Yet despite this rising influence, real estate remains an underexplored investment avenue for many women.
Belinda Inocco, Head of Investor Relations at ASK Partners, explains why women should take a closer look at real estate debt opportunities, especially as they become more empowered financially.
“Real estate is a powerful wealth-building tool,” says Belinda. “However, the sector remains underrepresented by women. Despite comprising 39% of global employment in real estate, only a third of investors in the field are women, according to Zippia.”
Belinda highlights how real estate debt investing can offer women a unique and accessible route to secure financial growth, without the hassles associated with direct property ownership.
Flexibility and control over investments
For many women managing busy careers, families, and personal commitments, investment flexibility is key. Belinda stresses the importance of platforms that offer tailored investment opportunities, such as ASK Partners’ model.
“We offer investors the ability to choose opportunities that match their risk appetite, time availability, and personal goals. This gives women greater control over their investments, empowering them in ways traditional investment avenues often do not,” she explains.
Belinda goes on to describe how investors can diversify their portfolios across various asset classes and geographies, which spreads risk and increases the potential for more efficient returns. “Through our private client portal, investors can stay involved without the need for constant attention. This makes real estate debt investing ideal for women who want to grow their wealth without dedicating too much time to the process.”
Women tend to be more risk-averse than men
Research shows that women tend to be more risk-averse than men when it comes to investing, which can sometimes lead to missed opportunities. But Belinda explains how ASK Partners accommodates this cautious approach while still offering attractive investment prospects.
“We cater to a wide range of risk profiles,” says Belinda. “For example, through our platform, investors can select opportunities that align with their specific risk preferences. This flexibility allows women to enter the real estate market in a way that feels safe and manageable for them.”
Tailored strategies that match individual risk tolerance help to mitigate the potential downsides, allowing investors to participate in a market they might otherwise feel hesitant about due to its complexity.
‘Investing in real estate debt isn’t just about making money’
For Belinda, investing is not just about returns but about achieving financial freedom and creating a legacy. “For me, investing in real estate debt isn’t just about making money; it’s about securing autonomy. Real estate debt offers a stable, predictable stream of income, without the unpredictability of the stock market. It also serves as a hedge against downturns in other markets,” she says.
Belinda, who has extensive experience in property management, confesses that owning and managing property has never been an appealing option for her.
“The challenges of direct property ownership — like tenant management and maintenance — made it clear to me that this route wasn’t for me,” she says. “The current tax regime also complicates things. But real estate debt offers a way to reap the benefits of property investment without those headaches. It provides regular income from interest payments without the burdens of active property management.”
A growing market that ‘offers a unique blend of flexibility’
As women become more financially empowered, their presence in the real estate debt market will only continue to grow. Belinda believes this shift will help reshape the landscape of investment.
“Real estate debt is still a relatively unknown asset class for many individual investors,” Belinda notes. “Many assume it’s something only institutional investors engage in. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s an asset class that offers a unique blend of flexibility, control, and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for individual investors, particularly women.”
As women’s financial power rises, so should their involvement in this growing market, Belinda argues. “The goal for many investors, including women, is to build a well-diversified portfolio that not only meets financial goals but aligns with their values and long-term vision. Real estate debt investing allows for this while offering a tangible way to grow wealth.”