Key takeaways
Australian women hold 40% less net wealth than men and retire with significantly smaller super balances.
The wealth gap starts early, with girls receiving less pocket money and encouragement to invest.
Women are less likely to invest in property, delaying wealth creation compared to men.
Housing affordability challenges hit women harder, making it tougher to build an asset base.
Negotiating pay remains a hurdle, limiting women’s earning and investing power over time.
Strategic investing and early action are critical for narrowing the gender wealth gap.
Women live longer than men, but retire with a lot less money.
Girls are taught to save, while boys are taught to invest.
And despite all the noise about progress, the gender wealth gap in Australia remains stubbornly wide.
Those aren’t just soundbites.
They’re hard facts from Finder’s State of Women's Wealth Report 2025 — and if you're serious about building and protecting wealth, whether you're a woman or a man, you need to pay attention.
Because while this might seem like "someone else's problem," the truth is: Financial inequality affects us all.
Let’s dig into what the report uncovered — and what we can learn from it.
The Numbers Are Startling
According to Finder’s research:
- Women in Australia hold 40% less net wealth than men.
- The average Australian woman would need to work 11 years longer than a man to retire with the same superannuation balance.
- Young men are already twice as likely to own a property outright compared to young women.
And it’s not just about the pay gap (although that’s part of it).
The wealth gap comes from a combination of factors:
- Lower incomes over a lifetime
- Time out of the workforce to raise children or care for family
- Lower rates of investing
- Smaller retirement savings
- Different attitudes towards risk
Note: In short: it’s a compounding problem.
And the earlier it starts, the harder it becomes to catch up.
It Starts Young
Here’s something that really caught my eye: Girls receive less pocket money than boys.
Even in early childhood, boys are being set up with a stronger foundation for financial independence — not because they’re smarter or more capable, but because of outdated social norms.
Girls are often encouraged to save their money. Boys are encouraged to invest or grow theirs.
Fast forward 30 years, and you’ve got men who are more likely to negotiate higher salaries, invest in property, take financial risks, and ultimately accumulate more wealth.
Note: It’s a subtle difference early on... but it snowballs over time.
Housing and Super: The Twin Engines of Wealth (and Inequality)
Finder's report highlights something we've been banging on about at Metropole for years:
Owning property is one of the greatest wealth accelerators in Australia.
Yet the data shows:
- Women are far less likely to own investment properties.
- Those who do invest often start later and build smaller portfolios.
Combine that with the superannuation gap, and it’s no wonder many women are facing financial insecurity later in life.
And remember — Australia’s rising cost of housing isn’t just making it harder for first-home buyers; it’s making it even harder for women to bridge the wealth gap.
So, What Can Be Done?
While systemic change is crucial (fairer pay, better parental leave policies, more financial literacy education), there are powerful personal steps women can take right now.
Here’s what stood out to me:
- Start investing earlier. Even small amounts invested regularly can snowball thanks to compounding.
- Be strategic with property. Owning the right assets — not just saving cash — builds real wealth.
- Ask for more. Whether it’s a raise, a better mortgage rate, or investment advice, negotiating confidently can change outcomes dramatically.
- Stay financially active. Even during career breaks or part-time work, staying engaged with investments, super, and wealth-building matters.
As I often say: It’s not how much money you earn that matters most — it’s what you do with it.
Why It Matters to All of Us
You might be thinking, "Well, I’m not a woman — why does this affect me?"
Because financial security isn’t just about individuals. It’s about families. Communities. Generations.
When women build wealth, everyone benefits:
- More kids grow up in financially secure homes.
- More wealth gets reinvested into our economy.
- More retirees live independently, not dependent on government handouts.
This is about building a stronger, fairer, wealthier Australia.
Final Thoughts
The State of Women's Wealth Report paints a clear picture: The gap is real. The challenges are real.
But so are the opportunities.
At Metropole, we see firsthand how strategic property investment can transform financial futures — for women and men alike.
The key is to start early, act deliberately, and never assume that time alone will fix the problem.
Wealth isn’t just built by waiting. It’s built by planning, investing, and staying the course.
And if you need help creating your own financial freedom plan — or one for your family — click here now and organise a complimentary Wealth Discovery consultation with one of Metropole's Wealth Strategists.
