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A New Dimension in India
Asset security and vulnerability come together for single women: Bhawna Malik
In recent years, India has witnessed a significant rise in the population of single women, reflecting broader social, economic, and cultural shifts. Once considered an anomaly in a society deeply rooted in traditional family structures, single women—whether unmarried by choice, widowed, divorced, or separated—are now increasingly visible demographic. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) and other demographic studies, urban centres show a steady increase in single women pursuing education, careers, and independent lives, contributing to social and economic transformation.
As per the 2011 Census, India alone has 71 million single women, a 39% rise in the last decade. The age group from 25 to 29 has seen the largest rise in single women (68%) followed by women in the age group of 20–24 (60%). The 16.9 million are almost 23% of single women indicating that the age of marriage might have moved. The numbers have risen from 51.2 million in 2001 to 71.4 million in 2011.
No longer mere statistics, single women are educated, financially independent working women, tax payers, voters and contributors in the Indian economy. But “Single women with Assets” are still vulnerable. The boldness, independence and financial freedom often does not go down well with their very own family members, estate agents and builders, once the singles decide to enter into a collaboration, or they choose to rent or sell their property.
Single life has its own challenges. “Being single is not always ready to mingle,” says Pooja Mittal (name changed). Pooja lost her father and was living alone, when her male cousin started visiting her at odd hours. “I never let him in and informed his wife. He even called me a number of times in the middle of the night.” Pooja blocked his number to put an end to his advances.
Author Sri Moyee Kundu’s path breaking book “Status Single” brings this harsh reality, right from people being judgemental about single status to women taking her own financial decisions.
Emergence of Asset Ownership Among Single Women
Traditionally, property and wealth in India have been concentrated within patriarchal family structures, with inheritance and ownership largely favouring male members. However, with higher education levels, urbanisation, and professional growth, single women are increasingly acquiring assets in their own names. Whether through inherited property, personal savings, or entrepreneurial ventures, single women are asserting control over their financial destinies. Real estate reports indicate a notable rise in women purchasing homes independently, particularly in metropolitan cities, where professional opportunities abound.
Overall 42.3% of women and 62.9% of men own a house, whereas 31.7% of women and 43.9% of men own land either alone or jointly. Women share in total residential transactions has increased to 22% in 2024 from 20% in the year 2023.
“I never let him in and informed his wife. He even called me number of times at the middle of the night.”
— Pooja Mittal (Name Changed)
Asset ownership by Women in India
Insights from NFHS Data (National Family Health Survey) mentions that in the year 2024, there was a significant increase in women buyers in India with 1.29 lakh residential transactions were solely registered by women, a 14% increase from the previous year.
Pankaja Joshi (name changed) started getting offers from her friends, neighbours and local property dealers to enter into a collaboration. Youngest of the four siblings, Joshi had lost her entire family and her only remaining family was her father. He, too, passed away leaving her a three-storey house in a posh area. “It was just a month that people started approaching me for collaboration or renting of my property.” Not only this, she was under constant vigil as to who visits her. “I’d you sell to someone, you might land up in legal hassles.”
Puja Narula (name changed) was blackmailed, stalked, and harassed by her N.R.I. brother-in-law and his kids. Narula’s father left her a will in her name, making her sole owner of all the assets. Her sister, too, had passed away, but the will had been written and signed right after her mother’s death, much before her sister’s passing.
“My brother-in-law came to India to immerse my sister’s ashes and to get his treatment done. But months passed and he was not willing to leave,” shared Narula.
All the expenses were borne by Pooja which were never returned. “I looked after him out of respect, not need. Being a single women, I need my privacy.”
The harassment continued as her brother-in-law came back to India without any information and started asking about her property details, will and what she plans to do with the property.
“The moment I decided to sell the house, he started having his plans.” The shock came when Pooja sold her house and bought another flat in the same area, her brother-in-law threatened her and started asking for his share and the name of his kids to be added in the newly bought flat. “He even stayed in a nearby room to keep an eye on me and started stalking me during my visits to the temple or market.” Keeping a person under constant threat, vigil, alarm and fear is itself a criminal offence.
Why Sale Deed Registration is a Must for Women Buyers
Owning property is one of the most significant steps towards financial security and independence, especially for women. But in India, where disputes over ownership are common, the sale deed registration becomes not just a legal formality, but a crucial safeguard. For women buyers, ensuring that the sale deed is properly registered can mean the difference between secure ownership and years of legal vulnerability.
The Supreme Court of India in its ruling said that the registered sale deed is a document that proves the legal ownership of a person, rather than the agreement that is written and signed on an E-stamp that is now commonly used for preparing the rent agreement. The judgement also mentioned that the sale deed must be registered within four months of the agreement signed.
A sale deed is the primary legal document that transfers ownership of property from the seller to the buyer. Without registration under the Registration Act of 1908, the document is not legally valid. In simple terms, an unregistered sale deed does not establish a woman as the lawful owner, leaving her open to claims from third parties, relatives, or even the seller. For single women or widows, this risk becomes particularly high, as ownership rights are often questioned in the absence of proper documentation.
Registration provides conclusive proof of ownership. It ensures that details of the property, including its boundaries, value, and the rights being transferred, are recorded with the sub-registrar. This prevents fraudulent resale of the same property and protects the buyer from future disputes. In cases where women may not reside in the purchased property immediately—due to work, marriage, or relocation—registration acts as the strongest shield of legal recognition.
Challenges Faced by Women Buyers
Gopika Sood (name changed) purchased three BHK in a newly constructed building and was all set to take possession until the builder, who was also the owner of that flat, did not give her the possession. He also seemed unwilling to get the said residential flat registered through a sale deed. The builder kept pressuring her to take possession of the newly bought home, but without a Government registered sale deed in her name.
Sood waited for three months with her bags packed, but the builder delayed in handing over the possession. He even refused to get it registered officially in her name. “Women buyers are considered naïve in financial matters and are often offered less price for their property,” laments Sood.
Kanika Mishra (name changed), a young widow, too, faced similar consequences. Despite the legal agreement signed by her and the builder that the balance amount of her sold property would be paid by the end of four months, her wait continues. “Our legally signed agreement has no clause of getting my amount after the property is free hold but the builder continues with this excuse.”
Financially, too, registration is essential. Banks and housing finance institutions require registered sale deeds before approving loans or mortgages. For women availing special loan schemes or lower interest rates, the absence of a registered deed can block access to such benefits. Additionally, registered deeds help in easy transfer of property through inheritance or gifting, reducing family disputes.
Beyond legality, registration empowers women by giving them undisputed authority over their investment. It secures their right to rent, lease, or sell the property in the future without contest. In an environment where women’s property rights are often undermined, the registered sale deed becomes a statement of independence, security, and foresight.
For every woman buyer, therefore, the message is clear: a property purchase is incomplete without a registered sale deed. It is not just a piece of paper, but a lifelong assurance of rightful ownership and dignity.
RERA: A Shield for Women Property Owners
The Real Estate Regulation and Development Act (or RERA), enacted in 2016, has emerged as a powerful tool to bring transparency, accountability, and fairness in the real estate sector. For women property owners, it offers not just legal safeguards, but also the confidence to step into ownership with greater security.
Traditionally, women have faced multiple challenges when investing in or inheriting property—from lack of clarity in documentation to unfair practices by developers. Many were left vulnerable to delayed projects, or even fraudulent claims. RERA directly addresses these issues by mandating that developers register their projects, disclose all relevant details, and adhere to promised timelines. This means that women who purchase property under RERA-registered projects can be assured of both legal recognition and delivery of what was promised.
One of the most significant protections under RERA is the establishment of state-level regulatory authorities and tribunals. These provide a fast-track mechanism for grievance redressal, ensuring that women owners no longer need to fight prolonged legal battles in conventional courts.
Conclusion
Single women with assets represent a transformative force in modern India. By owning property, investments, and businesses, they are asserting independence, challenging outdated norms, and inspiring social change. While obstacles remain, ongoing legal support, social awareness, and mentorship can empower these women to fully realise their potential, creating a future where women’s economic agency is celebrated, respected, and normalised.
“If you sell to someone, you might land up in legal hassles.”
~ Pankaja Joshi (Name Changed)
“My brother in law came to India to immerse my sisters ashes and to get his treatment done. But months passed and he was not willing to leave.”
~ Shared Narula (Name Changed)
Bhawna Malik is the Editor-in-Chief of Janta Unmuted and “The Unheard Voice”, a YouTube channel. She writes regularly for “The Raisina Hills.com” on social and political issues. She is a Gold Medalist in MA Religious Studies and has presented research papers at National and International Seminars. She was also a former student counsellor at Mata Sundri College, Delhi University.
