Closing the Wealth Gap: How Women Can Build Financial Independence Through Private Real Estate Investing

The Wealth Gap: Why It Still Exists

While the gender pay gap often takes centre stage in discussions about inequality, the wealth gap is just as significant—and perhaps even more impactful over the long term. Wealth is not just about income; it’s about the accumulation of assets, investments, and financial security that can sustain a person through retirement and beyond.

Women tend to earn less than men over their careers, with Canadian women earning approximately 89 cents for every dollar earned by men, according to Statistics Canada.¹

Compounded over decades, this income disparity means women often have less to invest, save, and grow their wealth.

Why Women Face Greater Financial Challenges in Retirement

Longer Life Expectancy
The average age of retirement in Canada in 2024 was 65 years², according to Statistics Canada. At the same time, men’s life expectancy in Canada is 84.55 years (as of 2023), and women’s life expectancy is slightly higher at 87.25 years (as of 2023).³

This extended life expectancy for women means they may need to stretch their retirement savings over more years. Without adequate investments to keep up with inflation, health care costs, and other financial demands, women risk outliving their retirement funds. For women, the longer lifespan translates to more years in retirement, which requires thoughtful and strategic financial planning to avoid running out of money in their later years.

Interrupted Careers and Caregiving Responsibilities

In 2022, over half of women aged 15 and older (52%, or nearly 8.4 million) provided some form of care to children or dependent adults, whether paid or unpaid.⁴

This leads to women stepping away from the workforce, resulting in fewer years of earning income and contributing to retirement accounts. This often impacts long-term savings and slows investment growth.

Lack of Access to Financial Literacy and Guidance

Although the landscape is changing, women have historically been underrepresented in financial discussions and decision-making. This has led to a lack of confidence in navigating investment opportunities.

Why Private Real Estate is a Powerful Wealth-Building Tool for Women

Private real estate investing presents a compelling solution to help women build long-term wealth and close the financial gap. It offers advantages that align with the needs and goals of women seeking financial independence, making it a powerful tool for wealth building. Here’s why:

Steady Cash Flow for Consistent Income

Private real estate investments, particularly in income-generating properties like multi-family residential and commercial buildings, have the potential to provide reliable cash flow. This ongoing income can complement retirement savings and contribute to a passive income stream, helping women maintain financial independence.

Appreciation and Long-Term Growth

Historically, real estate has demonstrated a tendency to appreciate over time, building wealth as property values increase. Unlike traditional savings accounts or low-yield investments, real estate offers the potential for both capital appreciation and income, making it a powerful tool for long-term growth.

Inflation Hedge and Wealth Protection

When you factor in inflation, preserving purchasing power becomes critical. Real estate serves as a natural hedge against inflation, as property values and rental income often increase alongside the cost of living. This helps protect wealth and increases the likelihood that retirement income will maintain its value over time.

Diversification to Mitigate Risk

Diversification is key to reducing financial risk, and adding private real estate to a portfolio can help achieve that balance. Private real estate investments are typically not as vulnerable to market volatility as stocks or bonds, making them an excellent option for women looking to protect and grow their wealth in uncertain economic environments.

Tax Efficiency and Wealth Preservation

Investing with Equiton through registered accounts like a TFSA or RRSP can offer significant tax advantages that help preserve and grow wealth more effectively. By using these accounts, investors can benefit from tax-deferred or tax-free growth, allowing their investments to compound over time without immediate tax implications.

Additionally, private real estate investments often come with built-in tax efficiencies such as return of capital distributions. These strategies can help minimize the overall tax burden, enabling investors to retain more of their returns. For women looking to grow their wealth while protecting their hard-earned money, incorporating private real estate into your registered account can be a powerful and strategic approach.

How Women Can Get Started in Private Real Estate Investing

Taking the first step toward investing in real estate can be empowering, but it’s important to choose the right vehicle to align with your goals. Equiton offers a simple and effective way for women to invest in income-producing properties without the hassle of managing them directly.

Through Equiton’s private real estate investment funds, like the Apartment Fund (Equiton Residential Income Fund Trust), women can gain access to a diversified portfolio of high-quality residential properties across Canada. These investments offer monthly income and the potential for long-term capital growth, providing a pathway to financial security throughout retirement.

With Equiton’s professional management handling property acquisitions, leasing, and maintenance, investors can benefit from real estate’s wealth-building potential without the complexities of direct ownership. Equiton’s approach makes real estate investing more accessible, allowing women to grow their wealth confidently and take control of their financial future.

You Can Also Invest in the Development of Condo Buildings

In addition to investing in income-producing properties, women can also participate in condo development projects through Equiton’s offerings. This allows investors to access the potential for higher returns while contributing to the construction of new condominium buildings in prime urban locations. For women looking to diversify their portfolios and capitalize on high-growth opportunities, condo development is an excellent way to enhance long-term wealth while contributing to the growth of vibrant communities.

Why Women Investors Should Consider Equiton’s Solutions

Reap the Benefits of Active Real Estate Investing Without the Headaches

Investors can enjoy the benefits of real estate ownership without the day-to-day responsibilities of property management. Equiton’s Apartment Fund has generated consistent positive monthly returns since its inception in 2016, passive returns by investing in income-producing residential properties, while our development offerings provide the potential for higher returns through the construction of new condo buildings. Together, these solutions allow women to build long-term wealth without the complexities of direct property ownership.

Professional Management and Expertise

Equiton’s team of experienced professionals manages all aspects of real estate investing—from property acquisition and leasing to ongoing management and resident satisfaction. For those investing in development projects, our development arm, Equiton Developments, oversees every stage of the construction process, maintaining solid oversight to ensure projects are effectively managed and positioned for maximum growth. This expertise empowers women to invest with confidence, even without extensive real estate knowledge.

Lower Barrier to Entry with Diversified Portfolios

Unlike purchasing a physical property, which often requires a significant upfront investment, investing with Equiton provides access to a diversified portfolio of properties with a minimum initial investment of $25,000—a fraction of what it would cost to purchase a property on your own.

This lower barrier to entry makes real estate investing more accessible for women looking to build wealth and diversify their portfolios. Whether generating income through rental properties or participating in high-growth development projects, Equiton offers an easy and effective way for women to take control of their financial future.

Taking Action: Closing the Wealth Gap One Investment at a Time

Women deserve to have the same opportunities for financial security and independence as their male counterparts. Investing in private real estate is not just about building wealth, it’s about taking control of your financial future, creating stability, and ensuring that you have the resources to thrive during retirement.

This Women’s History Month let’s celebrate the progress women have made while recognizing that there is still work to be done. By investing in real estate, women can take an active role in closing the wealth gap and securing a future of financial freedom.

Ready to Take the First Step Towards a Brighter Financial Future?

At Equiton, we’re here to help you take that first step toward financial empowerment. Our team is passionate about supporting Canadian women in building long-term wealth through private real estate investment opportunities. With a proven track record, expert management, and a focus on consistent, solid returns, we’re the trusted partner you need to guide you on your journey.

We understand that every financial story is unique, and we’re here to listen. Book a no-obligation conversation with one of our investment specialists, who will take the time to understand your full financial picture and offer personalized recommendations to best suit your needs.

Together, we can take control of your financial future and build the life you deserve. Reach out today to start your journey.

Sources:

1. Statistics Canada. “Intersectional Perspective on the Canadian Gender Wage Gap.” Statistics Canada, 10 Mar. 2020, www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/75-006-x/2020001/article/00003-eng.htm. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.
2. Statistics Canada. “Retirement Age by Class of Worker, Annual.” Statistics Canada, 14 Dec. 2023, www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1410006601. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.
3. Statistics Canada. “Life Expectancy and Other Elements of the Complete Life Table, Single-Year Estimates, Canada, All Provinces Except Prince Edward Island.” Statistics Canada, 28 Nov. 2023, www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1310013401. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.
4. Statistics Canada. “More than Half of Women in Canada Are Caregivers.” Statistics Canada, 8 Mar. 2023, www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/2649-more-half-women-canada-are-caregivers. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.