Closing the gender gap: 50 years since the passing of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975

Half a century ago, women in the UK gained the right to take out a mortgage without a guarantor; a change that transformed financial independence and home ownership. 

Owning a property allows wealth building and is a form of security and stability. It can also be a source of psychological well-being, symbolising personal independence and success.  

Historical context

From the medieval era through to the 19th century, the legal doctrine of coverture erased women’s legal identity upon marriage: whatever they owned became their husbands. Unmarried women and widows, however, retained some autonomy. 

Things began to shift in the 19th century: 

• The Married Women’s Property Act 1870 meant that women who had their own property, no longer had to transfer it to their husband upon marriage.  

• The Married Women’s Property Act 1882 enabled married women to be recognised as separate legal persons from their husbands.  

• The Law of Property Act 1922 allowed widowed women to inherit their deceased husband’s property, and the subsequent 1926 provisions allowed women to own and dispose of property under the same conditions as men. 

Next came a shift towards female access to finance. 

The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 made it unlawful for mortgage lenders to discriminate based on sex or marital status, meaning that single women could finally have equal access to mortgage credit. This was a substantial and groundbreaking moment for women’s rights as it meant that substantially more women could own property. 

Impact over 50 years

It has now been 50 years since the passing of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975. 

Prior to the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, mortgage lenders frequently required single women to have a male guarantor co-sign their mortgage, paid little regard to female income, or insisted on proof of the husbands’ consent. In some extreme cases, lenders even demanded medical proof that a woman was taking contraception to assess the risk of lending! 

From 1975 onwards, it became illegal for lenders to impose more onerous conditions than those applied to men, or to refuse a woman a mortgage simply for being a woman. 

The law today

Under UK law: 

• It is illegal to treat a woman less favourably than a man when offering mortgage credit. 

• Mortgage lenders are prevented from requiring a male co-signer, discounting female income, or denying access to mortgages because they are single or married. 

The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 was replaced by the Equality Act 2010, which provided updated anti-discrimination laws in the UK.  

Looking ahead

Legislative changes and targeted policies continue to drive progress in closing the gender gap. 

In 2020, women accounted for 35% of all mortgage applicants, and this rose to 41% in 2024. Women now benefit from protections under the Equality Act 2010 and enhanced maternity leave rights, which help support financial stability. Additionally, savings tools such as Lifetime ISAs offer equal tax incentives for men and women, enabling first-time buyers to enter the housing market sooner. 

Our team of residential property lawyers are here to support you through every stage of your property journey—whether you are buying, selling or transferring ownership. They will provide clear, practical advice and guidance to make the process as smooth, efficient, and stress-free as possible.  

For expert advice contact our Residential Property team on 01227 763939 or email info@furleypage.co.uk.