I am a woman.
I think men have generally more debts/borrowings than women. Therefore, they would have more reservation than women considering entering an unstable housing market, given that they might have more to lose...
Also, women are more likely to want to have their own home one day than men, because men might feel it is more appealing for them to be flexible and autonomous forever and would buy a house more as an investment in the first place rather than a place to call home.
In short, men buy to invest, women buy to have a home. At the moment only the financial side of things is a bugger. Therefore, men stay put while women only care about getting a home whatever it might take.

I find Stephanie's comments rather an old fashioned view, plenty of women now buy for investment. I believe that it is only familys that want to buy for "a home" now as they want a stable home for their children.

It is not as important to me as it is for my wife.I think we all understand that the market will eventally strenghen and if you buy while prices are depressed you are more likley to get hold of a nice home at a really good price or purchase a good long term investment.

I'm not sure I agree with Stephanie, maybe because I'm not a woman!!

If women are more likely than men to buy in a falling market, then they are less likely to end up with the home they desire.

Buying a home is the sensible thing to do, but only at the right price.

as i female i also don't agree with stephanie , a home is important but i also have investment properties , now is a fine time to buy if you have a good knowledge of the market & get the right price , the rental market in my area is strong. likewise the current market wouldn't put me off trading up , the higher priced properties seem to be taking a bigger price hit & longer to sell than the lower end of the market , great if you can afford to trade up in my opinion! but likewise if you want to trade down the saving in future mortgage interest will probably cover the price drop on the house you sell !

Garry says the market will eventually strenghten, but the question is will it weaken further first. Whether you are male or female, and whatever your reason for buying a property, no one wants to end up in negative equity.

As a woman I would love to buy my first home, but I am not prepared to take a gamble with the market as it is. My partner feels the same.

As Tom says it is important to buy at the right price, something I think both men and women are ignoring.

It is true women can't be much bothered. If things become hard women can turn to a man but a man has no where to go.