An increasing number of women in China are now choosing to buy houses for a sense of security and independence, rather than relying on the financial support brought by marriage.

Last year, females accounted for 46.7 percent of the total number of homebuyers in China, the highest figure over the past seven years, according to a report released by Ke.com, China’s largest property listing website.

Ke.com surveyed around 1,000 female buyers in 12 major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Nanjing and Hangzhou.

Among the female homeowners surveyed, single women over 30 years old took up a relatively high percentage.

Over 47 percent of them said they already owned their own homes, of which 45 percent bought a house with financial support from their parents, while 29 percent purchased a home on their own.

Many single women in China believe that compared with marriage, a house offers a larger sense of security, and it could also improve life quality as an investment.

“Buying a house helped me kick the habit of squandering my salary every month. I cover the mortgage, though my parents gave me my down payment. I feel secure,” said a single woman surnamed Yang, living in Hangzhou.

“A house provides me with a sense of security and belonging,” said another woman surnamed Huang, a single mother who bought her house outright.

In recognition of the growing role of women as homebuyers, Chinese property developers have now placed more emphasis on the presentation of show homes, such as interior design and equipment to attract more female buyers.