
Women and Real Estate: A Strong and Growing Presence
8th March 2025
Just like in other industries, the property sector is constantly evolving. Among the most significant transformations in recent years is the rise of women as true leaders in the field. These professionals are revolutionising the market with their expertise, discipline, sensitivity, and precision. I have met many remarkable women in this industry, and others, whom I admire from afar, have earned my deep admiration for their careers and the insightful content they share on social media.
Since childhood, I have always been so focused on learning, studying, and looking toward the horizon that I never really acknowledged the much-discussed competition—especially among women. To me, competition is something deeply personal and is about our relationship with ourselves, pushing us to grow and improve, not just for our own benefit but for society and future generations. This is how I have raised my beloved children, teaching them that meaningful competition is the kind that leads to progress. It is a responsibility, a relay race that contributes to creating a lasting legacy.
A Remarkable Professional
On International Women’s Day, I would love to highlight an extraordinary example of a woman who has paved the way for discussing real estate from a female perspective. I am referring to Paola Marella, one of the most respected figures in the Italian real estate landscape and an expert on all things related to home and design.
As an architect and television host, Paola Marella successfully combined the technical aspects of real estate with an empathetic and human approach, all while maintaining an elegance that remains timeless. She has opened doors for countless women who now thrive in this industry, proving that success in real estate is not just about knowledge but also about the ability to connect with people and communicate with a refined simplicity—one that conveys genuine care and attention.
A Symbol of Empowerment
Today, women are redefining their relationship with the home. For me, working with a female client during her property search is like opening a book and reading a story—sometimes different from mine, yet always offering valuable lessons. In many countries, women are no longer confined to the domestic space as caretakers, as was once expected. Instead, they are active participants in the real estate market, purchasing, investing, and designing homes, marking a significant shift in the industry.
Beyond the financial aspect, the home holds deep symbolic meaning. In Jungian psychology, the home represents the Self—its choice, organisation, and management reflect an individual’s inner state. In Women Who Run with the Wolves, Clarissa Pinkola Estés describes the return to one’s “inner home” as an act of self-awareness and reclaiming personal power. This concept is evident in property decisions of female buyers today, who seek not just functional spaces but homes that fulfil their need for independence and personal growth.
Fairy tales and myths provide interesting insights into the home as a place of transformation. In the Russian folktale Vasilisa the Wise, Baba Yaga’s house symbolises transition, initiation, and the attainment of autonomy. Similarly, for women today, buying a home is a rite of passage, a declaration of economic and personal independence.
About Legacy
I would like to think that my career as a property consultant came to me by chance, but in reality, I know it didn’t. The paths we take are rarely accidental—they are often silently written in our hearts and minds, shaped by our logic and aspirations, until they manifest when we least expect them.
For me, real estate is passion. I love experiencing a home, sometimes even alone, and constantly finding ways to improve it. And nothing makes me happier than when it is filled with the people I love. I cherish the noise, the conversations, and the chance to care for them—it is an added value of being a woman and a mother, to make those I love feel truly at home.
I adore my place in London, near the river, but there is another one that holds a special place in my heart—in Italy. It belonged to my grandmother, who worked hard to build it in a time when women were not given much recognition. She endured a difficult marriage and raised many children, yet she persevered. My mother worked hard to help my father later on to continue the renovation my grandmother started years before with so many sacrifices. Then, another strong woman—my sister—took over, and after her, it was my turn. Together, we carried on a beautiful relay of resilient women.
Wherever my grandmother is now, I like to think that she is happy that the work she started so long ago has been continued and evolved by other women who, like her, always looked towards the horizon with hope and determination.
A Professional Woman by your Side
Throughout my career, both in Italy and London, I have had the privilege of working with extraordinary women in real estate. There is always something to learn from each one of them. I have observed them closely, especially after moving to London, where my priority was to absorb as much information as possible to successfully operate in this dynamic city.
In this industry, it is not just about selling properties or, in my case, sourcing them. It is about creating connections, understanding needs, and turning them into tangible realities. This requires hard work, meticulous attention to detail, and genuine care, because a home is not just bricks and walls—it holds a client’s memories, dreams, and future plans.
Real estate, like life, is an ongoing journey. And in this journey, women are not just participating—they are leading.
As an architect and television host, Paola Marella has successfully combined the technical aspects of real estate with an empathetic and human approach, all while maintaining an elegance that remains timeless. She has opened doors for countless women who now thrive in this industry, proving that success in real estate is not just about knowledge but also about the ability to connect with people and communicate with a refined simplicity—one that conveys genuine care and attention.
Paola Marcella - A remarkable example of a professional woman in the real estate industry