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Equal property ownership rights

What this indicator measures

The law is examined on one point: it gives men and women the same rights to own and manage immovable property, including land. Data from the 2026 edition of “Women, Business and the Law”, which describes written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual enforcement or uncodified customs).

How to read this?

“Equal rights” means the law does not distinguish between men and women in owning and managing immovable property.

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186countries with data
2025data year(s)

In brief

Equal property ownership rights: 186 countries and territories covered. Breakdown: Equal rights for men and women : 165 ; Rights not equal : 21.

Why this indicator matters

Being able to own and manage a home or land provides economic security. Comparing this right shows whether the law treats men and women the same way regarding immovable property.

What makes this indicator vary

Rules stem from family law, customary law, inheritance and marriage regimes. They have often changed with reforms of civil codes and international commitments.

Reading precautions

The indicator describes the written law, not practice. Local customs or uncodified inheritance rules may differ from the text. The criterion is single and does not detail every particular case.

Equal property ownership rights

Equal rights for men and women (165)

Rights not equal (21)

Frequently asked questions

Where does the "Equal property ownership rights" data come from?

It comes from Banque mondiale – Women, Business and the Law (WBL 2.0). Site last updated: November 8, 2026. Each country is shown with the year of its most recent value.

What does “equal rights” mean here?

The law does not distinguish between men and women in owning, managing or passing on immovable property, including land. No written rule gives an advantage to either.

Is the law enough to guarantee equality in practice?

No. Customs, unwritten inheritance or lack of access to property titles can limit real rights, even when the written law provides for equality.

Source and update

Source : Banque mondiale – Women, Business and the Law (WBL 2.0). Site last updated: November 8, 2026.

Indicators in the same category : Women's rights