Miss Stelling said she wanted a property with a large yard near her work at the Department of Primary Industries on Bathurst Road.

“I did it myself, it was a bit daunting in the first place,” she said.

“My parents did come and have a look at the property I chose.”

According to a new survey by Westpac she is one of an increasing number of women taking the lead over men in buying property.

She said that once she overcame her initial nerves she became more confident.

“There’s quite a large range of properties in Orange, but finding the right one was hard,” she said.

Miss Stelling bought the property through One Agency Orange real estate.

Director/sales specialist Ash Brown said there was an increase in women buying in Orange.

“There are more women coming into the market, I’ve noticed,” he said.

Mr Brown said it ranged from young women buying their first homes to couples and women retiring to Orange to be with their children and grandchildren.

“They are doing their research,” he said.

“They are well educated in property and truly in a lot of cases more so than the men.

“With the new home buyers scheme we are seeing a lot more women getting into the market.

“Quite often they are getting support from their parents.

“There are some retirees coming up [from Sydney].

“There are single women, widows, who are coming to be closer to their children.

“And quite often they are coming up to provide childcare for their family.”

The Westpac survey of 1047 people across Australia found 71 per cent of women were considering buying, selling or renovating in the next five years compared to 61 per cent of men.

Westpac head of women’s markets Felicity Duffy said women were looking to increase their wealth.

“It seems women are becoming savvier in the property market, and understand that home ownership can lead to greater financial security,” she said.

“Our research also suggests women are outpacing men when it comes to property investment.”