Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Mortgage Strategy. Read the original article for full details.

First-Time Buyers Delay Major Life Decisions Amid Housing Pressures

A new survey by Mojo Mortgages has found that many first-time buyers in the UK are postponing significant life milestones due to the pressures of saving for a home. The research, which surveyed 1,000 first-time buyers, highlights the broader impact of the current property market on personal and professional decisions.

The First-Time Buyer Sentiment Survey 2026 revealed that more than one in five respondents (22%) had stayed, or were still staying, in a job they considered toxic for longer than they wanted. The main reason cited was to protect their mortgage eligibility and continue saving for a deposit. The survey suggests that concerns about maintaining a stable employment history are discouraging some buyers from changing jobs while trying to secure a mortgage.

Relationship pressures were also reported. More than one in six respondents (16%) said that saving for a home had led to more arguments with their partner. Additionally, 13% said they had stayed in a relationship longer than they wanted because they could not afford to live alone.

The research found that buyers are putting other life plans on hold. Over a third (37%) said they had rented for longer than expected while saving for a deposit. Nearly one in five (19%) said that buying a home had delayed plans to have children, and around 9% said it had delayed marriage. Furthermore, 15% of respondents said they had moved back in with their parents to save money, with this figure rising to almost 17% among buyers aged 18 to 34.

For UK letting agents and inventory clerks, these findings highlight ongoing demand for rental properties as first-time buyers remain in the rental sector longer than planned. The survey also points to the importance of understanding the pressures faced by tenants who are saving for a deposit, as well as the potential for increased movement among younger renters returning to family homes.