Many aspiring homeowners are postponing key life milestones and enduring workplace and relationship pressures in an effort to secure a place on the property ladder, according to new research from Mojo Mortgages.
The online mortgage broker’s First-Time Buyer Sentiment Survey 2026, based on responses from 1,000 first-time buyers across the UK, suggests the pursuit of homeownership is having a growing impact on careers, relationships and family plans.
The research found that 22% of respondents had remained in a toxic job for longer than they wanted in order to protect their mortgage eligibility and continue saving for a deposit.
Mojo Mortgages said concerns about maintaining a stable employment record, combined with the need to preserve income and savings, were making some prospective buyers reluctant to change roles during the homebuying process.
Kayleigh Jackson, mortgages sales manager at Mojo Mortgages, said: “No one should feel forced to choose between their mental health and their dream of homeownership. If you are feeling trapped in a toxic role, remember that a career move doesn’t automatically ruin your mortgage chances.
“Speaking to a mortgage advisor early on can help alleviate this immense pressure. An advisor can look at your specific situation, help you understand how different lenders view job changes or probationary periods, and map out a financial plan that protects both your peace of mind and your property goals.”
The survey also highlighted the effect that saving for a deposit can have on personal relationships. More than 16% of respondents said saving for a home had caused more arguments with their partner, while 13% said they had stayed in a relationship longer than they wanted because they could not afford to live alone.
According to the findings, 37% of first-time buyers said they had rented for longer than originally planned while continuing to save for a deposit.
Nearly one in 10 respondents said their plans to get married had been delayed by the need to save for a home, while 19% said homeownership ambitions had led them to postpone starting or expanding a family.
The survey also found that 15% of respondents had moved back in with their parents to accelerate their savings, rising to almost 17% among those aged between 18 and 34.
Jackson said: “While returning home can offer a financial lifeline, it represents a meaningful reversal of independence for many. These findings paint a picture of a housing market that isn’t just financially demanding, it’s actively reshaping the life plans of an entire generation of buyers.”
Mojo Mortgages said the findings demonstrate that housing affordability challenges are having consequences beyond household finances, influencing wider decisions around careers, relationships and family life.
