28% of 25-34 year olds in the UK believe that buying a house with someone is a bigger commitment than getting married, according to new research from Halifax.

The lender’s State of the Nation: Mortgages research also showed a difference between the ages when it comes to homebuying with partners – as only 28% of 25-34 year olds were married when they bought their home with their partner, compared to 73% of 35-44 year olds.

In addition, four out of five homeowners believe they would find it harder to get a mortgage if they were looking for their first house now, and that there is a gap between the sexes when it comes to mortgage payments; as over one in 10 women pay more than half their average income on their mortgage, compared to only one in 20 men who pay the equivalent amount.

“It is interesting to see how different age groups see the market differently,” said Stephen Noakes, Halifax’s mortgage director.

“Those aged 25-34, who in the majority of cases would have been buying their first house during or after the financial crisis, have clearly been affected. The fact that theirs is the only generation that thinks buying a home with someone is a bigger commitment than getting married speaks volumes.

“It is surprising to see that so many people don’t pay attention to their mortgage debts – we would always recommend that customers keep track of their finances.”