One in five prospective buyers endured an unwanted job for longer than desired, while nearly a fifth delayed starting a family
More than one in five first-time buyers in the UK have remained in a toxic job longer than they wanted to in order to protect their mortgage eligibility and savings, according to new research.
The findings come from Mojo Mortgages' First-Time Buyer Sentiment Survey 2026, which polled 1,000 first-time buyers across the UK. The data points to widespread personal sacrifice in the pursuit of homeownership, spanning career decisions, relationships, and family planning.
Twenty-two percent of respondents said they had stayed, or were still staying, in a toxic job for longer than they wished, citing fears about disrupting their deposit fund or employment history — both of which lenders scrutinise as part of eligibility assessments.
"The fear of losing financial stability or disrupting a deposit fund is, for many, outweighing their own professional wellbeing. It's a trade-off that speaks to the immense psychological pressure of trying to buy in today's market," said Kayleigh Jackson, mortgages sales manager at Mojo Mortgages. "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 found relationship strain to be a notable consequence of the homebuying process. Over 16% of respondents said saving for a home had led to increased arguments with their partner, while more than 13% said they had remained in a relationship longer than desired because they could not afford to live alone.
Nearly one in five respondents (19%) said that saving for a home had caused them to delay starting or expanding a family. A separate finding showed that approximately 9% had postponed marriage as a direct consequence of saving.
More than a third of respondents (37%) said they had rented for longer than originally planned. Close to 15% of all respondents said they had moved back in with their parents to save; among 18- to 34-year-olds, that proportion rose to nearly 17%.
"While returning home can offer a financial lifeline, it represents a meaningful reversal of independence for many," Jackson said. "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."
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