Younger generations increasingly delay marriage to address rising housing costs and save for deposits
As home prices continue to rise, UK couples are increasingly prioritising property ownership over tying the knot, according to new research from property platform Zoopla.
The survey found that nearly half (48%) of renters in relationships are focusing their financial efforts on saving for a home, compared to just 8% who are putting money aside for a wedding.
Generational shifts in priorities are also apparent. Just 57% of Gen Z are expected to marry, a sharp drop from 72% of Gen X and 87% of baby boomers. Meanwhile, 59% of Gen Z respondents listed homeownership as their main savings goal, while only 6% said the same about weddings.
The cost of housing is playing a major role in these decisions. One in five people (21%) said they would delay marriage to buy a property, while a quarter (24%) reported having to choose between the two goals. Over a third (37%) are opting for cheaper weddings to make room in their budgets for a deposit.
Housing pressure fuelling relationship strain
With affordability proving difficult, almost half of respondents (49%) said property-related financial stress has led to tension in their relationships.
The affordability challenge is particularly acute in southern England, where house prices in eight out of 10 towns exceed four times the average income. By contrast, people in the North of England are more optimistic, with 43% saying they believe buying a home is achievable within five years. Only 34% of those in the South share the same outlook.
Across the UK, 73% of those surveyed said high property prices in their area are making it harder to focus on homeownership. That number climbs to 77% in the West Midlands and 82% in London. Among millennials, only 9% believe buying a home in their region is a realistic priority.
Deposit misconceptions persist
The report highlights a widespread misunderstanding of how much buyers need to save. While the average deposit for a first home in the UK is £56,700, the typical respondent believes they only need £27,600.
In London, the gap is even wider. The actual average deposit for a first home is £138,800, but prospective buyers expect to need only £39,800. Northern Ireland is the only region where consumers overestimated the required deposit.
Parental help remains a crucial part of many buyers’ plans, with 25% of couples anticipating financial contributions from family members.
“Home ownership clearly plays an important role in the aspirations of UK adults, with many prioritising it over getting married,” said Daniel Copley, consumer expert at Zoopla. “However, achieving this ambition is challenging due to the considerable affordability gap, with our data highlighting the significant disconnect between what first-time buyers believe they need to save for a deposit and the actual amount required.
“This underscores that affordability is a central pillar in people's homebuying decision-making process. Aspiring homeowners should engage with a qualified mortgage broker early on. They can provide essential guidance on deposit requirements, affordability thresholds and available financing options, ensuring buyers are well-informed as they embark on their property journey.”
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