A home over happiness: aspiring homeowners give up job satisfaction for a mortgage

Research from LendInvest Mortgages has underlined the professional toll of the UK’s lending landscape, revealing that nearly a quarter of aspiring homeowners are sacrificing their career happiness to secure a mortgage.

Conducted by Opinium Research in the autumn of 2025, the survey of 1,000 UK adults seeking to purchase or remortgage a home within the next five years revealed that 23% of respondents said they have remained in a job they dislike in order to increase their chance of getting a mortgage. 

One in five (19%) revealed that they have taken a higher salary over their dream job, to appear more 'lendable' to mortgage providers, and that rises to one-quarter (25%) of 18–34-year-olds. The research also found that 13% of respondents delayed or cancelled plans to start their own business, and 12% delayed or cancelled plans to become self-employed or freelance for the same reason.

Furthermore, 35% of applicants said they feel discouraged by traditional lenders due to their employment status, rising to 40% for the 18-34 demographic. Meanwhile, one-third (33%) of borrowers feel 'judged' by traditional lenders.

Paula Mercer, sales director at LendInvest, said: "This data confirms that the profile of today’s modern homebuyer is changing, and high street lending criteria remains rigid.

"Making important career decisions shouldn’t get in the way of applying for a mortgage. That’s why specialist lenders like LendInvest can be an important resource to mortgage intermediaries and brokers."