The deposit sacrifice: 1 in 5 first-time buyers delaying family and work plans

Over one in five (22%) first-time buyers (FTBs) stayed, or are still staying, in a 'toxic' job for longer than they hoped so that they can protect their mortgage eligibility and savings, while nearly one in five said that saving for a home caused them to delay expanding their family, Mojo Mortgages' First-Time Buyer Sentiment Survey 2026 has revealed.

The survey, which polled 1,000 first-time buyers across the UK, highlights how the cost of homeownership is being paid in time, opportunity, and major life milestones.

Maintaining a steady employment history is required by lenders, which Mojo Mortgages says can make people feel as though they cannot change jobs around the time they are also looking to buy a home. 

Beyond delayed milestones, over 16% of respondents said that saving for a home caused more arguments with their partner, while over 13% said they remained in a relationship longer than they wanted to, simply because they couldn't afford to live alone, suggesting that the financial trap of shared housing costs is, for some, becoming a relationship trap too.

Furthermore, the survey results reveal that more than a third of first-time buyers (37%) said they rented for longer than they had originally planned, and nearly 1 in 10 (9%) said saving for a home delayed their marriage.

The data also reveals a generational pressure point around living arrangements. Nearly 15% of all respondents said they moved back in with their parents to save, but among 18 to 34-year-olds specifically, that figure rises to nearly 17%, meaning more than one in six younger first-time buyers have taken this step. 

Kayleigh Jackson, mortgages sales manager at Mojo Mortgages, said: "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.

"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.

"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."