More than one in five first-time buyers have stayed in a toxic job for longer than they wanted in order to save for a home, research from Mojo Mortgages reveals.
The broker’s First-Time Buyer Sentiment Survey 2026, which polled 1,000 first-time buyers across the UK, found that 22% had remained in an unhealthy working environment to protect their savings and mortgage prospects.
The findings suggest the challenge of getting onto the property ladder is affecting far more than finances, with buyers delaying major life decisions and experiencing increased pressure on relationships.
Almost one in five respondents (19%) said they had postponed starting or expanding a family in order to save for a deposit, while 16% said the process had caused more arguments with their partner. A further 13% admitted they had stayed in a relationship longer than they wanted because they could not afford to live alone.
DEPOSIT STRUGGLES
The research also found that 37% had rented for longer than planned as they struggled to build a sufficient deposit, while 15% had moved back in with their parents to boost their savings. Among buyers aged 18 to 34, this rose to almost 17%.
Kayleigh Jackson, Mortgages Sales Manager at Mojo Mortgages, says: “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.”
AFFORDABILITY PRESSURES
The survey also highlights the growing social impact of housing affordability pressures. Nearly one in 10 respondents said saving for a home had delayed their marriage, while many reported putting other long-term plans on hold while focusing on homeownership.
Mojo Mortgages says the findings demonstrate that affordability challenges are increasingly influencing career decisions, family planning and personal relationships, with aspiring homeowners making significant lifestyle sacrifices in order to secure their first property.
