Quick summary: The Mojo Mortgages First Time Buyer Sentiment Survey 2026 has revealed that the severe financial pressure of securing a home is forcing a generation of UK buyers to make profound personal sacrifices, with 22% remaining in toxic workplaces to protect their mortgage eligibility. These economic hurdles are actively reshaping conventional life trajectories, causing over 16% of couples to experience heightened relationship strain and forcing nearly a fifth of respondents to delay expanding their families. These findings highlight a critical intersection between housing affordability and public health, demonstrating an urgent need for policymakers and financial institutions to modernise lending criteria to protect the mental health and domestic well being of aspiring homeowners.
First-time buyers across the UK are making deeply personal sacrifices to get onto the property ladder, from enduring toxic workplaces to delaying marriage and having children, according to new survey data from Mojo Mortgages.
The Mojo Mortgages First-Time Buyer Sentiment Survey 2026, which polled 1,000 first-time buyers, found that 22% stayed in a toxic job longer than they wanted in order to protect their mortgage eligibility and savings. Maintaining a steady employment history is a common lender requirement, leaving many buyers feeling unable to change jobs while trying to buy a home.
Kayleigh Jackson, Sales Manager at Mojo Mortgages, said: “The fear of losing financial stability or disrupting a deposit fund is, for many, outweighing their own professional well-being. 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. Speaking to a mortgage adviser early on can help alleviate this pressure. An adviser 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.”
Relationships under strain
The financial pressure of saving for a home is also taking a toll on personal relationships. Over 16% of respondents said it caused more arguments with their partner, while more than 13% admitted they stayed in a relationship longer than they wanted to simply because they could not afford to live alone.
Life milestones on hold
The survey reveals a wider pattern of deferred life plans. More than a 3rd of respondents (37%) rented for longer than originally planned, while nearly 1 in 5 (19%) delayed expanding their family, whether that meant having a first child or more children. Nearly 15% moved back in with their parents to save, a figure that rises to almost 17% among 18–34-year-olds. Meanwhile, 9% delayed getting married.
Jackson said: “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 is not just financially demanding, but is actively reshaping the life plans of an entire generation of buyers.”
The survey’s findings suggest the UK housing challenge has moved beyond economics, with consequences rippling into careers, relationships, family structures, and life trajectories.