The cost of buying a first home is extending beyond finances, according to research from mortgage broker Mojo Mortgages.

Its First-Time Buyer Sentiment Survey 2026, which surveyed 1,000 first-time buyers across the UK, found many are delaying major life decisions. Some are staying in unhappy jobs, postponing starting a family and experiencing greater strain in their relationships.

More than one in five respondents (22%) said they had stayed, or were still staying, in a toxic job for longer than they wanted. They said they did so to protect their mortgage eligibility and continue saving for a deposit.

The survey suggests concerns about maintaining a stable employment history are discouraging some buyers from changing jobs while trying to secure a mortgage.

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.”

The survey also found home-buying pressures are affecting relationships. More than one in six respondents (16%) said saving for a home had caused more arguments with their partner. A further 13% said they had stayed in a relationship longer than they wanted because they could not afford to live alone.

The research also found buyers are putting other life plans on hold.

More than a third (37%) said they had rented for longer than expected while saving for a deposit. Nearly one in five (19%) said buying a home had delayed plans to have children. Around 9% said it had delayed marriage.

Meanwhile, 15% said they had moved back in with their parents to save money. Among buyers aged 18 to 34, the figure rose to almost 17%.

Jackson said moving home could provide a financial lifeline. However, she said it often represented “a meaningful reversal of independence” for younger buyers.