"Homeownership clearly plays an important role in the aspirations of UK adults, with many prioritising it over getting married"
- Daniel Copley - Zoopla
Nearly half of UK renters in relationships are choosing to prioritise homeownership over marriage, according to new research from Zoopla.
The survey found that 48% of renters are more focused on saving for a home than a wedding. Among Gen Z, the figure rises to 59%, reflecting broader shifts in priorities and financial pressures across age groups.
Marriage is becoming a less central aspiration overall. Just 57% of Gen Z are expected to marry, compared with 72% of Gen X and 87% of boomers. Only 6% of Gen Z renters say saving for a wedding is a top financial goal.
One in five respondents said they would delay marriage in favour of buying a home, while a quarter reported having to choose between saving for a home or a wedding. More than a third (37%) said they would consider scaling down their wedding plans to make a property purchase more achievable.
The tension between these goals is contributing to relationship strain. Almost half (49%) of renters surveyed said that property-related financial stress was causing disagreements with their partner.
Affordability gap deepens regional divide
Affordability continues to be a key barrier for those aiming to get on the property ladder, particularly in southern England. Just 34% of renters in the South believe homeownership is attainable, compared with 43% in the North.
Homes in eight out of ten towns in southern England are valued at more than four times the average annual income. Across the UK, 73% of respondents said property costs in their region made it harder to prioritise buying. In the West Midlands, this figure climbed to 77%, and in London, it reached 82%.
Among millennials, only 9% felt that homeownership in their region was a realistic near-term goal.
First-time buyers underestimate deposit requirements
The average first-time buyer home costs £259,700, which means a deposit of around £56,700 is typically required. Survey respondents, however, expected to need just £27,600—less than half the actual amount.
In London, the mismatch is even greater. Prospective buyers estimated a deposit of £39,800, despite the average deposit needed in the capital sitting at £138,800. Northern Ireland was the only region where expectations exceeded actual requirements.
Around 25% of those surveyed said they expect to receive financial support from parents or in-laws to help with their deposit.
“Homeownership clearly plays an important role in the aspirations of UK adults, with many prioritising it over getting married," comments Daniel Copley, consumer expert at Zoopla, "However, achieving this ambition is challenging due to the considerable affordability gap, with our data highlighting the significant disconnect between what first-time buyers believe they need to save for a deposit and the actual amount required,"
“This underscores that affordability is a central pillar in people's home-buying decision-making process. Aspiring homeowners should engage with a qualified mortgage broker early on. They can provide essential guidance on deposit requirements, affordability thresholds and available financing options, ensuring buyers are well-informed as they embark on their property journey.”
