Renters prioritise home ownership over marriage
May 22, 2025
Nearly half of UK renters (48%) in relationships are choosing to prioritise homeownership over marriage. According the new research by Zoopla, this rises to 59% of Gen Z renters saving for a home, compared to just 6% saving for a wedding. This reflects broader shifts in priorities and financial pressures across age groups.
REALITY CHECK
Marriage is becoming less aspirational 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.
AFFORDABILITY GAP DEEPENS REGIONAL DIVIDE
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. Across the UK, 73% of respondents said property costs made it harder to prioritise buying. In London, figure reached 82%.
FIRST-TIME BUYERS UNDERESTIMATE DEPOSIT REQUIREMENTS
In London, prospective buyers estimated a deposit of £39,800, despite the average deposit needed in the capital sitting at £138,800.
Around 25% of those surveyed said they expect to receive financial support from parents or in-laws to help with their deposit.
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Image: Hitched / Oak & Ivy https://www.hitched.co.uk/wedding-planning/flowers/calla-lily-wedding-bouquets/
