Homeownership is now a bigger priority than marriage for UK adults, according to research from Zoopla.
The research found that 48% of renters in a relationship were saving to buy a home, compared to just 8% who were putting money aside for a wedding.
Among Gen Z, 59% said their main financial goal was saving for a home, while only 6% put wedding savings first.
Just 57% of Gen Z are expected to marry, compared to 72% of Gen X and 87% of boomers.
Rising house prices have forced many to delay marriage, with 21% saying they would put off getting married to buy a home.
A quarter said they had to choose between saving for a wedding or for a deposit, and 37% considered having a cheaper wedding to afford a property.
Additionally, research found that money pressures around buying a home were causing problems for couples, with 49% saying property goals had led to arguments.
In the South, homes in eight out of 10 towns were worth more than four times typical annual incomes.
Only 34% of people in the South felt it was realistic to buy in the next five years, compared to 43% in the North.
Nationally, 73% said house prices made it harder to save, rising to 77% in the West Midlands and 82% in London.
Just 9% of millennials thought they could afford to buy in their area.
The average first-time buyer (FTB) home costs £259,700, with a typical deposit of £56,700.
However, people surveyed thought they would only need to save £27,600.
In London, buyers expected to save £39,800, while the real amount needed is £138,800.
Only in Northern Ireland did people overestimate the deposit required.
Daniel Copley, consumer expert at Zoopla, said: “Homeownership clearly plays an important role in the aspirations of UK adults, with many prioritising it over getting married.
“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.”
Copley added: “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.”
Toby Leek, president of NAEA propertymark, said: “The aspirations of homeownership are becoming increasingly difficult for many people, including couples, with the average deposit needed to secure a home sitting at around £60,000.
“The financial pressures of saving for a home seem to be being weighed up when compared to other life ambitions.
“However, for those who can save enough to step onto the ladder, improving market conditions could well be a key driver.”
Leek added: “Buyers are now likely to experience improved mortgage products, greater borrowing power and sustained confidence, which are all playing key roles in helping raise the number of homes for sale and create a healthy, balanced housing market to pursue their home purchase.”
