Job security fears are decoupling homebuying timelines from affordability

Thirty-six percent of workers are delaying or canceling plans for a major purchase, such as a home, because of job security concerns. Thirty-one percent of workers are accelerating their purchase timelines for the same reason. These shifts are driven by employer performance and the impact of artificial intelligence, which 18% of worried workers cited as a source of anxiety.

Job insecurity has already translated into payment failures. Seven percent of workers missed a rent or mortgage payment entirely in the prior three months, while 10% were late. Among those concerned about job security, 28% missed or were late on a housing payment.

Looking forward, 15% of respondents say they are likely to be late on rent or mortgage in the next three months, and 13% are likely to miss a payment altogether. This instability is reflected in broader industry data. Mortgage delinquency rates rose from 3.9% in mid-2025 to 4.26% at the end of 2025.