How the Housing Crisis is Changing Dating

Housing prices in the UK are reaching record highs and studies show that over-50s hold 78% of the nation’s privately held housing wealth. This challenging time for young people is creating concerning dynamics in the dating scene.

A new column in The Guardian outlines how ‘‘we could soon see a Jane Austen-style marriage market”. It shares the story of a young couple, where one partner’s home ownership may be a very significant factor in the couple’s continued relationship.

The article outlines that housing and greater standards of living are increasingly dependent on a dual income. With this societal and financial pressure on young people, the dynamics of dating are changing as a result.

28-year-old Sam told The Guardian that when dating someone new, “you can tell the conversation is already on the horizon. ‘Are you saving for a deposit? Are you looking to buy?’”. This is becoming a standard question even early on in the relationship.

Furthermore the need for long-term planning and financial savings can make it difficult for couples to live in the moment, ultimately leading to the breakdown of their relationship. Constant saving means couples are restricted in nice things they can do in the now.

Ultimately, society is now geared towards relationships being synonymous with security and stability, but to an extreme level. The world of dating stands to change even further as romantic connections become financial assets, as much as they are life partners.