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44% of U.S. workers delaying or canceling major purchase due to job security issues

Thursday, August 21, 2025 — 16:54:17 (UTC)

Aug 21, 2025 9:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Redfin Survey: 44% of American Workers Delaying or Canceling Major Purchase Like a Home or Car Due to Feelings About Job Security

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--More than two in five (44%) American workers are delaying or canceling a major purchase like a home or car due to their feelings about job security. An additional 30% have either already made a major purchase sooner than expected, or plan to, according to a new report from Redfin, the real estate brokerage powered by Rocket.

This is based on a Redfin-commissioned survey conducted by Ipsos between August 7-8 and 13-14, 2025. The nationally representative survey was fielded to 1,142 employed U.S. residents, including 959 full-time workers and 183 part-time workers.

Nearly three in five (57%) workers from households earning less than $50,000 are either delaying or canceling major purchase plans due to their feelings about job security. That’s in comparison to 48% of workers from households earning $50,000-$100,000 and 35% from households earning $100,000+.

Almost half (49%) of working renters are delaying a major purchase—which is nearly twice the share of working homeowners (27%).

Roughly a third (32%) of respondents said their feelings about job security had made no impact on their timeline for any major purchase decisions.

Two thirds of American workers are confident about their job security

Two thirds (66%) of workers say they are either somewhat confident or very confident about their job security—in line with 2024 Pew Research findings.

In comparison, 31% say they are either somewhat concerned or very concerned about their job security.

Redfin Head of Economics Research Chen Zhao said even though unemployment came in at 4.2% in July—a relatively low level historically—workers are perceiving the labor market differently.

“Many workers are worried about job security as they watch their companies adjust to this uncertain economy and increasingly look to AI and other new technologies for efficiency gains,” she said. “From a housing perspective, that wariness is keeping some would-be homebuyers on the sidelines. On the flipside, those who feel confident in their finances are facing less competition and have more negotiating power. Sellers should recognize that buyers are cautious, so pricing a home competitively and offering flexibility will be critical to closing a deal.”

Nearly two in five workers more concerned about job security now than 6 months ago

Highlighting the uncertain economy, 37% of workers are more concerned about their job security today, compared to six months ago. In comparison, 20% are more confident about their job security today.

Even among the workers who indicated they are confident about their job security, 19% said they were more concerned now than six months ago, while 30% said they felt more confident.

Of the workers who indicated they are concerned about their job security, 77% said they were more concerned now than they were six months ago, while only 6% felt more confident.

Company performance, tariffs and AI among top reasons for job insecurity

Nearly a third (32%) of workers who are concerned about their job security cited their company’s performance as the primary reason.

The next most-cited reason for job security concerns was tariffs (17%), followed by the impact of AI (16%).

36% of American workers do not have an emergency fund to cover housing payments

More than a third (36%) of American workers do not have an emergency fund to cover their monthly mortgage or rent payments in the event they face a financial crisis, like losing a job. More than half (55%) of respondents said they do have an emergency fund.

Households earning more than $100,000 a year (68%) and homeowners (65%) were more likely to have an emergency fund. Households earning less than $50,000 (37%), renters (40%) and those aged 18-34 (44%) were less likely to have a back-up fund.

Of note, workers who are concerned about their job security (56%) are no more likely to have an emergency savings fund than workers who are confident about their job security (57%).

Of those workers who do have an emergency fund, 32% have 0-3 months of housing payments, 23% have 4-6 months, 17% have 7-12 months covered and 20% have more than 12 months covered.

Financial experts typically recommend Americans have an emergency savings account that covers roughly 3-6 months of expenses in case they unexpectedly lose their job.

Younger people are less likely to have a large emergency fund, with only 9% of those aged 18-34 having more than 12 months of housing payments saved up. In comparison, 38% of those aged 55+ have enough savings to cover at least 12 months of payments.

To view the full report, including data tables with response breakdowns, please visit: www.redfin.com/news/survey-job-security-2025

About Redfin

Redfin is a technology-driven real estate company with the country's most-visited real estate brokerage website. As part of Rocket Companies (NYSE: RKT), Redfin is creating an integrated homeownership platform from search to close to make the dream of homeownership more affordable and accessible for everyone. Redfin’s clients can see homes first with on-demand tours, easily apply for a home loan with Rocket Mortgage, and save thousands in fees while working with a top local agent.

You can find more information about Redfin and get the latest housing market data and research at Redfin.com/news. For more information about Rocket Companies, visit RocketCompanies.com.

Contacts Contact Redfin Redfin Journalist Services: Angela Cherry press@redfin.com

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Source: Company press release.

Categories: Reports and research