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A significant portion of American workers are altering their timelines for major purchases, such as buying a home, due to feelings of uncertainty about their employment. According to a recent survey, 42% of workers are either delaying or canceling plans for a major purchase, while 29% are accelerating them. This economic cautiousness, driven by concerns over company performance, tariffs, and AI, is creating a complex landscape for big-ticket decisions, with a notable impact on the real estate market.
Current economic uncertainty is causing a clear split in consumer behavior. The survey, conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Redfin in August 2025, reveals that nearly one-third of workers (29%) have either already made a major purchase sooner than planned or intend to do so. However, a larger contingent is hitting the brakes. Of the workers surveyed, 9% have canceled plans entirely, and 35% are choosing to delay. This suggests that while some confident buyers are seizing opportunities, a broader sense of caution is keeping many potential homebuyers on the sidelines. Chen Zhao, Redfin’s Head of Economics Research, notes that this wariness means buyers who are active in the market may face less competition and have more negotiating power.
Despite a national unemployment rate of 4.2% in July 2025—a historically low figure—concerns about job stability are prevalent. Thirty-seven percent of workers report being more concerned about job security now than six months ago. The primary reasons cited for this unease include their company’s performance (32%), the potential impact of tariffs (17%), and the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence, or AI (16%). This term refers to computer systems designed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. This data indicates that traditional economic indicators may not fully capture the perceived risks workers feel in a rapidly evolving labor market.
The data shows that financial preparedness and housing tenure are key factors. Working renters are nearly twice as likely as working homeowners to delay a major purchase (49% vs. 27%). Furthermore, income plays a significant role. Over half (53%) of workers from households earning less than $50,000 annually are postponing or canceling plans, compared to 34% of those in households earning over $100,000. This disparity highlights how those with fewer financial resources are exercising greater caution.
A crucial component of financial readiness for homeownership or renting is an emergency fund—a dedicated savings account for unexpected expenses like job loss. Alarmingly, 36% of American workers do not have an emergency fund to cover their mortgage or rent payments. This lack of a safety net makes a major purchase like a home considerably riskier. The survey found that higher-income households ($100,000+) and homeowners are far more likely to have this fund (68% and 65%, respectively). Among those who do have savings, 32% have only 0-3 months of housing payments covered, which is at the lower end of the 3-6 months typically recommended by financial experts.
For those navigating this uncertain environment, a measured approach is essential. Based on our experience assessment, the following steps can help:
Ultimately, personal financial health and confidence in one's employment situation are the primary drivers behind major purchase decisions today. Understanding these broader economic trends can help individuals make more informed choices.
