People delay having children due to high house prices, mortgages

High house prices and large mortgages are forcing many people to delay having children, a new study by charity group Shelter has found. According to the group, the shocking research has revealed that at least 18 percent of people aged between 18 and 44, equivalent to 2.4 million, are actively putting off having children because of the lack of affordable housing.

The figure rises to 24 percent among people between 18 and 24 age group, it was found. At least 22 percent 18-44 year olds said they waited for six years before starting their family, while some 37 percent said they would wait for another four years to start a family as the housing costs continue to delay their plans.

Kay Boycott, director of policy and campaigns at Shelter said, “These figures show just how pervasive the housing crisis is. Whilst it is responsible to ensure that you can afford to support a new baby, it is completely unacceptable that housing costs are changing important life decisions like starting a family in such a significant way.”

The charity group commissioned the study to determine the impact of the lack of affordable housing across all areas or people’s lives. The research also examined the impact on relationships and family life.

One major fear established by the study is its effect on women’s fertility when they put off having children until they can afford to buy a home.

Susan Seenan from Infertility Network UK explained, “If people are delaying having children because of housing costs then this could have long-term implications for their ability to conceive. It is extremely important that people are aware of the effects of age on their fertility, not only for the woman but for both partners, and particularly for women over the age of 35. Success rates for fertility treatment also decrease with age, from around 30 percent for women under 35 to 3% percent for women in their early forties.”

An independent study has shown that the number of women undergoing fertility treatment is also on the rise. Around 37,000 women underwent IVF  (in-vitro fertilization) treatment in the UK in 2007, a 5.8 percent rise on the previous year. Each cycle of IVF costs the NHS an average of £850, while private treatment can be as much as £8,000 per cycle.

Meanwhile, the average age of a first time buyer without financial help from family or friends is now 37 years old, up from 33 in 2005.

Boycott added, “Housing affects so many areas of people’s lives. In this election year, it’s vital that all political parties make housing a top priority so that future generations can exercise choice in their family life. It’s time for people to make their voices heard and join the fight for affordable housing.”