Over One-Third of American Workers Delay Major Purchases Due to Job Insecurity

Redfin survey finds concerns about job security impact major life decisions

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:25pm

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A minimalist, photorealistic studio still life featuring a stack of financial documents, a pen, and a calculator on a clean, monochromatic background, symbolizing the abstract concepts of corporate strategy and economic uncertainty.As economic concerns linger, many American workers are putting off major purchases like homes and cars due to job security worries.Seattle Today

A new survey from real estate company Redfin reveals that more than one-third (36%) of American workers are delaying or canceling major purchases like homes or cars due to concerns about job security. The nationally representative survey also found that nearly one-third (32%) of workers are more concerned about their job security now compared to six months ago.

Why it matters

The findings highlight the lingering economic uncertainty and its impact on consumer behavior, as workers' concerns about job stability influence their willingness to make big-ticket purchases. This could have ripple effects across the housing, automotive, and other industries reliant on consumer spending.

The details

The Redfin survey, conducted by Ipsos in March 2026, found that 36% of workers are delaying or canceling major purchases due to job security concerns, down from 42% in a similar survey last August. However, the share who said they had already made or planned to make a major purchase sooner than expected remained largely unchanged at 31%. About two-thirds (69%) of workers say they are somewhat or very confident about their job security, a similar level to the previous survey.

  • The Redfin survey was conducted between March 9-10, 2026.
  • A previous Redfin survey asking the same questions was conducted in August 2025.

The players

Redfin

A technology-driven real estate company with the country's most-visited real estate brokerage website. Redfin is part of Rocket Companies (NYSE: RKT).

Ipsos

The market research firm that conducted the survey on behalf of Redfin.

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The takeaway

The Redfin survey highlights the ongoing economic uncertainty and its impact on consumer behavior, as workers' concerns about job stability influence their willingness to make major purchases. This could have significant implications for industries like housing and automotive that rely on consumer spending.