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A Slower Market, Happier Buyers
More homeowners today say they’re happy with their purchase compared to two years ago. According to Realtor.com’s 2025 Consumer Attitudes & Usage Study, 37% of buyers reported no regrets about their home purchase this year—up from 31% in 2023.
Researchers surveyed more than 1,200 people who bought a home in the previous year. One big shift they noticed: fewer buyers feel like they overpaid. In 2023, 15% felt they spent too much; this year that number dropped to 8%.
Why the improvement? The market has slowed down. Homes sit on the market longer—about 63 days as of October—which gives buyers more breathing room. Instead of rushing to submit offers within hours, shoppers now have time to think through their decisions and make choices that fit their budget.
Buyers Are Planning Ahead
Because the pace has cooled, buyers have been able to come to the table more prepared. Many have improved their credit, saved for down payments, and taken time to understand what they can realistically afford.
In today’s environment, buyers also feel more comfortable negotiating—asking for concessions, taking their time, and avoiding the intense pressure that defined the pandemic market.
Home Repairs and Maintenance: A Major Source of Regret
Among those who did have regrets, the biggest complaint was unexpected home maintenance. About 16% said repairs and upkeep cost more or took more effort than they expected.
This issue may be even more common for people who bought during the height of the seller’s market. At that time, buyers often had very little negotiation power. Many waived repairs or inspections just to win the bid. As a result, some new owners are now discovering expensive problems they didn’t know existed—leading to bigger maintenance headaches and more regret.
The second-most common regret was spending more on household items like furniture or appliances (15%). Another 14% said they were surprised by how much their savings dropped after the purchase.
Other frustrations included higher ownership costs, rising interest rates, and homes not being in the condition the buyer expected.
Still, despite these issues, overall emotions around buying a home have improved. Satisfaction and excitement have increased, while stress and frustration have declined since 2023.
Big Differences Across Generations
Age played a major role in whether buyers felt confident—or filled with second thoughts.
Baby Boomers and Gen X: More Experience, Fewer Regrets
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60% of baby boomers reported no regrets
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45% of Gen X buyers said the same
These groups tend to have more experience buying homes. Many also have equity from previous properties and more time to save money, which reduces pressure and makes the process smoother.
Millennials: Struggling With Costs
Millennials were far more likely to feel regret. Their biggest concerns were:
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depleted savings
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higher-than-expected maintenance costs
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unplanned or surprise expenses
Gen Z: The Most Regret of All
Only 27% of Gen Z buyers said they had no regrets—making them the least confident group. Their top stressors included:
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skipping inspections
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high ownership costs
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unexpected household spending
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choosing homes with long commutes or in neighborhoods they later felt unsure about
Gen Z buyers also face more mortgage denials than older groups, which adds to their frustration and limits their options. Many end up making trade-offs they later question, such as buying smaller homes or settling for less-ideal locations.
A Market That Favors Buyers—At Least More Than Before
Researchers say the overall trend is clear: in a slower, less competitive market, buyers feel more control. They have time to think, the ability to negotiate, and a better understanding of what they’re getting into.
Today’s homebuyers, especially those who prepare financially, are entering the process with more confidence—reducing the chances of buyer’s remorse, even if challenges still exist for younger generations.
