H
omeowners’ biggest post‑purchase concerns are upkeep costs, unexpected household expenses, and the dent in their savings. Even as the market slows, new data shows that buyers are less likely to regret buying a house than they were a few years ago. Realtor.com’s 2025 Consumer Attitudes & Usage Study reports that 37 % of recent buyers feel no remorse—up from 31 % in 2023. Yet more than six in ten still have complaints. The most notable shift is a drop in the “overpaid” category, falling from 15 % to 8 % over two years, while “ignored external factors” such as noise and traffic rose from 4 % to 8 %. The top regret remains that the home required more maintenance than expected (16 %), followed by higher-than‑anticipated household purchases (15 %) and the impact on savings (14 %).

    Age plays a key role. Baby boomers report the fewest regrets, with six in ten feeling satisfied, whereas only 27 % of Gen Z buyers share that sentiment. Younger buyers also cite surprise over commute times and neighborhood choices—issues tied to tighter affordability options.

    The slower market appears to be a factor in the decline of buyer regret. Laura Eddy, Realtor.com’s VP of research and insights, notes that homes were on the market for a median of 63 days in October—almost two weeks longer than in 2023. “Today’s buyers are better qualified and take extra time to evaluate options, leading to more confident decisions and fewer post‑purchase doubts,” she says.