With properties lingering in the marketplace for a median of 63 days in October 2025 — virtually two weeks longer than the identical month in 2023 — consumers are getting into transactions with extra warning, readability and financial preparation.
In consequence, 37% of 2025 consumers reported having no regrets in any respect, up from 31% two years earlier.
“Because the market has shifted from a fast-paced sellers’ market to 1 that offers consumers extra respiratory room, we’re seeing purchaser remorse pattern down,” mentioned Laura Eddy, Realtor.com’s vice chairman of analysis and insights.
“As we speak’s consumers are usually extra certified, taking additional time to weigh their choices and make assured choices — components which are serving to scale back second-guessing after buy. And for a lot of, which means having much more to really feel grateful for this season.”
Nonetheless, not all purchases had been freed from friction.
Among the many consumers who had second ideas, the most typical ache factors remained tied to the realities of homeownership: surprising maintenance needs (16%), higher-than-anticipated family bills (15%) and depleted financial savings after closing (14%).
A generational hole additionally emerged, illustrating how expertise shapes confidence:
- Baby boomers had been the least more likely to categorical remorse, with 60% saying their buy felt proper — and solely minor points cropping up.
- Technology X adopted intently, with 45% reporting no regrets.
- About one-third (34%) of millennials had no regrets, and so they ceaselessly cited wiped-out financial savings, shock upkeep prices and price range strains.
- Gen Z consumers struggled most as solely 27% reported a regret-free buy, and plenty of pointed to skipped inspections, larger prices, and way of life mismatches equivalent to commute and neighborhood dissatisfaction.
Youthful respondents had been additionally extra more likely to be caught off guard by location compromises — exhibiting how affordability pressures can push first-time buyers farther from most well-liked areas.
With their tempo slowing and expectations recalibrated, many seem higher geared up for long-term satisfaction.
“Consumers at this time are getting into the market with clearer expectations and stronger monetary footing,” Eddy mentioned. “Although affordability stays a problem, the slower tempo has allowed folks to make choices that really feel proper for them, and that’s mirrored in decrease remorse ranges throughout the board.”
