"Younger buyers, in particular, are being hit hardest by the realities of the market: high prices, hidden costs, and the pressure to compromise"
- Paula Higgins - HomeOwners Alliance
Over a third of UK homeowners have regrets about the home they purchased, with figures rising sharply among younger buyers, according to new research from the HomeOwners Alliance.
The findings reveal that 37% of homeowners across the country would make different choices if buying again. Among those aged 18 to 34, that figure climbs to 63%, highlighting a significant generational divide in post-purchase satisfaction.
The survey identified several common regrets among younger homeowners:
29% underestimated the full cost of buying or renovating their property
27% are dissatisfied with the location they chose
17% regret compromises made on property size, bedroom count or outdoor space
10% wish they hadn’t bought a new build
Budgeting was a particular concern, with 16% of young homeowners saying they failed to account for buying-related costs, such as legal fees and surveys, while another 16% said they did not plan adequately for renovation expenses.
Regionally, regret is highest in London, where 51% of homeowners say they would now choose differently. Cost-related regret was particularly common, with 23% of London respondents reporting they did not budget for all expenses related to buying or renovating their home.
In addition:
15% regret compromises made on property features such as space or layout
10% regret buying a leasehold property, more than double the UK average of 4%
“Buying a home is one of the most significant and emotional decisions people make and our research shows many are left feeling they got it wrong,” said Paula Higgins, chief executive of HomeOwners Alliance. “Younger buyers, in particular, are being hit hardest by the realities of the market: high prices, hidden costs, and the pressure to compromise.”
Higgins pointed to the unique pressures facing London buyers. “In London, these challenges are even more acute,” she explained. “Sky-high property prices mean buyers are often stretching their budgets to the limit and compromising to get on the ladder. Add to that the pressure of fast-moving deals and a competitive market, and it’s no wonder that Londoners are more likely to feel they made the wrong decision.”
She noted that the Alliance’s website offers tools and resources to support informed decision-making. “Our site offers insights, checklists and calculators—such as moving costs—to help first-time buyers research, budget, and understand the full costs involved,” she said. “We highlight common pitfalls to avoid and offer comparison services so buyers can shop around for the best deals on mortgages, conveyancing, surveys and more.”
Reflecting on whether homeownership remains worthwhile despite these regrets, Higgins added: “It’s worth remembering that even with these regrets, owning a home brings long-term stability and financial security. You’re building equity, not paying someone else’s mortgage, and you have a roof over your head that you can call your own.”
She acknowledged, however, that for some, regret stems from more serious structural issues. “Of course, for some homeowners, particularly leaseholders facing unaffordable ground rents, new build homeowners struggling to get problems fixed or facing unadopted estate charges, or those trapped by the fallout of the cladding scandal, the sense of regret goes deeper,” Higgins said. “These are real injustices that leave people feeling trapped. At HomeOwners Alliance, we continue to press the government and campaign for fairness in housing and give a voice to those let down by a broken system.”
