Real estate decisions are increasingly influencing romantic relationships, with a recent survey indicating that a substantial number of Americans would choose their home over their partner in a difficult situation. The study found that 30% of Americans would make a surprising romantic decision before moving, and one in four homeowners believe their home is more likely to remain in their life in a decade than their partner.
According to the survey of 1,000 Americans who purchased a home with a spouse or partner, conducted by Clever Real Estate, one in five respondents stated it would be harder to abandon their house than their relationship. This sentiment escalates among specific demographics: 25% of millennials and 28% of unmarried couples said they would find it more difficult to leave their home than their partner. Furthermore, 16% of all respondents admitted they would end their relationship to keep their property, a figure that rises to 25% for millennials and 28% for unmarried couples.
Homeownership is cited as the number one relationship strain for 29% of respondents. Nearly as many, also 29%, reported that their property provides them with a greater sense of security than their significant other. The same percentage indicated that nothing has strained their relationship more than owning a home.
Pre-Purchase Pressures and Post-Purchase Regrets
The survey also highlighted factors influencing home buying decisions and subsequent satisfaction. Approximately 8% of buyers felt compelled to purchase a home before they were fully ready due to fear of being priced out, a concern that affects 35% of millennials. The decision to buy a home together before marriage is also a growing trend, with 13% of couples doing so, and 5% buying without being married at all.
Once the purchase is complete, dissatisfaction can set in. Over a quarter of co-owners express regret over buying together, a sentiment shared by nearly double that proportion of millennials (50%) and unmarried couples (45%). Among those who bought before marriage or remain unmarried, 25% wished they had waited until marriage to purchase a home.
Partner habits can also become amplified after moving in together. More than half of couples reported that annoying habits became significantly more frustrating post-purchase. Additionally, 24% regularly daydreamed about living alone, and 5% admitted that homeownership stress led them to secretly use dating apps. This trend is particularly pronounced among millennials, with 29% stating that the strain of buying a home pushed them back onto dating platforms.
Lack of Post-Breakup Plans
Despite the significant emotional and financial investment in shared homes, most couples lack concrete plans for what happens to their property in the event of a breakup. While 36% of buyers believe they are entitled to the house in a split, a substantial 66% of couples have never discussed property division. Only a small fraction, 7%, have formalized such an agreement in writing.
Couples who bought before marrying appear to be more prepared for potential separations. Thirty-five percent of those not yet married have a plan for their home in case of a breakup, more than double the 17% of married couples who have such plans. They are also nearly three times more likely to have put these agreements in writing, with 14% doing so compared to 5% of married couples.