Survey: More Stressful Than a Wedding: First-Time Buyers Share the Shocks of Homeownership 

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Buying a home for the first time is a major milestone, but for many, it’s also an overwhelming and unfamiliar process. A new survey from Nationwide reveals that recent first-time buyers found the experience more stressful than landing their first job, planning a wedding, or even finding a long-term partner. 

Despite the hurdles, they did it. Now, they’re offering advice for those up next.
Their insights offer practical, candid advice for new buyers. From surprise expenses to the pride that comes with finally having a place to call their own, these stories give renters and aspiring homeowners a clearer view of what’s ahead. 

“Buying your first home is a big transition,” said Casey Kempton, President P&C Personal Lines at Nationwide. “When making this type of decision, it’s natural for new homebuyers to start second guessing themselves. However, having a trusted advisor, like your agent, can help take some of the guesswork from that process. These findings show just how much guidance buyers are looking for – not just during the transaction, but after the keys are in hand.”  

Stress of Buying a Home Beats Wedding Planning & Job Hunting
According to the survey, 71% of first-time buyers said the process was more stressful than finding their first job. Others said it ranked above planning a wedding (59%) or finding a long-term romantic partner (56%). 

Some of the other most common challenges included: 

• Understanding the full scope of what buying a home entails (48%) 

• Finding trusted resources for first time buyers (48%) 

• Finding affordable home insurance (47%) 

• Unexpected costs and fees (47%) 

Many also had to make tough compromises to afford their home, including: 

• Commuting further to work or other daily destinations (32%) 

• Buying a home in a location that wasn’t their first choice or ideal preference (31%) 

• Buying a home with fewer amenities (e.g., no backyard, no garage, no pool) (28%) 

• Living in a home that needs / needed significant repairs or renovations (27%) 

• Living in a smaller home than originally wanted (26%) 

The biggest surprise for many? How dramatically their lives changed after moving in. One in three buyers agreed that owning a home changes everything about how you spend your time and money. 

What Motivated Them and Surprised Them
For many couples surveyed by Nationwide, renting wasn’t just a placeholder. It was a smart way to stay flexible, build savings, and figure out what they wanted long term; however, once the idea of buying became real, it was hard to ignore. Top reasons for making the leap included: 

• Finding a home in a preferred area (36%) 

• Starting or growing a family (35%) 

• Escaping rising rent (28%) 

Nearly 90% of respondents said owning a home made them feel more like an adult. But the transition brought a steep learning curve. About two-thirds said they quickly understood the reality of “unexpected repairs,” with many turning to the Internet for help when something broke.