Homebuyer Regret Decreasing

While 63% of homeowners reported buyer’s regret in 2021, the majority today (56%) say they have no regrets, according to Hippo Home Insurance’s 2026 Housepower Report. 

Moreover, for those who do regret their purchase, concern has shifted from being less about the home itself and more about ongoing costs, upkeep and long-term maintenance. Hippo reports that most homeowners (68%) report planning to stay in their current home for at least five years. 

Top Drivers of Home Selection 

Affordability and location are the top drivers of home selection. In 2025, one-third of homeowners said their top priorities were staying within budget and being in proximity to work, school or family. 

Aging Homes Need More Maintenance 

Fifty-seven percent of homeowners surveyed purchased previously owned homes, with more than half of those (51%) built before 1990. The median U.S. home is 40 years old, which means these homes necessitate more maintenance and repairs.  

Hippo reports that in 2025, 57% of homeowners said they did not prioritize home maintenance, commonly overlooking tasks like HVAC servicing (71%), plumbing checks (69%), gutter cleaning (69%) and inspecting seals in areas prone to water damage (75%). 

The most common home problems were: 

1. Plumbing (34%) 
2. Appliance breakdowns (32%) 
3. Critical system failures (23%) 

In the Middle Atlantic region, the most common unexpected/unplanned issues are: 

1. Appliance breakdown (31%) 
2. Plumbing issues (29%) 
3. Critical system issue (e.g., HVAC, electric, water heater) (22%) 
4. Window or door issues (19%) 
5. Roof damage (16%) 

Straining Budgets 

“Home-related costs posed a significant strain on household budgets, with 76% of responding homeowners reporting that at least one home-related issue impacted their financial stability in 2025,” Hippo notes.  

Generationally, Gen Z felt the most strain on their wallets, with 85% facing financial instability tied to homeownership (compared to 67% of baby boomers).  

Overall, unexpected repairs alone impacted 33% of homeowners surveyed. Still, 18% reported not budgeting for maintenance at all – nearly double compared to last year. 

Less Preparation for Extreme Weather 

Exposure to extreme weather and natural disasters is rising, but only about 32% of homeowners say they feel confident in their ability to prepare for extreme weather events – a 19% decline from 2024.  

Top weather-related issues facing Pennsylvanians include inland flooding, severe storms, wind and hail. Americans in the Middle Atlantic region specifically have seen increases in: 

• Strong winds and tornadoes (27%) 
• Heat waves (27%) 
• Cold weather or frost (27%) 
• Flood risk (15%) 
• Wildfire risk (11%) 
• Hail storms (11%) 
• Hurricanes or tropical storms (10%) 

Top Concerns for 2026 

The overall top concerns for American homeowners this year are rising maintenance and repair costs (36%), home upgrades (34%) and home insurance and protection plans (24%). In the Middle Atlantic, homeowners are most concerned about: 

1. Home upgrades (38%) 
2. Rising home maintenance and repair costs (35%) 
3. Security and home surveillance systems (26%) 
4. Energy efficiency and sustainability (25%) 
5. DIY home maintenance skills (21%)