I finally got on the property ladder and it was the biggest mistake of my life

Eleanor Noyce

Published February 7, 2025 1:33pm Updated February 7, 2025 1:33pm

Man holds his head in his hands in regret against a blue backdrop of new-build houses. — What happens when we regret buying our new home? (Picture: Getty Images)

Weighing up whether to invest in a new home can be one of the biggest financial decisions any of us make – and for some unlucky buyers, they quickly realise they’ve made a mistake.

Whether they accidentally inherited nightmare neighbours, came to dislike the area or subsequently felt that they overpaid, buyer’s remorse is a very real thing.

Getting on the ladder might seem like the ideal property step, but what happens if the moment the removal van drives away, you’re filled with regret rather than joy?

That was just the case for Redditor @Adorable-Ad5715. After initially viewing their one-bedroom flat in Tromsø, Norway, they decided to put an offer in, which was accepted.

‘Everything felt right’ until a few days after they’d picked up the keys. That’s when the grief began to sink in.

Looking back at the market, they felt that they overpaid and instantly regretted buying a one-bedroom flat, labelling it ‘not the right decision.’

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Couple looking at property at real estate agent's office — One new buyer instantly regretted their decision (Picture: Getty Images)

‘I’ve been extremely depressed. I feel like I’ve made the biggest mistake in my life, mainly due to the feeling of overpaying,’ they wrote in the r/FirstTimeHomeBuyer Reddit thread.

‘[I feel] that I should’ve gone for something larger.’

Reflecting on their previous home, which they now rent out, they’ve realised how lucky they were to have so much space. And, at a cheaper rate, they were able to save more money.

‘Now I just want a way out, [and] if that is paying 10,000 [Norwegian Krone] to cover the expenses of doing a new sale, I would pay that.’

They’re not the only buyer who regrets their purchase. @BiscottiTrick6497 is a first-time buyer and completed on their London flat in July 2024.

The first few weeks in the flat were particularly difficult, as they discovered ‘various issues that didn’t come up in conveyancing and trouble with neighbours,’ but at the time, they decided to persevere as they simply had ‘no other choice.’

‘I’ve been here just over six months now and I hate it here,’ they wrote in the r/HousingUK thread.

‘It doesn’t feel like “my” flat, I avoid spending time here, and I’m living paycheque to paycheque because of the mortgage costs [£1,700 per month].’

Smiling lesbian woman holding houseplant kissing girlfriend carrying cardboard box during relocation — Another new buyer rushed into securing their new home (Picture: Getty Images/Maskot)

Likewise, @treemun1 instantly hated their flat when they moved in. When they bought a flat three months ago, they paid more than they were expecting to as in their experience, ‘everything was selling quite fast at the time.’

As such, they were able to complete within just over a month – something which initially appealed to them.

‘A flat has gone up for sale in the same building and has been reduced to £7,000 cheaper than what I bought [for] because it isn’t selling,’ they penned.

‘I can’t help but feel like I overpaid now and it’s really affecting me day to day. I’m scared when I come to sell, I’m going to lose £10,000+ because of my own mistakes.

‘I’m lucky that I have a well-paying job so I can probably absorb the loss, but it still hurts. I know I haven’t sold so it’s technically not a loss, but I keep thinking that way.

‘All this is playing in my mind constantly and I just feel like an idiot.’

So, is there anything buyers can do to avoid remorse and regret? As interiors expert Liv Conlon, CEO of ThePropertyStagers and StagerBoss tells Metro, it’s important to first clarify the non-negotiables.

‘Before starting your search, make a list of your must-haves as well as your nice-to-haves. And consider your future needs: Will you be starting a family? Working from home? As these might mean you outgrow your home quickly,’ Liv shares.

Young woman enjoying her journey in train — One expert advises trying out your new commute to avoid buyer’s remorse (Picture: Getty Images)

And so, before you buy, try to ‘live like a local.’ Spend time there at different times of the day, whether by visiting the high street for a coffee at the weekend, pursuing the local shops, or even trying out your possible commute on the way home from work.

When it comes to buying a new home, it’s all too easy to romanticise it all, falling in love ‘with the aesthetics’ but overlooking the practicalities.

‘Look at closet space, kitchen storage and the overall flow of the home to ensure it fits daily needs. Think practically – even turn on the taps to ensure there is decent water pressure to meet your needs,’ Liv adds.

Finally, do the ‘regret test.’ Imagine living in the home for a year and picture your daily routines. How do they fit?

‘Sometimes, viewing a property multiple times and stepping back for a few days before making an offer helps ensure the decision isn’t impulsive,’ she notes.

And, as Andrew Boast, property expert and founder of SAM Conveyancing adds, it’s important to weigh up all the possible long-term financial implications before signing the papers.

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‘Beyond the mortgage, consider all associated costs with a particular home such as the cost of council tax, service charges, maintenance, and potential repair work. Unexpected expenses can turn excitement into regret if they stretch your budget too thin,’ he suggests.

But if you’ve already moved and start to feel the regret seep in, don’t panic. As Andrew notes, give it time.

Sometimes, the stress of moving can initially cloud your judgment – so ‘allow yourself a few months to settle before making any drastic decisions.’

‘Rearrange or renovate – if space turns out to be an issue, clever storage solutions or a minor renovation could make a huge difference. Even small changes like new décor can help make a place feel more like home,’ he adds.