Experian’s 2026 Housing Survey found that 31 percent of consumers have postponed at least one major life event because of housing expenses. Among those delaying plans, 31 percent postponed moving or relocating and 17 percent put off changing careers. Another 9 percent delayed marriage, while 8 percent postponed having children and 8 percent held off on starting a business.
The findings show how deeply housing costs can reach into decisions that have little to do with picking an apartment or getting a mortgage.
For younger adults, even moving out can be difficult. Overall, 12 percent of respondents said they live with family or friends without paying rent. That jumps to 42 percent among people ages 18 to 24 and 15 percent among adults ages 25 to 34.
Meanwhile, 26 percent of respondents rent, and 60 percent own their homes.
The pressure does not disappear after somebody gets the keys.
Housing costs increased for most respondents during the past year. Sixteen percent said their expenses jumped by more than 10 percent, while 28 percent experienced increases of roughly 5 to 10 percent. Another 21 percent reported smaller increases.
Among homeowners, property taxes were the most commonly identified major increase over the past two years at 26 percent. Utilities followed at 24 percent, homeowners insurance premiums at 21 percent, and mortgage payments affected by adjustable rates or escrow changes at 8 percent.
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Consumers are finding that money somewhere.
Thirty-five percent of respondents taking action to manage housing expenses cut grocery or food spending. Twenty-three percent pulled money from savings or emergency funds, while 17 percent picked up another job, side gig, or additional work hours.
More concerning, 13 percent reduced or stopped retirement contributions and another 13 percent delayed or skipped medical or dental care. Eleven percent borrowed from friends or family.
For people still trying to become homeowners, the biggest roadblock is not a lack of interest. It is affordability.
Among nonowners interested in buying, 23 percent said home prices in their area were their biggest obstacle. Eighteen percent said their income was not high enough to qualify, while 10 percent struggled to save enough for a down payment. Economic concerns, mortgage rates, and credit scores followed.
One survey respondent summed up the frustration directly: “I feel like it’s an unattainable dream, especially with only one income.”
Another said, “I make a good amount for being single, but I still can’t save up a down payment.”
Thirty-five percent of aspiring homeowners believe they are still three to five years away from purchasing.
Yet buyers have not completely tapped out.
Experian found that 80 percent of people actively house hunting during the summer were still searching in the fall. Half of respondents considered fall a good time to buy, including 38 percent who called it somewhat good and 12 percent who called it extremely good.
Families face another complication once school begins. Twenty-three percent said they would be somewhat less likely to shop for a home while school is in session, while 6 percent said they definitely would not look during that period.
The persistence among buyers shows how complicated the housing market has become. People are cutting food spending, dipping into savings, working additional hours, and pushing major milestones further into the future, but many still view homeownership as something worth pursuing.
One respondent put it plainly: “I still want to own a home someday, but right now it feels far off.”
For millions of Americans, the dream has not disappeared. Housing costs have simply pushed the timeline further away.
