For richer or for square footage? For many modern couples, real estate might outlast romance.
One in four homeowners say their home is more likely than their partner to be in their life in 10 years, and one in five say it would be harder to abandon their house than the relationship, according to a spicy new study.
If push came to shove, one in six would kick their partner to the curb to keep the house — a cold-hearted figure that jumps to 25% for millennials and 28% for unmarried couples.
In addition, 29% say their property gives them a greater sense of security than their significant other does. The same percentage says nothing has strained their relationship more than homeownership.
Even wilder: 21 percent say their house would be way harder to walk away from than their partner — and one in six straight-up admitted they’d choose the home over their relationship if forced to pick. That 16% figure shoots up to 25% among millennials and 28% for unmarried couples.
The findings are based on a survey of 1,000 Americans who bought a home with a spouse or partner, conducted by Clever Real Estate from June 4 to 5, 2026.
Most people who own a home with a partner bought it with a spouse, but a growing share — 13% — buy before marriage or without marrying at all (5%), per the survey.
A fear of being priced out prompted 8% of buyers to pull the trigger on a home before they were ready. Among millennials, that figure ticks up to 35%.
Over a quarter of co-owners end up regretting buying together. That figure nearly doubles among millennials to 50% and unmarried couples to 45%.
Once the ink dries, the honeymoon phase officially ends.
Twenty-nine percent of couples say buying or owning a home is the No. 1 biggest strain on their relationship. For unmarried couples, that share hits 36%. Health issues comes in second for biggest issues that strain a relationship.
Among those who bought before marrying or who remain unmarried, a quarter wished they had waited to buy a home until marriage.
More than 50% say a partner’s annoying habit became 10 times more frustrating after moving in, 24% regularly daydreamed about living totally alone, and 5% said homeownership stress drove them to secretly redownload Tinder. Among millennials, 29% admitted the homebuying strain pushed them back onto dating apps.
Despite the friction, most couples have no plan for their home if they split.
While 36% of buyers believe they deserve to keep the house if things go south, a whopping 66% of couples have never discussed what happens to the property in the event of a breakup. A microscopic 7% actually put a legal agreement in writing.
Couples who bought before marrying are more prepared than married folks.
Thirty-five percent of those who haven’t tied the knot have a breakup plan for their house — more than double the 17% of married couples who do. They’re also nearly three times as likely to get it in writing (14% vs. 5%).