A new Experian survey finds 31% of consumers have postponed major life decisions because of housing costs and expenses, even as homebuyers remain active heading into fall.

Housing affordability is doing more than putting homeownership out of reach for many Americans. It’s also forcing consumers to postpone major life decisions, including getting married, having children, changing careers and starting businesses.

According to Experian’s 2026 Housing Survey, 31% of consumers have delayed a major life event because of housing costs, highlighting the growing financial pressures facing homeowners, renters and prospective buyers.

Despite those challenges, Americans aren’t necessarily abandoning their homeownership dreams. The survey found that 80% of consumers actively shopping for homes during the summer continued their searches into the fall.

The findings illustrate a housing market in which affordability concerns are reshaping household budgets and long-term financial decisions, even as demand for homeownership remains resilient.

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Housing costs reshape major life decisions

Among consumers who reported postponing major life events because of housing expenses, 31% delayed moving or relocating, while 17% postponed changing careers.

Other milestones affected by housing affordability included getting married (9%), having children (8%) and starting a business (8%).

The findings suggest housing expenses are influencing decisions that extend well beyond where people live.

For younger Americans, the financial challenges are particularly pronounced.

According to the survey, 42% of respondents ages 18 to 24 live with family or friends without paying rent. Among those ages 25 to 34, that figure drops to 15%.

Overall, 60% of survey respondents own their homes, 26% rent and 12% live with family or friends without paying rent.

Rising housing expenses squeeze household budgets

Housing affordability challenges aren’t limited to prospective buyers. Existing homeowners are also experiencing increased financial pressure.

The survey found that 65% of respondents reported some level of housing cost increases during the past year.

Of those surveyed, 16% said their housing expenses increased significantly, by more than 10%. Another 28% reported increases of approximately 5% to 10%, while 21% experienced smaller increases of less than 5%.

Only 2% reported declining housing costs.

For homeowners, property taxes, utilities and insurance have emerged as significant sources of financial strain.

Among the biggest housing-related cost increases over the past two years, 26% cited property taxes, 24% identified utilities and 21% pointed to homeowners insurance premiums.

Another 8% reported increases in mortgage payments related to adjustable interest rates or escrow changes.

As expenses rise, consumers are making difficult financial adjustments.

The survey found that 35% have reduced spending on groceries or food, while 23% have withdrawn money from savings or emergency funds.

Another 17% have taken on second jobs, side gigs or additional work hours to manage expenses.

Perhaps more concerning, 13% have reduced or stopped contributing to retirement savings, and an equal percentage have delayed or skipped medical or dental care.

Additionally, 11% have borrowed money from family or friends.

Homeownership remains a distant goal for many

For Americans who don’t currently own homes but hope to purchase one, affordability remains the biggest obstacle.

Among non-homeowners interested in buying, 23% identified high home prices in their area as their greatest barrier.

Another 18% said their income wasn’t sufficient to qualify for a mortgage, while 10% reported difficulty saving enough money for a down payment.

Economic uncertainty also weighed on potential buyers, with 9% citing concerns about the economy and 7% identifying high mortgage interest rates.

An additional 6% said their credit scores weren’t strong enough to qualify.

These obstacles are extending homeownership timelines.

Among respondents interested in purchasing a home, 35% estimated they were still three to five years away from making that goal a reality.

Fall homebuying season remains surprisingly strong

While spring and summer traditionally receive the most attention from homebuyers, Experian’s findings suggest fall remains an active season for residential real estate.

The survey found that 80% of active summer homebuyers continued searching for properties into the fall, while approximately 20% dropped out of the market.

Half of respondents viewed fall favorably as a time to purchase a home. Specifically, 38% described autumn as a somewhat good time to buy, while 12% considered it an extremely good time.

However, the start of the school year can complicate purchasing decisions for families.

Among respondents addressing the impact of school schedules, 23% said they would be somewhat less likely to search for a home while school was in session.

Another 6% said they definitely would not look for a home during the school year.

What the findings mean for Arizona

For Arizona’s housing market, the national findings highlight issues relevant to buyers and homeowners throughout the state, particularly the importance of affordability, household income and rising ownership expenses.

Although Experian’s survey did not provide Arizona-specific results, the findings illustrate how housing costs can influence consumer decisions in markets across the country.

For prospective Arizona homebuyers, the challenges identified in the survey — including home prices, down payments, mortgage qualification requirements and interest rates — remain important considerations when evaluating their financial readiness.

For existing homeowners, rising property taxes, insurance premiums and utility expenses can create additional pressure even after a home purchase.

The survey also suggests that real estate professionals shouldn’t overlook the fall selling season, as many motivated buyers remain active despite affordability concerns.

Ultimately, Experian’s findings reveal a changing relationship between housing costs and the American dream.

Consumers may be postponing major milestones and adjusting their financial expectations, but the desire for homeownership remains strong.

For many Americans, the question is no longer simply where they want to live, but when they can afford to make their next move.