A new study from Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC says that about one in four married couples between the ages of 18 to 34 purchased their first home together before their wedding date, compared to 14 per cent of those ages 45 and older. According to the U.S. online survey, 35 per cent of all married couples purchased their first home together by their second wedding anniversary, and 80 per cent of married homeowners who purchased their home while married said it did more to strengthen their relationship than any other purchase they made together.

“While life goals and expectations continue to weigh on young couples, their views of homeownership are transcending their plans of marriage and starting a family, creating a direct effect on the patterns of buying a home altogether,” says Robi Ludwig, a psychotherapist and Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC lifestyle correspondent.  “What we’re seeing is that young couples are switching up the order and purchasing their first home regardless of whether or not they have set a wedding date. This is a huge movement within today’s culture. While younger generations may be focusing more on their career, and in turn waiting longer to get married and have children, they are not delaying their dream of homeownership.”

Some other survey highlights:

* More than one in three married homeowners purchased their first home together by their second wedding anniversary.

* Only 16 per cent of married adults responding to the survey had not purchased a home together with their current spouse.

* 80 per cent said purchasing a home with their spouse did more to strengthen their relationship as a couple and family than any other purchase they have made together.

* Over one-third of married homeowners (35 per cent) wish they had taken the plunge (into homeownership) sooner than they actually did.