Selling your home isn’t just a financial decision — it’s an emotional one. And if you’ve found yourself overwhelmed, on edge, or even in tears during the process, you’re far from alone.

A new national survey commissioned by OpenAgent has revealed that more than 1 in 3 Australians cried at some point during their property sale, whether out of pressure, anxiety, or pure relief. 

It’s a striking reminder that selling a home can feel just as intense as some of life’s most challenging moments.

The emotional toll of selling is real

When we asked 344 Australians who had sold a property within the past 24 months how stressful the experience was, the results were eye-opening.

35 per cent of recent sellers said tears were shed on their selling journey, and that figure may not come as a surprise. 

Selling a home often marks the end of an era. It might be the place your kids were born, where you hosted Christmas dinners, or where you weathered hard times. 

Letting go of that, while also navigating high-stakes negotiations, big financial decisions, and the day-to-day stress of getting and keeping a property in sale-ready condition, can make for an emotional cocktail that’s hard to manage.

Bridget Dijkmans-Hadley, a recent seller who used OpenAgent to compare agents and learn about the selling process, said the tears came fast when the first offer came in.

"I burst out crying because this is the home our little ones have grown up in, but also so relieved that we’d had that help and that it was over," she said. 

3 in 5 say selling property is as hard as having a baby

When asked to compare the stress of selling a home with other major life events, the results demonstrated just how affecting the selling process can be. 

Nearly 60 per cent of respondents said that selling was as stressful or more stressful than having a baby, one of life's most notoriously challenging experiences. 

Almost half said it matched the emotional intensity of a breakup or divorce, and three-quarters said it was at least as stressful as planning a wedding.

Selling also seemed to overpower the stress levels seen in other steps of the real estate journey, including taking out a home loan, buying a property, or moving house. 

What sellers find most stressful — and their biggest regrets

Selling a property is a complex process, and while each person’s experience is different, some common stress points came through in the survey.

The most stressful part? For 1 in 3 sellers, it was worrying whether they’d get the price they wanted.

Other top stressors included getting the home presentation-ready (including repairs, cleaning, and styling) and waiting for the right buyer or offer to come along.

In terms of what sellers wish they'd done differently with the benefit of hindsight, some clear themes emerged. 

Almost 15 per cent of sellers said they wished they’d chosen a better agent — more than any other regret in the survey. 

Others said they would have set a higher asking price or waited for better market conditions.

OpenAgent Co-CEO Johanna Urrutia said it’s no surprise that agent selection comes up so often.

"The top concerns we hear from sellers centre around pricing the property correctly, making sure it’s presented well, and choosing the right agent," she said.

"Even with help from a top agent, the selling process often comes with a lot of ups and downs, especially for those that have an attachment to the home they’re selling."

How to reduce stress when selling

While selling a home is always going to come with emotion, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Here are a few ways to take control and lighten the load:

• Find the right agent: A great agent brings market knowledge, calm under pressure, and strong negotiation skills — all essential during a high-stress sale.
• Get guidance early: Don’t wait until you’re feeling lost to look for help. Whether it’s understanding your local market or getting your home presentation-ready, informed decisions reduce regret.
• Use trusted tools and support: Whether you’re comparing agents, estimating your home’s value, or just reading up on what to expect, there are resources out there to help you feel confident at every step.

At OpenAgent, we’ve helped thousands of Australians navigate the emotional rollercoaster of selling. And while we can’t promise you won’t shed a few tears along the way, we’re here to make sure they’re tears of relief, not regret.

Thinking of selling?

If you're looking to get in on the action in 2025, it's important to be as prepared as possible in order to cut through the competition and achieve a standout result. 

Step 1: Understanding how your market is performing

Every market is different, and understanding your local market is fundamental to making the right selling decisions. Our guide to tracking market trends and data will help you to get a clear picture of how your market is performing and how that impacts you as a seller. 

Step 2: Know what your property might be worth

Getting a free home value estimate is a great way to set a foundation for your selling expectations and begin planning the path forward.

Step 3: Get a no-obligation market appraisal from a top real estate agent

Understand what your property could sell for in the current market by speaking to the top-performing agents in your suburb. Comparing top agents in your area will help you find the perfect partner for your selling journey and move towards a successful result.

Step 4: Finally, get your property listing-ready

Taking a thorough approach to preparing your home for sale is another critical step. From cleaning, decluttering, painting and performing other cosmetic renovations to home staging, photography and marketing, getting your property to sale-ready condition is a must.

Methodology

OpenAgent surveyed 344 Australians who sold a property in the past 24 months via a combination of online panel and email invitations during February–May 2025. Questions explored the stress, emotions and potential regrets involved in selling a home. The study was designed and analysed in‑house by OpenAgent.