The Financial Times is collecting stories from homeowners experiencing regret, particularly those who purchased during the 2020-2022 pandemic buying frenzy. What was once considered a life milestone has become a source of anxiety for many buyers who rushed into purchases during an overheated market. The publication seeks firsthand accounts from those feeling trapped in homes that don't meet their expectations.

Many buyers report compromising on location, size, or condition while stretching their finances to secure properties during intense bidding wars. The FT specifically wants to hear from post-2020 buyers who feel they made poor decisions, as well as those who pulled out of purchases at the last moment and now question whether that was the right call. They're also seeking stories from buyers during other difficult market periods like 1989 or 2008.

This collection of regret stories comes as the housing market shows signs of cooling after the pandemic boom. The accumulated narratives could provide valuable insights into market psychology and the lasting impact of decision-making during periods of economic stress. For many, these stories serve as cautionary tales about the consequences of buying property without adequate consideration during heated market conditions.