Home Repairs Over Roses: Survey Reveals Most Homeowners Want Practical Love This Valentine’s Day

Forget candlelit dinners and heart-shaped chocolates—this Valentine’s Day, homeowners are looking for something more hands-on. According to a new survey from Angi, a majority of partnered homeowners (65%) would rather their significant other fix a lingering home repair than receive a bouquet of flowers. Because what’s more romantic than a leaky faucet finally getting fixed?

But homeowners aren’t just sharing their Valentine’s Day preferences. They’re also opening up about moving in together, navigating home responsibilities, and even confessing their infidelity—not in love, but with their go-to home pros.

Valentine’s Day and Home Love

This year, practical gestures are winning hearts:

• 65% of homeowners prefer a needed home repair over flowers as a Valentine’s Day gift.

• More than half (52%) of their favorite memories with their partner take place at home, reinforcing its role as the heart of their relationship.

When it comes to their homes, sentiments are mixed:

• 47% say they would “marry” their home, as they love it and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

• 46% feel their home could use “couples therapy,” expressing general satisfaction but acknowledging some needed improvements.

• 7% are ready to “break up” with their home, citing dissatisfaction and a desire to move.

Among home spaces, living rooms and bedrooms are considered “marriage material,” while garages and bathrooms are most likely to be “broken up with.”

Relationship Stress Test: Can Your Love Survive Home Repairs?

Adjusting to each other’s habits is a rite of passage for most couples who decide to live together. The survey found:

• 58% faced challenges adapting to each other’s living habits.

• 33% navigated the complexities of finances and splitting costs.

• Messiness was a common pain point, with 58% believing their partner is messier than they are. Women were more likely to hold this view (68%) compared to men (48%).

Despite these hurdles, nearly all respondents (91%) agreed that open and honest communication is the most important factor in maintaining a strong relationship after moving in together. This was followed by quality time (78%) and discussing finances openly (67%).

Home and Relationship Dynamics

Home repair and maintenance often play a pivotal role in relationships:

• 53% share the responsibility of hiring professionals for home projects, though this varies by gender: 57% of men claim primary responsibility compared to just 16% of women.

• Couples who have lived together longer than five years are more likely to share responsibilities (55%) compared to those together less than five years (41%).

• Home repair decisions have sparked arguments for many couples, including disagreements over:

  • Which tasks are most important (33%)

  • Whether to DIY or hire a professional (33%)

  • Balancing repair needs with financial priorities (28%)

For some, these disagreements escalate. Nearly one in five (18%) say home repair issues have caused significant tension or conflict in their relationship.

Cheating on Home Pros

Interestingly, 51% of homeowners admit to “cheating” on their go-to home professional, with availability being the most common reason (53%).

In 2025, home improvement is the new love language. Head to Angi.com today to find the perfect pro to save your home—and maybe your relationship too.

Methodology

This research report is based on a comprehensive survey of 700 homeowners living with a partner or significant other. This survey was conducted between Jan 17th and 18th, 2025, and the survey panels were provided by Pollfish, a 3rd party survey and panel provider that delivers online surveys globally through mobile apps and the mobile web along with the desktop web. The sample targeted those aged 18 and up, and quotas were applied to age and gender to ensure a representative sample.