Newlyweds are asking for this as a wedding gift —and it isn’t a fancy espresso machine

New York Post - Apr 30th, 2025

As interest rates and housing prices rise, more newlyweds are opting for cash gifts instead of traditional wedding presents to use towards a home down payment. A LendingTree survey reveals that 48% of recent homeowners who married in the past two years requested financial gifts for this purpose, with 26% using these funds to increase their down payment. Real estate professionals like Cara Ameer and Ron Myers highlight that many couples already cohabitate before marriage, making household items less necessary while emphasizing the need for a nest egg to secure a home.

This trend reflects broader economic pressures, as homebuyers face considerable upfront costs, including down payments and closing fees. Current guidelines allow individuals to gift up to $19,000 tax-free, enabling couples to receive substantial financial support without significant tax implications. The shift towards monetary gifts highlights a strategic approach to homeownership, potentially reducing debt and streamlining the purchasing process, offering newlyweds a financial head start in a challenging housing market.

Real Estate Newlyweds Wedding Gifts Home Buying Down Payment Gift Tax Cara Ameer Ron Myers Lending Tree

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

8.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively addresses a timely and relevant topic, providing a clear and well-supported overview of the trend toward requesting cash gifts for home purchases. It draws on credible sources and data to substantiate its claims, though it could benefit from a wider variety of perspectives and more detailed transparency about the survey methodology. The article is well-written and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand the practical implications of the trend. While it may not drive significant controversy or debate, it serves as a valuable resource for individuals planning weddings or navigating the housing market. Overall, the article is a reliable and informative piece that balances practical advice with expert insights.

Accuracy

The article's factual accuracy is strong, with claims well-supported by data and expert opinions. The assertion that newlyweds are increasingly requesting cash gifts for home down payments is corroborated by contemporary wedding registry trends and a LendingTree survey, which indicates that 48% of homeowners married in the past two years asked for such assistance. Additionally, the financial details regarding down payments and closing costs align with industry standards, as seen in Realtor.com® data. The tax information provided is consistent with IRS regulations, enhancing the article's precision. However, specific survey data from LendingTree could be directly cited for further verification.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view by including perspectives from real estate professionals and financial experts, offering a comprehensive look at the trend of requesting cash gifts for home purchases. It acknowledges potential criticisms, such as the perception of requesting cash as gauche, while also highlighting practical benefits. However, it could include more diverse viewpoints, such as those of wedding planners or cultural analysts, to provide a fuller picture of societal attitudes toward this trend.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and written in a clear, accessible language. It logically presents the shift in wedding gift preferences and the financial implications of using cash gifts for home purchases. The inclusion of expert quotes and statistical data enhances understanding, and the tone remains neutral throughout. This clarity ensures that readers can easily grasp the key points and implications of the trend.

Source quality

The article cites credible sources, including real estate brokers and financial experts, which enhances its reliability. The use of a LendingTree survey adds quantitative support to the claims. However, the article could benefit from a wider variety of sources, such as academic studies or interviews with newlyweds, to further substantiate its claims and provide a more comprehensive perspective.

Transparency

The article is transparent in its presentation of information, clearly outlining the basis for its claims. It explains the context of rising housing prices and interest rates as factors driving the trend. However, it could improve transparency by providing more detailed information about the methodology of the cited survey and any potential conflicts of interest among the quoted experts.