Housing News

Most Americans Would Purchase a Haunted Home—If the Price Was Right

Nearly three-quarters of Americans would buy a haunted home—if the price was right.

About 72% of folks would buy a home inhabited by ghosts if the property was discounted, according to a survey from the Real Estate Witch powered by Clever Real Estate. And they expect steep savings.

About 43% of potential buyers would offer a minimum of $50,000 less than market value to make up for those unwelcome occupants. Another 18% would have to get at least $100,000 knocked off the price.

Some brave buyers would also consider purchasing a haunted home if it was located in a safe neighborhood, had a big yard, or had recently been renovated or outfitted with newer appliances.

To come up with these findings, Clever Real Estate surveyed 1,000 Americans on Sept. 12 and 13.

“A haunted house would be a great option for those who want to save money by not paying full price for a home,” said Clever Real Estate spokesperson Jaime Seale in a statement. “It would be a no-brainer for budget buyers who also happen to like the supernatural or those who don’t believe or aren’t scared by the supernatural.”

Should you buy a haunted home?

However, haunted real estate isn’t for everyone.

Just over a quarter of folks living in a home inhabited by spirits regret purchasing that property. More than half, 54%, wouldn’t buy another home that comes with ghosts.

About two-thirds of folks living in haunted homes are stressed when they’re on their properties, about half say they’re scared, and just over a third say they don’t feel safe.

Many discovered something supernatural was going on when they heard weird noises; felt something touch or watch them; and saw odd shadows—or a ghost.

“Those who are scared of potential ghosts would really have to consider whether the savings are worth their peace of mind,” said Seale.

It may be harder to sell a haunted home

Buyers should beware. More than two-thirds of sellers said they wouldn’t tell buyers that their home was haunted unless they had to do so.

And nearly 70% of folks who have lived with ghosts say these properties are more difficult to sell and about 60% expect these homes will fetch a lower price.

That’s likely because almost half, 46%, of folks wouldn’t live in a haunted home. And two-thirds of Americans think sellers will cut the price of these homes.

“If a house has a known reputation for being haunted, buyers can likely get a pretty good deal,” said Seale.

Only four states have laws on the books about revealing that a home is haunted. They are Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York.

“I can be difficult to determine ahead of time if a house is haunted,” said Seale. “It’s important for buyers to do their research to see if anything spooky or unusual has happened in the home so they have more negotiating power and don’t end up paying top dollar for a home that may not be worth the price.”