Househunters Not Scared Off By Ghostly Presence

26 October 2015

The thought of sharing their home with a ghostly presence wouldn’t put the majority of people off their dream property, according to new research from Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks.

The Hallowe’en survey from the Banks revealed that two thirds (67%) of those surveyed would not be put off from buying a haunted house, and 6% would actually be more inclined to view a property with supernatural occurrences.

The number of people who would go as far as backing out of a purchase if they discovered the house came complete with an ethereal lodger was just under 20%, with just 12% stating they would move if they were found out they were sharing a home with ghosts.

Those in the North East and Wales were the most likely to be put off buying a haunted house with 36% opting not to buy a property where things go bump in the night in comparison to just 29% in Yorkshire and the South West.

Regional breakdown of those who would be put off buying a haunted property:

Women were considerably less keen on supernatural residents with 40% being put off buying a haunted property compared to just 24% of men. Almost a quarter of women (24%) would also pull out of a move if they found out the property came complete with a ghost in comparison to just 13% of men.

However for some the prospect of living in a haunted house would create an opportunity as one in twenty (5%) would use a ghostly guest as a bargaining tool in the sale.

Steve Fletcher, Director, Retail Banking, , said: “Everyone is looking for something different in their dream home however we were surprised that the majority of people would be happy to share with a supernatural presence.

“Our research also revealed that 3% of those surveyed actually believe their current property may be haunted and that they are co-habiting with a ghostly resident.”