Majority of Americans Open to Buying Haunted Houses, Survey Finds

Changing Attitudes Towards Haunted Properties

Among the 1,037 individuals surveyed, a significant 79% are current homeowners, with nearly half residing in suburban areas, which are often rich in Halloween lore. About 23% reported currently living in a haunted house, while 13% claimed to have lived in one previously. Notably, 30% of respondents, despite lacking personal experiences, believe in hauntings. Only 17% outright dismiss the idea.

For those who have encountered supernatural occurrences, the most commonly reported signs include a “strong presence” (64%) and “mysterious noises” (61%). Other indications of hauntings include unaccountable footsteps (49%), sightings of apparitions (37%), and objects moving independently (24%). Most respondents described their ghostly encounters as friendly (43%) or mischievous (20%), with fewer categorizing them as spooky (18%) or angry (8%).

Market Dynamics and Buyer Preferences

The survey results also highlight a potential shift in the real estate market, where buyers are increasingly open to “stigmatized properties.” Given the current climate of high mortgage rates and limited inventory, many are willing to overlook traditional concerns in exchange for a lower price. When asked about the required discount to purchase a haunted home, 39% indicated they would need at least a 40% reduction, while 29% would accept a discount between 20% and 39%. Only 15% would settle for less than 20% off.

Interestingly, a third of those surveyed identified properties that “feel isolated and creepy” as deal-breakers. Nevertheless, many buyers are willing to negotiate with ghosts. More than half of respondents would consider purchasing a home where a death occurred, regardless of whether it was natural or violent, provided a discount is offered. Factors such as proximity to a cemetery or reports from paranormal investigators do not automatically deter buyers.

In the event that a haunting is discovered after moving in, 37% of respondents indicated they would attempt to evict the ghost through traditional methods such as salt or sage, while nearly 40% would prefer to coexist with their spectral housemate.