Shropshire Star

‘Haunted houses’ sell for 17% less, research reveals

The study is believed to be the first in the world looking at paranormal property.

Published
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Supposedly haunted houses in the UK are having thousands of pounds wiped off their value the moment they are investigated for paranormal activity, a researcher has claimed.

Statistician Dr Geoff Ellis said his study into 25 British “haunted houses”, sold over the last half-century, revealed they lost an average of 17% off their value compared with the sale prices of similar homes nearby.

A skull
The idea has a less-than-supernatural effect on house prices, studies show (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

The study, believed to be the first in the world looking at paranormal property, was commissioned by TV channel Really to mark the new series of Help! My House Is Haunted which airs weekly on Fridays at 10pm.

Dr Ellis said his research suggested having a haunted house would knock almost £40,000 off the average UK property price when it came to selling it.

A separate survey of 2,000 Britons found 23% believed their houses were haunted, while 55% said they would be put off buying a haunted house.

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