The Hallowe’en survey from the Banks revealed that 67% of those surveyed would not be put off from buying a haunted house, with 6% actually 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:
|
Region |
% who would be put off buying a haunted property |
|
North East |
36% |
|
Wales |
36% |
|
North West |
34% |
|
East |
34% |
|
London |
34% |
|
UK average |
33% |
|
South East |
32% |
|
Midlands |
32% |
|
Scotland |
31% |
|
Yorkshire |
29% |
|
South West |
29% |
Women ( mummies, ghoulfriends etc) 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.”
