Realtor.com’s annual Haunted Real Estate Report found that millennials are more willing than any other generation to sleep with what goes bump in the night, for a small bonus.
According to the 2018 survey, one in three respondents, specifically millennials, were willing to venture into the haunted housing market if the property included a sales perk. However, poltergeists be warned, as 18 percent of survey takers said that spirit dwellers would have no affect on their purchase decision.
“In a competitive market, it’s harder for prospective buyers to be extremely selective,” said Danielle Hale, realtor.com’s chief economist. “For those looking for a good deal, a lower price, better neighborhood, or larger kitchen can balance out a few spooky happenings.”
The study found that when considering a haunted or non-haunted home, surveyors fell into three categories:
- I’ll buy, but I need a something more: Respondents were persuaded to endure an undead roommate with the inclusion of additional features. The survey found that 15 percent would consider a haunted home if it had a cheaper home price, while other respondents tied at 9 percent between the addition of a larger kitchen or a preferred neighborhood.
- Nothing else required: Almost 20 percent of responders reported that additional features were not necessary in buying a haunted home.
- Would not buy, not for anything: At 49 percent, the remaining surveyors responded that here’s no deal sweet enough to make them consider a haunted home.
Nonetheless, the survey also considered whether a seller would even tell buyers of the supernatural squatters. The Haunted Real Estate report found that while 34 percent of surveyors would provide full disclosure to potential buyers, 27 percent would only reveal the spooky details when asked, 22 percent would remain silent on the issue, and 17 percent of respondents would admit to previous hauntings but would refrain from providing details.
“People don’t want to live in a murder house,” said self-declared witch Amy Blackthorn in an interview with realtor.com. “So you can actually get some decent deals on houses because something really awful happened there.”
