Introduction to Haunted Houses
It’s a boo-yers’ market. Forget granite countertops — some homebuyers are now prioritizing ghosts. A new Rocket Mortgage survey timed for Halloween reveals that nearly two-thirds of Americans (65%) would consider buying a haunted house, with 39% saying yes outright and another 26% open to the idea. And while the thought of paranormal roommates might spook some, one in three respondents claim they’ve already lived in a haunted home.
Haunted Houses in the Mainstream
Haunted houses, long relegated to novelty tours or horror films, are entering the mainstream property chat. In fact, only 18% of respondents say they would sell a house upon discovering it’s haunted. Meanwhile, 41% would opt to make friends with the ghost or dig into the home’s backstory. Perhaps that’s something indicative of languishing high mortgage rates. The findings shed light on a ghoulish niche in the real estate market that’s no longer just the stuff of legend.
Recent Haunted House Sales
This October alone, spooky listings have made headlines nationwide: Matt Rife bought Ed and Lorraine Warren’s infamous Connecticut home — complete with the demonic Annabelle doll in residence. The Rhode Island farmhouse that inspired “The Conjuring” sold under mysterious circumstances after an auction was abruptly canceled. And the so-called “Watcher House” in New Jersey, linked to ominous letters and 58 police calls, has become a case study in fear-based valuation. And yet, buyers are biting.
Survey Findings
Among the 1,037 survey respondents, 79% are current homeowners, and nearly half live in suburban communities — prime territory for Halloween lore. A remarkable 23% say they currently live in a haunted house, while another 13% say they’ve lived in one in the past. Nearly 30% haven’t had ghostly experiences personally, but believe in hauntings. Just 17% flatly reject the idea. Of those who have encountered supernatural phenomena, the most common signs were a “strong presence” (64%) and “mysterious noises” (61%).
Paranormal Experiences
Other indicators included unaccountable footsteps (49%), apparitions (37%) and objects moving on their own (24%). Still, most said the ghosts were friendly (43%) or mischievous (20%), with fewer citing spooky (18%) or angry (8%) behavior. High-profile buyers like comedian Matt Rife have snapped up famously haunted homes, including the Warren family’s occult museum in Connecticut. Comedian Matt Rife/Facebook
Discount Requirements
More surprising? Buyers are willing to cut ghosts some slack — for the right price. When asked what discount they’d require to purchase a haunted home, 39% said they’d need at least 40% off, while 29% would settle for 20 to 39%. Only 15% would accept less than 20% off. And yes, there’s a tipping point: a third of respondents say a property that “feels isolated and creepy” is a deal-breaker.
Deal-Breakers
Death on the property — whether natural or violent — was a turn-off for some, but over half would consider such homes with a discount. Even proximity to a cemetery or reports from paranormal investigators weren’t automatic red flags. The Amityville Horror home. AP The Watcher House. Helayne Seidman Even “legally haunted” homes, like one in New York, have reappeared on the market with renewed interest. Frank Kirwin
Conclusion
These findings reflect a cultural shift, not just in supernatural tolerance, but in housing attitudes broadly. Affordability remains tight, and with inventory low, buyers are more open to “stigmatized properties,” especially if it means getting a better deal. Plus, haunted homes have cachet. Lizzie Borden’s Massachusetts house, the Poltergeist home in California, the “legally haunted” New York manor and even the infamous Amityville Horror house have all found buyers, proving that spooky can sell. The Poltergeist house in Simi Valley, California, was sold for $1.28 million in October 2024. ©MGM/Courtesy Everett Collection Deal-breakers include violent deaths on-site, cemeteries on the property or a home that just feels “creepy.” Amy – stock.adobe.com
FAQs
Q: What percentage of Americans would consider buying a haunted house?
A: 65% of Americans would consider buying a haunted house, with 39% saying yes outright and another 26% open to the idea.
Q: What are the most common signs of paranormal activity?
A: The most common signs of paranormal activity are a “strong presence” (64%) and “mysterious noises” (61%).
Q: What discount would buyers require to purchase a haunted home?
A: 39% of buyers would need at least 40% off, while 29% would settle for 20 to 39%.
Q: What are the deal-breakers for buying a haunted home?
A: Deal-breakers include violent deaths on-site, cemeteries on the property or a home that just feels “creepy.”
