Menu
31/10/2011
Haunted Houses 'Won't Sell, Says RICS
Unusual happenings, such as haunting, can dramatically affect the saleability of a property, according to RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors).
Homes in Northern Ireland and elsewhere in the UK rumoured to be haunted have remained on surveyors’ books for extended periods, while some homes have even been known to be practically un-saleable due to supposed hauntings.
A Victorian detached bungalow made of black brick in Islandmagee, Country Antrim, was repossessed last year after its owners failed to sell due to rumours of it being haunted by ghosts.
A house in Moneymore, County Londonderry, built on the site of an old horses’ graveyard, was thought to be haunted. After it sat derelict and unsold for many years, locals called for the property’s demolition after unexplained events were witnessed there.
A seafront thatched property in West Sussex, was the scene of a murder around 15 years ago when a wife was killed by her husband using a champagne bottle. Despite being an extremely desirable property, the house could not be sold.
One of Newcastle’s Upon Tyne’s oldest buildings, a 14th century timber framed pub, is said to be haunted by the spirit of Henry Hardwick, a ghostly figure seen late at night with only black sockets for eyes.
RICS Valuer David Downing examined the property around 18 months ago and while the stories of the historic building’s haunted past did not add value, it had increased to the marketability of the building.
In the West of Scotland, a woman was murdered by a family member in a small village. As word of this spread throughout the community, the property was eventually valued at 20% less than it would have been had the murder not have taken place.
Jeremy Leaf, RICS spokesperson, commented: "While many factors can affect a property’s value, unusual occurrences such as rumoured hauntings, celebrity inhabitants or high profile crimes can have a significant affect on a house’s saleability. There are examples across the UK where houses are said to have been previously occupied by a famous celebrity or even the ghost."
(LB/BMcC)
Homes in Northern Ireland and elsewhere in the UK rumoured to be haunted have remained on surveyors’ books for extended periods, while some homes have even been known to be practically un-saleable due to supposed hauntings.
A Victorian detached bungalow made of black brick in Islandmagee, Country Antrim, was repossessed last year after its owners failed to sell due to rumours of it being haunted by ghosts.
A house in Moneymore, County Londonderry, built on the site of an old horses’ graveyard, was thought to be haunted. After it sat derelict and unsold for many years, locals called for the property’s demolition after unexplained events were witnessed there.
A seafront thatched property in West Sussex, was the scene of a murder around 15 years ago when a wife was killed by her husband using a champagne bottle. Despite being an extremely desirable property, the house could not be sold.
One of Newcastle’s Upon Tyne’s oldest buildings, a 14th century timber framed pub, is said to be haunted by the spirit of Henry Hardwick, a ghostly figure seen late at night with only black sockets for eyes.
RICS Valuer David Downing examined the property around 18 months ago and while the stories of the historic building’s haunted past did not add value, it had increased to the marketability of the building.
In the West of Scotland, a woman was murdered by a family member in a small village. As word of this spread throughout the community, the property was eventually valued at 20% less than it would have been had the murder not have taken place.
Jeremy Leaf, RICS spokesperson, commented: "While many factors can affect a property’s value, unusual occurrences such as rumoured hauntings, celebrity inhabitants or high profile crimes can have a significant affect on a house’s saleability. There are examples across the UK where houses are said to have been previously occupied by a famous celebrity or even the ghost."
(LB/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 November 2024
69-Year-Old Extradited From Spain To Face Child Abuse Charges
A 69-year-old man has been extradited from Spain to stand trial Northern Ireland for child-related sexual offences that occurred in the mid-1980s and early 1990s.
69-Year-Old Extradited From Spain To Face Child Abuse Charges
A 69-year-old man has been extradited from Spain to stand trial Northern Ireland for child-related sexual offences that occurred in the mid-1980s and early 1990s.
21 August 2013
NI Property Prices Increase
Residential property prices in Northern Ireland increased for first time since 2007, according to a new report. The Northern Ireland Residential Property Price Index report for the second quarter of 2013 showed that between quarter one and quarter two, residential property prices increased by 2%.
NI Property Prices Increase
Residential property prices in Northern Ireland increased for first time since 2007, according to a new report. The Northern Ireland Residential Property Price Index report for the second quarter of 2013 showed that between quarter one and quarter two, residential property prices increased by 2%.
27 April 2004
Lisney named as leading property agency in NI
Belfast consultancy Lisney has been named as the leading commercial property agency in Northern Ireland by the online version of leading property journal Estates Gazette. Lisney came out on top in Northern Ireland in the EGi Deals competition, which seeks to find the most active commercial property agents in the UK.
Lisney named as leading property agency in NI
Belfast consultancy Lisney has been named as the leading commercial property agency in Northern Ireland by the online version of leading property journal Estates Gazette. Lisney came out on top in Northern Ireland in the EGi Deals competition, which seeks to find the most active commercial property agents in the UK.
18 November 2024
Belfast's Vacant To Vibrant Scheme To Expand Citywide
A successful scheme aimed at transforming vacant properties in Belfast city centre into thriving businesses is set to be extended across the entire city. Belfast City Council's Vacant to Vibrant programme has already breathed new life into 26 properties, with another six sites in the pipeline.
Belfast's Vacant To Vibrant Scheme To Expand Citywide
A successful scheme aimed at transforming vacant properties in Belfast city centre into thriving businesses is set to be extended across the entire city. Belfast City Council's Vacant to Vibrant programme has already breathed new life into 26 properties, with another six sites in the pipeline.
18 May 2016
Drop In NI House Prices
House prices in Northern Ireland have fallen by one per cent, according to the Department of Finance. The standard property price in Northern Ireland is now £117,500. However, prices are six per cent higher compared to the same time last year. The lowest house prices are in L'Derry and Strabane and the highest are in Lisburn and Castlereagh.
Drop In NI House Prices
House prices in Northern Ireland have fallen by one per cent, according to the Department of Finance. The standard property price in Northern Ireland is now £117,500. However, prices are six per cent higher compared to the same time last year. The lowest house prices are in L'Derry and Strabane and the highest are in Lisburn and Castlereagh.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
