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new Rocket Mortgage survey released for Halloween found that 65 % of Americans would consider buying a haunted house—39 % say “yes” outright and 26 % say “maybe.”
One‑third of respondents report having lived in a haunted home, while 23 % currently live in one and 13 % have lived in one before.
Only 18 % would sell if they discovered their home was haunted; 41 % would try to befriend the ghost or research its history.
The study surveyed 1,037 people, 79 % of whom are homeowners and almost half live in suburbs—prime locations for spooky lore.
Among those who have experienced paranormal activity, 64 % felt a strong presence, 61 % heard mysterious noises, 49 % reported footsteps with no source, 37 % saw apparitions, and 24 % witnessed objects moving on their own.
When asked about price concessions, 39 % said they’d need at least a 40 % discount, 29 % would accept 20–39 %, and only 15 % would settle for less than 20 %.
Ghosts are generally perceived as friendly (43 %) or mischievous (20 %); fewer see them as spooky (18 %) or angry (8 %).
Deal‑breakers include violent deaths on the property, a cemetery on the premises, or a house that simply feels “creepy.”
About a third of respondents say a property that feels isolated and creepy is a deal‑breaker.
If a haunting is discovered after moving in, 37 % would attempt a ghost eviction using salt, sage, or exorcism, while nearly 40 % would simply co‑habitate with the spirit.
High‑profile buyers are already snapping up famous haunted homes. Comedian Matt Rife purchased the Warren family’s occult museum in Connecticut, and other notable properties—such as the Amityville Horror house, the “Watcher House” in New Jersey, and the “legally haunted” manor in New York—have re‑appeared on the market with renewed interest.
The findings suggest a cultural shift: with mortgage rates high and inventory low, buyers are more willing to consider “stigmatized” properties if they offer a better deal. Haunted houses, once relegated to horror films and novelty tours, are now part of mainstream real‑estate conversations.
In short, the market is moving toward acceptance of haunted homes, driven by a desire for unique properties and the potential for significant discounts.
