31 Oct What Should I do if I Bought a Haunted House?
In the UK, there isn’t a strict legal requirement to tell a buyer that a house is haunted. When selling a property, you must complete the Property Information Form (TA6), which is a standard document covering a range of details that could affect a buyer’s decision. Here’s what you’re generally expected to declare:
- Boundaries and Disputes
- Notices and Proposals
- Alterations and Building Work
- Guarantees and Warranties
- Insurance Claims
- Environmental Issues
- Utilities and Services
- Council Tax and Parking
- Occupants and Tenancies
- Property Boundaries and Rights of Way
The obligation to disclose would only apply if the haunting or paranormal activity has led to events that could reasonably affect the buyer’s enjoyment or use of the home, such as:
- Previous Publicity: if the property’s reputation as a “haunted house” is well-known (e.g. from media reports), it might be considered material information.
- Physical Incidents or Legal Issues: if the alleged poltergeist has caused structural changes or legal issues with previous owners or tenants, this could be relevant.
- Buyer Enquiries: if a buyer asks specifically about paranormal activity, withholding a known fact might be seen as a misrepresentation.
While it’s unlikely a “haunting” would qualify as material information by itself, any associated history that affects the property’s reputation, value, or structure should be disclosed to avoid potential disputes later on.
Before you sell your home, if you believe your house is haunted, you have several options, whether you’re curious, concerned, or just want some peace of mind. Here are some steps you might consider:
Document and Observe
- Record your experiences: keep a diary, record videos, or take pictures on any unusual happenings. Documenting dates, times, and specific details might help you recognise patterns or understand what’s happening.
- Consider rational explanations: often, sounds, temperature changes, and other experiences have logical causes like drafts or plumbing noises.
Find an Inspector
- Check for structural issues: sometimes, “haunting” experiences are actually related to wiring, insulation, or structural factors that can affect noise levels, drafts, or even make people feel uneasy.
- Test for environmental factors: older houses may have mould, or specific electromagnetic fields that can cause feelings of unease, hallucinations, or dizziness.
Contact a Paranormal Investigator (if you’re open to it)
- If you have tried all the above and you still feel a paranormal presence in your home, there are many paranormal investigation groups that can perform a basic investigation. They might use recording devices, temperature sensors, or other equipment to determine if they can capture any unusual activity.
- Look for reputable groups that approach investigations scientifically and respectfully.
Consider a Spiritual Cleansing
Some people turn to spiritual cleansing rituals to bring peace to the property. Options include:
- A simple blessing: clergy from various faiths may offer blessings or ceremonies to provide comfort.
- Burning sage: smudging is a common ritual used to cleanse spaces of negative energy.
- Use of crystals or salt: these are sometimes placed around the house to “absorb” unwanted energies.
Prepare for Future Buyers
- If the “haunting” is well-known locally, you may need to address it if you choose to sell the home. In this case, be straightforward and provide any context that could help prospective buyers understand the history.
- Be sure to declare any belongings your ghostly guest will be leaving behind on the Fittings and Contents form (TA10), as if they are not declared on the protocol form, they will not form part of the contract.
If you are thinking about purchasing a haunted house, don’t be put off by an eerie location but do go into any purchase with your eyes open, question anything unusual, and rely on the experts to help you uncover any ghoulish goings on. As a seller, be open and honest with your prospective buyer.
At Rollasons, our conveyancing team is extremely experienced at ironing out any spooky bumps in the road to help your conveyancing process flow as smoothly and efficiently as possible for you whether you are a buyer or seller. If you have any further questions or require assistance, we’re happy to help – even if it’s haunted!
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