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Ghostly Goings On dramatically affect property values say RICS

Spooky sounds and bumps in the night could dramatically affect the saleability of your home, according to new research.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has found that homes believed to be haunted by supernatural beings often experience a significant drop or increase on resale value, depending on an individual buyers interest.

Rumours of murders and crimes taking place in the building can also have a serious impact.

One such building affected by its history is one of Newcastle’s oldest buildings, The Cooperage.

The 14th century pub is believes to be haunted by the ghostly figure of Henry Hardwick, whose eerie figure has been spotted late at night, with only black sockets for eyes.

When David Downing, a RICS valuer examined the property 18 months ago he found that while the stories of the historic buildings property did not add value, it had certainly increased the marketability of the building.

He commented: ““In the hospitality sector, although it might not necessarily affect the value, something unusual or quirky can often add to the marketability of a property.

“We’ve all heard of hotels who market themselves as ‘haunted’ and it’s no different for commercial property.

“A little bit of ‘spice’ can generate interest over what would normally be expected.” ?

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .