Ghosts, ghouls and things that go bump in the night. Are you legally obliged to confirm if a property is haunted when selling?

It’s an interesting question and one which came into focus in a recent article on the BBC concerning comments made by pop star Adele about a property that she once lived in (see here).

The law however is pretty clear. When selling a property in England and Wales, there is no legal obligation to disclose whether a property is haunted. While tales of haunted houses can be fascinating and even add a unique character to a property, legally they fall outside the essential disclosures required in property transactions.

Legal Framework

In England and Wales, property sales are primarily governed by the regulations around misrepresentation. Sellers must accurately describe the property and cannot make false or misleading statements that could influence the buyer’s decision. However, the concept of a haunted house is subjective and culturally nuanced rather than legally significant.

Disclosures Required by Law

The law focuses on tangible, material facts that could affect the property’s value or desirability, such as structural issues, legal disputes related to the property or problems that could affect the buyer’s decision, like a history of flooding or significant repairs that are needed. There is no statutory requirement to disclose supernatural occurrences or ghostly reputations.

Stigmatised Properties

Although not mandated by law in England and Wales, some sellers or their agents might voluntarily disclose a property’s haunted status if it is well-known or if there have been high-profile events linked to the property. This is often done to maintain transparency and foster a sense of trust with potential buyers, especially if such stories might be easily discovered through a web search or inquiries in the local community.

Recommendations for Buyers

For buyers concerned about the history or ambiance of a property, it is prudent to conduct thorough due diligence. This could involve:

– Speaking with neighbors to gather local insights

– Researching the property’s history online

– Asking direct questions to the seller or real estate agent

Conclusion

While the allure of a haunted house might be exciting to some and unsettling to others, sellers in England and Wales are not legally required to declare their property as haunted. Instead, the focus remains on factual and practical matters that genuinely affect the property’s value or the buyer’s decision-making process. Whether a home’s ghostly reputation is considered a charming quirk or a significant drawback largely depends on personal beliefs and the buyer’s openness to the unknown.

If you are looking for a first rate conveyancing service why not give one of Alexander JLO’s specialist property lawyers a call on 020 7537 7000 or email quote@london-law.co.uk for a free, no-obligation quotation? Come and see what we can do for you.

This blog was prepared by Alexander JLO’s property partner Matt Johnson on the 3rd February 2025 and is correct at the date of publication. Matt has many years of experience of dealing with property work and specialises in new build and shared ownership properties.  His profile on the independent Review Solicitor website and be found Here