Should I Buy a House Someone Died In
Choosing to buy a property is usually an emotional process. While there are finances and the resale value to consider, the decision is mostly tied to how the property makes you feel.
We know it’s morbid, but our experience tells us that this query is more common than you might think, yet it’s a tricky and sensitive subject. So, if you’re thinking about buying a house someone died in, but aren’t sure what it’ll mean for you, we’re here to help.
In this article, we’ll help answer the question, “Should I buy a house someone died in?” by explaining what needs to be disclosed during the sale, what can impact resale value in the future and what other things you should consider before you decide.
Should I Buy a House Someone Died In?
Yes, you can buy a house someone died in.
Death is a part of life and many people pass away in the comfort of their own homes. If the person lived alone or other family members decide to sell after the passing, it’s completely normal for the property to go on the market shortly afterwards.
In these instances, choosing to purchase the property can be a good thing, as you’ll be helping the family move on or start afresh somewhere new.
Are Houses Someone Died In Cheaper?
Usually, no, houses someone died in aren’t cheaper, but it can depend on the circumstances of the death.
Someone passing away from natural causes in a property doesn’t need to be declared and won’t impact the resale value.
You can ask the estate agent whether someone died in the house, but it’s important to remember that most sellers (unless it was a recent death) won’t know the answer. This is especially the case with older builds.
If you come across a probate property where the owner has passed away (not necessarily in the house) that the family are selling, it may be cheaper than others. But this will usually be because the property is older/outdated or because the family want a quick sale, not because of the death.
However, if there was a murder in the property or someone died by suicide, this information does need to be disclosed. Depending on various factors, the resale value can be adversely impacted.
If you’re concerned about the reason for a lower asking price on a property, speak to the estate agent.
Should I Buy a House Someone Died In?
Buying a house is a personal and emotional process. If you want to purchase a property, it’s usually because you have a good feeling about it. Maybe you can see yourself living there and can see its potential. Or you’re just in love with the interior and local area.
For example, the story of a Missouri woman who was able to break her rental lease after learning that her home was used as a torture chamber by a suspected killer over a decade ago.
Police believe Maury Travis ki lled between 12 and 20 women, many of whom died in the basement of his Ferguson, Missouri, home.
When police searched his home, they said they found makeshift cells in his basement and videos of his tormenting the women before tying them up to a wooden beam in the basement that still stands to this day.
Infamous homes carry the stigma of the crimes that they played host to, but for some buyers it also leads to a lower price tag.
Here is another story; The Winchester mansion in San Jose, California
The Winchester mansion, was once the personal residence of Sarah Winchester, the widow of William Wirt Winchester, the son of the founder of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. He was also the treasurer of the company until his death in 1881.
The property and mansion were claimed by many to be haunted by the ghosts of those ki lled with Winchester rifles. Sarah was convinced the property was haunted and that she was cursed. She believed the only way to alleviate it and appease the ghosts was to continuously build onto the mansion.
Carpenters were hired to haphazardly add on to the mansion. The mansion has 161 rooms and two ballrooms. There are numerous oddities such as doors and stairs that go nowhere, windows overlooking other rooms and stairs with odd-sized risers. The mansion is known for its staircases that lead to nowhere and its many winding corridors.
In 1922, Sarah died at age 82 of heart failure in her bedroom at the Winchester House. Since her death, the mansion has become a popular tourist attraction. It has also been the set and basis for many TV shows and films.
On February 2, 2018, the film Winchester, featuring Helen Mirren as Sarah Winchester was released. It was reported to have grossed $44 million worldwide, over ten times its budget.
Would you buy a house for a cheaper price if someone had died there?
Over a third of people wouldn’t buy a house someone died in. But there’s a percentage of these people who would buy if the price is reduced. But for some there’s probably no price that would make up for the lack of peace they may have due to knowing a death occurred in the house. However, this decision may be affected by the way the person died.
Some real estate agents decide to tell their clients about any questionable history, but many states have no legal requirements to disclose any deaths that took place on the property.
If you get a bad feeling from a house, you probably won’t want to buy it, regardless of whether those feelings are about the death.
But if you like the property and your only worry is the fact someone died there, take time to think about whether it’ll concern you long-term or once you’re living there.
Speak to the estate agent if you’re concerned and consider asking your friends and family for advice, too. They may have personal experiences to share that could help reassure you of any worries.
SEE ALSO : BUY AFFORDABLE HOUSE IN LONDON
Conclusion
Buying a house someone passed away in can feel comfortable for some, but not for others. It really depends on your personal preferences and whether you’re prepared to accept the impact, if any, on resale value in the future.
