Can You Really Sell a Haunted House Without Telling the Buyer?

The idea of a haunted house might make for a fun story, but when it comes to selling property, transparency is key. In England and Wales, sellers are generally required to disclose information that could influence a buyer’s decision—including any known history of hauntings or other unusual occurrences. Here’s a breakdown of the rules and guidelines that apply.

Disclosure Requirements: Transparency is Key

Although there's no law that specifically requires sellers to mention ghosts, the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations (CPRs) mandate that sellers disclose any information that could affect a buyer’s choice. Failure to provide full disclosure on known issues related to a property—even ones involving reported hauntings—could be considered a form of misrepresentation. CPRs specifically aim to prevent “unfair commercial practices” and ensure transparency, protecting buyers from withheld information.

Legal Background: Property Misdescriptions Act (Now Repealed)

The Property Misdescriptions Act previously addressed this issue and required sellers to avoid misleading buyers about a property’s condition. Although it was repealed in 2013, this Act established a principle that remains good practice: sellers should provide potential buyers with a full picture of the property. Haunted or not, sellers should inform buyers of anything that could influence their purchasing decision.

Why Sellers Should Disclose Paranormal History

While hauntings might seem unlikely to impact a property’s market value, some buyers could be deterred. Disclosure allows buyers to make informed decisions, and it minimizes the risk of potential claims of misrepresentation after a sale. Even without specific legal obligations on hauntings, transparency about a property’s history is often the safest route for sellers.

Bottom Line

Legally, sellers should be upfront about anything that could reasonably affect a buyer’s decision, and that can include a property’s “haunted” reputation. While no one may expect proof of the supernatural, providing this information aligns with fair trading practices and helps avoid future issues.