And finally…househunters ain’t afraid of no ghosts

The Hallowe’en survey from the Glasgow-based lender revealed that two thirds (67 per cent) of those surveyed would not be put off from buying a haunted house, and 6 per cent would actually be more inclined to view a property with supernatural occurrences.

The number of people who would go as far as backing out of a purchase if they discovered the house came complete with an ethereal lodger was just under 20 per cent, with just 12 per cent stating they would move if they were found out they were sharing a home with ghosts.

Those in the North East and Wales were the most likely to be put off buying a haunted house with 36 per cent opting not to buy a property where things go bump in the night in comparison to just 29 per cent in Yorkshire and the South West.

Regional breakdown of those who would be put off buying a haunted property:

Region

% who would be put off buying a haunted property

North East

36%

Wales

36%

North West

34%

East

34%

London

34%

UK average

33%

South East

32%

Midlands

32%

Scotland

31%

Yorkshire

29%

South West

29%

Women were considerably less keen on supernatural residents with 40 per cent being put off buying a haunted property compared to just 24 per cent of men.

Almost a quarter of women (24 per cent) would also pull out of a move if they found out the property came complete with a ghost in comparison to just 13 per cent of men.

However for some the prospect of living in a haunted house would create an opportunity as one in twenty (5 per cent) would use a ghostly guest as a bargaining tool in the sale.

Steve Fletcher, director of retail banking at Clydesdale, said: “Everyone is looking for something different in their dream home however we were surprised that the majority of people would be happy to share with a supernatural presence.

“Our research also revealed that 3% of those surveyed actually believe their current property may be haunted and that they are co-habiting with a ghostly resident.”