And finally…sold under a bad sign

According to the survey, some 15 per cent of us will choose to avoid making this our date for moving home for fear of misfortune.

But it is breaking a mirror which tops the worry list for those that are superstitious with 20 per cent believing it will bring seven years of bad luck, according to the Banks’ latest Housebuyers Research.

Apparently nearly one in four (39 per cent) of us are so superstitious that we refuse to open an umbrella indoors as well as avoiding stepping on any cracks in the pavement.

However, two thirds (61 per cent) of us do not let superstitions spoil our day – even on Friday the 13th - believing them all to be old wives’ tales. Some even focus on the positive with one of us in six hopeful of finding a four leaf clover to bring about good fortune and a further 12 per cent of us will be hoping a black cat crosses our path.

The research found that that those living in the North East were the most superstitious where the most commonly held fear was of opening an umbrella indoors.

Regional breakdown of Superstitions:

Region

% who are superstitious

Region’s favourite superstition

North East

47%

To open an umbrella indoors brings bad luck

London

43%

If you walk under a ladder you will have bad luck

Midlands

41%

To break a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck

Wales

41%

It is unlucky to spill salt and if you do you must throw a pinch of salt over your left shoulder

North West

40%

To break a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck

UK average

39%

To break a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck

Scotland

39%

If you walk under a ladder you will have bad luck

South West

39%

If you find a four leaf clover you will have good luck

South East

38%

To break a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck/

If you find a four leaf clover you will have good luck

Yorkshire

36%

To break a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck

East

32%

To break a mirror will bring seven years of bad luck

Steve Fletcher, Director Retail Banking said: “Everyone has their own view of luck. I don’t consider myself superstitious, but the fact I always put my right shoe on first because my grandad said it meant I’d be right through the day means maybe I am!

“As for Friday 13th we know that some customers will actively try to avoid this date when moving home. Personally it wouldn’t bother me as I don’t feel a date has any bearing on happiness in a new property.”