You’ve likely heard of properties selling for over the odds because of their proximity to a high-performing school or a well-positioned bus stop.
But did you know that houses with red doors sell for more on average than any other colour? Or that rumours your house is haunted could significantly affect the value of your property?
From age-old superstitions and celebrity associations to local fishing rights and the name of your street, there are some weird, wonderful, and downright bizarre reasons that some properties are worth more or less than others.
Read on to find out about 10 strange things that could affect the value of your home.
1. The name of your street
The name of your street can have a considerable influence on the value of your home.
The Independent reports that UK properties with “Warren” in their address are typically valued at more than double the national average.
“Chase” and “Mount” are the second and third most valuable words to have in your address. While “Terrace”, “Court”, and “Street” make up the bottom three.
And, perhaps most bizarrely, having a humorous street name can boost the value of your home.
For example, GoodMove reports that, in 2021, house prices on Backside Road, Doncaster, were 51% higher than other properties in the same postcode.
2. The number 13
Zoopla reports that the superstition surrounding the number 13 is so strong that 30% of Brits would avoid buying a property at that number, and 24% said they would expect a number 13 property to have a lower asking price than other houses on the same street.
Conversely, Zoopla’s data shows that, in 2017, properties at number one were the most expensive, with an average price of £319,318, followed by 100 (£311,107), and then two (£308,468).
Number 13 properties came in at 58th place, with an average value of £291,038, more than £8,000 cheaper than the average property price in 2017.
3. The “Waitrose Effect”
The Independent reports that living near any national supermarket could boost the value of your home by around £22,000, and some supermarkets command a bigger premium.
In 2017, living near a Waitrose meant your property would typically be valued at £36,480 more than average house prices in the same town.
Budget supermarkets also have an impact, though it’s not all positive. Properties near a Lidl were valued at £6,416 more on average than those in the surrounding area, and those near an Asda at £4,117. However, houses near an Aldi were £2,902 cheaper on average than homes in other parts of town.
Source: The Independent
4. A house name instead of a number
The Telegraph reports that buyers pay up to 40% more for a house with a name instead of a number. And the best news is, you could be able to change your property title from a number to a name, for just £40.
When choosing what name to opt for, Good Housekeeping reports that regal words such as “Crown”, “Royal”, and “Castle” can add up to £30,000 to your property’s value.
5. Nearby sporting venues
Despite having to potentially put up with the din of a roaring crowd on a weekly basis, living near a top sporting venue can add a lot to the value of your home.
Properties in London boroughs known for their sporting venues, such as Wimbledon, Wembley, Twickenham, and Stratford can take up to 10% more on average than houses in the neighbouring boroughs.
Living in an area that frequently hosts major sporting events could also mean you get discount tickets. Moreover, for big events, you could rent out your driveway or even let a room in your house for anyone looking for somewhere to stay while watching the game.
6. The colour of your door
The Express reports that properties with red doors typically sell at a higher price than any other colour. The average red-doored property fetches £413,279, which is 36% above the national average.
Grey doors come in second place, with black, blue, and white rounding off the top five.
So, if you’re looking to sell your house, grab a pot and a brush, and you know what to do!
Source: The Express
7. The local fishing rights
Living close to a body of water usually positively affects the value of a property. But the Express reports that if said body of water has fishing rights, it could increase the value of the local houses by 15%, rising to 30% if the water has trout or salmon.
So, in addition to having your dinner just a fishing line throw away, a body of water with fishing rights has the extra benefit of potentially adding thousands to your property’s value.
8. The local pub
Having a decent local is non-negotiable for many buyers, and research from Northumbria University reveals a strong positive correlation between the number of nearby pubs and the local property value.
So, it’s a good idea to support your local in whatever ways you can, as its presence could play a part in how much your property ends up selling for.
9. A blue plaque
A blue plaque is an English Heritage scheme that commemorates the link between a building or location and a well-known person.
Research published by Science Direct shows that, after a blue plaque was installed, the value of properties in London increased by 27% more than the sales price of neighbouring properties without a blue plaque.
If you have heard rumours that your house was once inhabited by a now deceased celebrity or iconic figure, it could be worth digging into some research and informing English Heritage of anything interesting you find!
10. A ghostly presence
If you have a taste for the dark, macabre, and spooky, then choose wisely when buying a house that is said to be haunted.
The Mirror reports that the UK’s top five haunted houses sold for 18% more, on average, than their ghost-free neighbours.
However, this is perhaps in part due to these properties’ near-mythic status amongst ghost hunters and horror film aficionados, as The Property Daily found that sellers of homes with reported apparitions had to reduce the asking price by an average of 17%.
So, while famous hauntings may boost the value of a home, regular spectral sightings and strange goings on could reduce it.
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If you’re considering selling your home and you want to find out how to get the most for your property, please get in touch. Email [email protected] or call us on +44 (0) 20 3411 0079.
Please note
This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
