How to Sell a Haunted House – And How to Avoid Buying One

Superstitions, stigmas, and stories of the supernatural—whether you believe in them or not—can significantly impact a home’s marketability and value. In Ontario’s real estate market, especially in places like Durham Region, Peterborough, and Northumberland County, even a whisper of paranormal activity or an unfortunate past can turn a listing cold. If you’re a seller with a "haunted" home or a buyer who wants to avoid a spooky surprise, here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Stigmatized Property?

In real estate, a stigmatized property refers to a home that may be perfectly sound structurally but carries a psychological or emotional burden due to a past event. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, a stigma is “an intangible, non-physical attribute that could elicit an emotional or psychological response from a potential buyer.” These stigmas can include:

• A history of a crime, death, or tragedy on the property

• Belief that the property is haunted

• Unlucky numbers associated with the home’s address or sale details

• Poor Feng Shui or spiritual disharmony

While stigmas aren’t physical defects, they can still reduce buyer interest and influence resale value.

In smaller communities like Lindsay or Cobourg, where word travels fast, a home’s reputation may linger long after the incident that caused it.

Do Sellers Have to Disclose Paranormal Activity?

In most provinces—including Ontario—there is no legal obligation for sellers to disclose whether a home is haunted or has been the site of a death or crime. Quebec is currently the only province that requires disclosure of “unexplained phenomena.”

For buyers with strong personal beliefs or sensitivities, the phrase "buyer beware" holds weight. That means asking direct questions, doing your own research, and even chatting with neighbours can be wise steps—especially in close-knit communities like Port Hope or Fenelon Falls, where neighbours often know the history of every home on the block.

Homebuyer Tips: Avoiding a Haunted Home

If you’re concerned about potential stigmas, here’s how to stay informed:

• Ask Direct Questions: Sellers may not be required to disclose stigmas unless asked.

• Search Public Records: Investigate past events using online tools, news archives, or municipal records.

• Talk to Neighbours: Local residents may offer insight into a property’s reputation or history.

• Rely on Your Agent: Let your REALTOR® know if stigmas or superstitions are dealbreakers for you.

  
  

Homes with Haunted Histories: Tips for Sellers

If your home has a stigmatized past—real or perceived—there are ways to shift focus back to its strengths:

• Stage Strategically: Brighten up rooms with natural light and modern furnishings to create a welcoming atmosphere.

• Neutralize Decor: Remove personal items, antiques, or anything that may feed into supernatural assumptions.

• Repair and Refresh: Fix creaky doors, flickering lights, and anything that could trigger eerie associations.

• Highlight Positives: Promote the home’s features, location, and recent upgrades to attract the right buyer.

If you're in an area known for historic homes, such as downtown Peterborough or older pockets of Bowmanville, it’s especially important to modernize the feel of the space when preparing to sell.

Why Some Buyers Welcome a “Haunted” Deal

If you’re a buyer who doesn’t mind a little mystery—or is skeptical of it altogether—stigmatized properties may present a rare opportunity. Because these homes may sit on the market longer or receive fewer offers, sellers are often more motivated, which can result in:

• Lower Purchase Prices

• Faster Closings

• Less Competition in Hot Markets

Whether you’re avoiding ghosts or hunting for a great deal, the key is understanding how stigma impacts value—and working with a local real estate agent who knows how to navigate it.