Buying a home

Buyer’s boo-ware! Are you buying a haunted house?

31 October 2018

Buying a home is not a decision you should take lightly, and it almost goes without saying that there are a lot of factors that go into the purchasing process. However, there’s a consideration that might not ever cross your mind when you’re trawling real estate websites and heading to open houses … is your potential new home haunted?

In Australia, it’s actually a legal requirement to disclose to potential buyers if there’s any paranormal activity that the homeowner knows about. They don’t have to prove that the ghost exists, just be open and upfront about it. It all stems from laws in place to protect consumers and make sure they are made aware of anything they might find important before they make a purchase.

Are you buying a haunted house?

In Australia, sellers must disclose if a home is haunted.

The law states sellers must share information that might be considered a “material fact” i.e. anything a reasonable buyer might find important… so, naturally that includes any ‘spooktacular’ activity.

In New York, 1991, one homeowner was sued by a buyer. He signed a contract before he knew about the extra ghoulish guests. The case (Stambovsky vs. Ackley) was known as the ‘Ghostbusters’ ruling. And the judge eventually ruled in favour of the owner, stating it was public knowledge, since the owner had previously shared her story in Reader’s Digest and newspaper articles.

So if you’re searching for a boo-tiful new home, make sure you ask the right questions. Otherwise you might end up with some unexpected roooooomates.

Spooky, right?

Don’t worry, buying a house and exploring your home loan options doesn’t have to be scary.

Visit the Home Buying Guide for tips and insights to help you buy your new house.

Visit the Home Buying Guide

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Information is intended to be of a general nature only and any advice has been prepared without taking into account any person's particular objectives, financial situation or needs. You should make your own enquiries, consider whether advice is appropriate for you and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or Product Information Document before making any decisions about whether to acquire a product