Superstitious home movers avoid completing on Friday 13, study suggests
Rightmove’s research also suggests that some people moving into a home numbered 13 could be getting a bargain.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Friday 13 tends to be the quietest day for house sale completions compared with any other Friday, according to analysis.
Rightmove looked at sales data going back to January 1995, reviewing the number of properties that have a Land Registry record on a certain day.
The website said that Fridays are normally the busiest day of the week for home moves.
Its research also found the 13th day of the month is typically the quietest day for completions compared with any other day of the month.
The superstitions go beyond moving, as houses numbered 13 are valued at £5,521 lower than the average of £364,139.
Rightmove analysed property valuations of over 10 million houses numbered one to 100 and found properties numbered 13 are typically valued the lowest.
This could, however, provide some bargains for home buyers – meaning the number 13 is lucky after all.
At the other end of the spectrum, houses numbered one are typically valued at £397,632. Homes with the “lucky” number seven have an average valuation of £369,770.
Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s property expert, said: “Despite the superstitions surrounding the number 13 and Friday the 13, buyers willing to challenge these traditions could find themselves in a prime position to negotiate better deals.
“Our data shows that significant discounts are often available on properties with this traditionally unlucky number. With potential savings of over £5,000 – money that could be put towards stamp duty or other moving expenses – even the most superstitious buyers might be tempted to overlook the number on the door.”
In many streets across the UK, the number 13 doesn't even exist, however where they do, homeowners have been known to rename them from a number to a written name
Toby Leek, president of NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents) Propertymark, said: “To this day it’s still common for people to be a little apprehensive regarding the number 13, so it’s no surprise their superstitions are also noted when looking at the difference in completions on Friday 13.
“In many streets across the UK, the number 13 doesn’t even exist, however where they do, homeowners have been known to rename them from a number to a written name as many people perceive that this removes any connected connotations.”
Here are the top 10 most expensive house numbers typically and the average property value, according to Rightmove:
1. One, £397,632
2. Two, £390,630
3. Three, £378,807
4. Four, £378,016
5. Five, £373,948
6. Six, £371,531
7. Seven, £369,770
8. 78, £367,818
9. Eight, £367,675
10. 76, £366,865
And here are the 10 least expensive house numbers, with the average property value:
1. 13, £358,618
2. 21, £359,538
3. 27, £359,561
4. 19, £360,112
5. 23, £360,196
6. 16, £360,228
7. 73, £360,251
8. 83, £360,269
9. 17, £360,350
10. 24, £360,391