The property superstitions behind Friday the 13th

From dodging Friday the 13th to avoiding No.13 homes altogether, new analysis from Rightmove reveals the property superstitions that still have a hold on Britain.

Friday is usually the busiest day of the week for moving home, but Rightmove analysis has identified a drop-off when it falls on the 13th.

Rightmove’s analysis of Land Registry data going back to 1995 reveals Friday the 13th is the quietest Friday for home completions.

Moving home is full of big decisions, so it’s fascinating to see that an old superstition may still influence something as practical as the day people choose to complete.

And it isn’t just Fridays. The 13th is the quietest day of the month for completions, with fewer home moves on average than on any other date.

The superstition appears to extend beyond moving day to the number on the front door.

Rightmove’s analysis finds there are 43% more homes numbered 14 than 13, suggesting the  traditionally unlucky number has been skipped on many streets.

Homes that do have No.13 on the door have an average valuation of £329,005, around £3,400 below the £332,447 average across homes numbered one to 100.

In comparison, homes numbered one have the highest average valuation, at £356,747, more than £27,700 higher than homes numbered 13.

Superstitious

Colleen Babcock, (pictured), Rightmove’s property expert, says: “Moving home is full of big decisions, so it’s fascinating to see that an old superstition may still influence something as practical as the day people choose to complete. Friday is normally the busiest moving day, but the 13th appears to be the exception.

“The fact that there are also significantly fewer homes numbered 13 than 14 shows how deeply rooted this superstition is in British property. Of course, for some movers, 13 might prove to be their lucky number.”

Mary Beeton, Head of Sales at Hamptons, adds: “Friday the 13th clearly still gives some people pause, particularly when it coincides with a milestone as significant as moving into a new home. For most buyers, it won’t be enough to stand in the way of the right property, but there are certainly people who would rather not tempt fate.

“We see the same thing with house numbers. Some developers choose to skip No.13 altogether, while cultural and personal beliefs around other numbers can have an even stronger influence. We’ve seen a buyer walk away from a property they loved because of its number. When you’re making one of life’s biggest purchases, it seems even the less superstitious among us might welcome a little extra luck.”