Thirteen brings good fortune in terms of money for some residents, as those content with residing at No. 13 can save £36,000 from their housing costs.
In the bustling city of London, superstitions, though seemingly archaic, still manage to leave their mark on various aspects of daily life. A case in point is the property market, as revealed by a recent study conducted by London lettings and estate agents, Benham and Reeves.
According to the research, homes with the number 13 fetch an average of £260,000, a figure that represents a 12.2% decrease compared to properties with non-unlucky numbers. This intriguing finding has sparked debate among industry experts, with some finding it difficult to determine the validity of the impact of superstition on property prices.
Marc von Grundherr, director of Benham and Reeves, sheds light on the matter, stating that superstitions can indeed be significant deterrents for homebuyers, particularly foreign buyers. He points out that in some instances, the number 13 is excluded from new property developments due to its deterrent effect.
However, it's important to note that not everyone in the property market is swayed by superstitions. For instance, the speaker, who prefers to remain anonymous, does not consider himself superstitious but has superstitious habits. He avoids walking under ladders and taps on wood during football games, but he is not influenced by the number 13 when it comes to purchasing a property.
The speaker's past influence, however, has led him to avoid walking across three drain covers in a row. This seemingly trivial habit underscores the pervasive nature of superstitions in our society.
As for the London real estate agency that conducted the research, it remains unidentified in the provided search results. However, it's worth mentioning that James Fisher, Digital Commissioning Editor of the platform, writes about motoring, travel, and things that upset him, and resides in London. For those interested in sending him good stories, his email address is provided.
In other property-related news, this week features an irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house, both of which are up for sale.
In conclusion, while the impact of superstition on property prices may be difficult to quantify, it's clear that it plays a role in shaping buyer behaviour. As we navigate the dynamic world of real estate, it's fascinating to observe how age-old beliefs continue to influence our decisions.