New analysis done by Rightmove suggests superstitions may play a role in how we buy and sell homes with Friday 13th – and the 13th of the month generally – the date least likely to be picked for moving day
Tomorrow, Friday 13, is the day people are least likely to move house. Despite Fridays being traditionally the busiest day of the week to collect keys to a new home, suspicious Britons avoid Friday 13.
Analysis of data since 1995 by Rightmove showed this is the quietest day for completion. And it extends to the 13th of the month more generally too, with fewer people moving on this date compared to other days of the month.
The superstitions also go beyond moving, as houses numbered 13 are valued £5,521 lower than the average of £364,139 across the study. Properties numbered one hold the highest average value at £397,632, versus £358,618 for number 13 – a difference of over £39,000.
Homes with the lucky number seven have an average valuation of £369,770, 3% more than homes with the number 13.
Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s property expert says: “Despite the superstitions surrounding the number 13 and Friday the 13th, buyers willing to challenge these traditions could find themselves in a prime position to negotiate better deals.“
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.”
Friday 13 being an unlucky day is believed to have a Biblical source. Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus Christ, was the 13th guest to arrive at the Last Supper.
