Superstitious Brits avoid moving house on Friday 13th

• Rightmove reveals that people avoid moving on Friday the 13th, despite Friday usually being the busiest day of the week for people collecting the keys to their new home 

• Analysis of data since 1995 reveals Friday the 13th is the quietest day for completions compared to any other Friday  

• What’s more, the 13th day of the month is also the quietest day for completions compared to any other day of the month 

• The superstitions 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
  

New home-mover analysis from the UK’s largest property website Rightmove, reveals that people avoid moving on Friday the 13th, despite Friday usually being the busiest day for home moves.  

Analysis of data since 1995 reveals Friday the 13th is the quietest day for completions compared to any other Friday. What’s more the 13th day of the month is also the quietest day for completions compared to any other day of the month 

The superstitions go beyond moving, as houses numbered 13 are valued £5,521 lower than the average of £364,139 across the study. 

The unique study analysed property valuations of over 10 million houses numbered one to 100, with properties numbered 13 typically being valued lowest, suggesting some superstitious buyers are put off owning a home with the traditionally unlucky number. 

Houses numbered one are the most sought after – averaging over £39,000 higher (11%) in value at £397,632. While homes with the lucky number seven have an average valuation of £369,770, 3% more than homes with the number 13. 

For non-superstitious buyers, homes numbered 13 may present a unique opportunity to secure a more affordable property, potentially turning this ‘unlucky’ number into a lucky bargain.   

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. 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.” 

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