United States — National Survey, October 2025
A new national survey released by Realtor.com and published in Good Housekeeping confirms what ghost hunters have long suspected — most Americans believe the veil between the living and the dead can settle right inside their own four walls.
The Numbers Behind the Nightmares
The survey found that an astonishing 86 percent of Americans believe homes can be haunted. Nearly one in eight respondents said they’ve lived in a house they considered truly haunted. The most common reported phenomena were unexplained sounds (67 percent) and shadowy figures (62 percent)—followed closely by items moving on their own and sudden temperature drops.
Interestingly, belief doesn’t always mean fear. About a third of those surveyed said they would still buy a haunted home if the price or location were right, and another quarter said a haunting might even add to a property’s charm. “People are fascinated by stories and energy,” one respondent said. “A haunted home means history.”
When asked about their greatest concerns, participants cited strange noises at night and the unsettling idea of being watched when alone. Yet a surprising number admitted they’d host ghost tours or rent out rooms to paranormal enthusiasts if given the chance.
Why We Keep the Lights On
Psychologists note that belief in haunted houses often reflects our desire to connect with the past—and to explain what logic cannot. Whether the source is spirits, old wiring, or imagination, Americans clearly aren’t done with ghosts. Real-estate agents, meanwhile, say haunted reputation can still move a listing—especially in October.
So, while some homebuyers look for crown molding or granite counters, others are quietly hoping for a cold spot and a whisper in the hall. Haunted or not, America’s housing market seems big enough for both the living and the restless dead.
Survey Information
Source: Realtor.com National Haunted Homes Survey 2025
Publication: Good Housekeeping, October 2025
Fun Fact: Only 7 percent of respondents said they’d move out immediately if they discovered their home was haunted—proving courage still lives under our roofs.