Superstitious people avoid moving house on Friday 13th, a new report from Rightmove has suggested.
Friday is the most popular day of the week for people to get the keys to their new home, but numbers drop sharply on what some regard as the unluckiest day of the year.
Analysis of data since 1996 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.
Rightmove’s Tim Bannister said: “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.”
Top 10 most expensive house numbers
| House number | Average property value |
| 1 | £397,632 |
| 2 | £390,630 |
| 3 | £378,807 |
| 4 | £378,016 |
| 5 | £373,948 |
| 6 | £371,531 |
| 7 | £369,770 |
| 78 | £367,818 |
| 8 | £367,675 |
| 76 | £366,865 |
Top 10 cheapest house numbers
| House number | Average property value |
| 13 | £358,618 |
| 21 | £359,538 |
| 27 | £359,561 |
| 19 | £360,112 |
| 23 | £360,196 |
| 16 | £360,228 |
| 73 | £360,251 |
| 83 | £360,269 |
| 17 | £360,350 |
| 24 | £360,391 |
In response to Rightmove’s latest report, Toby Leek, president of NAEA Propertymark, commented: “To this day it’s still common for people to be a little apprehensive regarding the number 13, so it’s no surprise their superstitions are also noted when looking at the difference in completions on Friday the 13th.
“In many streets across the UK, the number 13 doesn’t even exist, however where they do, homeowners have been known to rename them from a number to a written name as many people perceive that this removes any connected connotations.”