Signs of a haunted house
Concerned that your house might be haunted? Although it’s a common concern, there is usually a practical explanation.
Strange noises, flickering lights, and mysterious draughts are enough to give anyone the chills – but although these might feel like signs that a house is ‘haunted’, they are often caused by very practical reasons. The eerie sounds you may hear could be down to ageing infrastructure, such as creaky floors or old plumbing. Flickering lights could signify outdated wiring, draughts may be linked to poor insulation and cracks in the wall could be subsidence.
Below we show how to tell when it’s harmless, and when to call a professional.
From creepy to cosy
Homeprotect cannot cover bumps in the night, but we can usually cover many of the classic features of a spooky house, whether that’s one that has to be left empty or that is older, subject to underwriting and policy terms.
If you have an older or “creepy” house, securing it and making it homely doesn’t have to be scary. Repairing old floors, updating plumbing, and installing insulation can all go a long way in making a property feel more cosy and inviting. Staying on top of these repairs can also help you to avoid unexpected issues arising in the future.
It’s worth noting that older or listed homes may come with unique architectural features like vintage woodwork or antique fixtures, and the original materials can be costly to repair or replace. There may also be planning permission restrictions or what you can change or alter if your home is listed.
A house with a mysterious past
If you suspect your property has an unusual history, we encourage you to do your own research, which may unearth details like a previous fire, flooding, or structural damage. As well as feeding your curiosity, it’s a good way to make sure you select the right kind of home insurance, as insurers will consider both past events and current conditions when assessing the level of risk.
Scared of high insurance costs?
The idea of buying and insuring a home advertised as “an older property with plenty of character”, one that is “in need of complete renovation” or perhaps one that is listed, might seem off-putting due to its quirks, such as unconventional layouts, the amount of work needed, or just the natural wear and tear that comes with age.
However, you’ll be pleased to know that insuring these types of homes isn’t necessarily as challenging as you might initially think. While age and general condition of the property are both commonly used factors in determining insurance premiums, the rates are based on our underwriting team’s assessment of the practical risks rather than any ghostly whisperings.
Home security to avoid a scare
Whether you think you might have ghostly inhabitants or not, every home can benefit from a security upgrade. Measures such as upgrading locks, adding motion-sensitive lighting, and installing other modern security systems are effective ways to protect your property.
For more tips, visit our blog on How to Protect Your Home.
If your home is Unoccupied, read our Guide to Leaving Your House Empty.
If you’re worried about Subsidence, check out our Subsidence Guide
What insurers think about haunted houses
Our team have heard it all, including tales of haunted houses. While we do find these stories fascinating, we want to make sure the practical matters – like your home’s structural integrity and general safety – are up to scratch. While we cannot add coverage against ghosts, we do understand the very real risks associated with properties, such as subsidence, running an Airbnb from your house or having to leave your home empty.
How to get clued up on the risks for your property
At Homeprotect, we understand that buying a property is a big decision – and even once you’re in your home, there may be things that aren’t easily visible. That’s why we developed our Home Risk Calculator Tool – you can enter your postcode for any UK property, answer five simple questions and then we’ll use our data based on properties near you to give you a run down on the risks for your home – including storm damage, subsidence, theft and flood risk.
Check out the Home Risk Calculator Tool
Spooky Home FAQs
While “haunted house insurance” would be an interesting idea, we unfortunately don’t cover paranormal events specifically – but we do offer insurance for lots of other unusual or non-standard properties.
Not necessarily! Historical houses may have higher associated costs due to age and condition, but the right kind of insurance policy should be able cover your property – just make sure you provide all of the relevant information about your property when getting a quote.
Don’t panic – we have lots of resources online about how to check for signs of subsidence and what to do if you suspect it – including getting a qualified surveyor to check it over for you. If you’re considering buying a property that has a history of subsidence, you will probably need a specialist home insurance policy to cover it.
Safety first
If a ‘spooky’ sign feels more hazardous than harmless, remember – safety first. Follow the guidance below and contact a professional.
- If you smell gas, call the National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999.
- For any electrical issues, always use a qualified electrician.
- Seek advice from a chartered surveyor if you suspect structural movement (e.g. subsidence).
- Fit smoke alarms and test them monthly. Install a Carbon Monoxide alarm if you have any fuel-burning appliances.