Would you view/buy this house with a dark past?

[medicinewoman182]

Hello,

I'm after your opinions or personal experiences of buying a house with a dark past.

The house in question is a really well presented, 3 x bed semi in a suburb just outside of leeds in a sought after area. Decorated fantastically, a lovely street/neighbourhood, schools, transport, shops and nightlife nearby. Basically ticks all of our boxes.

EXCEPT.......

Back in 2012, there was a murder. The father has a psychotic episdoe, killed his wife in the kitchen, daughter in the living room and his second daughter and dog were found alive but shaken.

My first thought was NO, NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS.
But I've been researching and thinking about it a lot and may be coming round to the idea.

The house didn't kill those people, he did, and he's in HMP for life!
IF, and thats a big IF, there are any ghosts, ghouls or spirirts there, it's fairly reassuring knowing that they were good people, and wouldn't be out for revenge.
I would say most houses have had somebody die in them (granted not under the circumstances) at some point.

So basically, I want to know what you guys think.
I think we are going to view it, and get a feel for the place. I might run out screaming, or get a good feel and want to make it a happy, loving home once again.

P.S. It has been lived in since then, we would be the second owners since the incident.

[Watto1]

Worth a look at least I would say. See how you feel when you are actually in the house.

[Kennethwasmyfriend]

I know someone died of old age in my flat. I picture them sometimes, it's not scary though. I think I would be picturing those occupants in their last moments sadly. But if you wouldn't, you can get a house cheaply and turn it into a happy place again

[rizlett]

definitely go and get a feel for the place - my son bought a house where someone was murdered (there must be quite a few of them across the country, surely?) and it never felt odd or weird - it was a lovely house - with fabulous views...

[BounceBounceSplishSplash]

As PP said, worth a look to see what 'feeling' you get from the place when you view it. I'd be more worried about when he got out of prison in the future (assuming that life imprisonment doesn't really mean life?) and if he were to come knocking the door at 'his' house.

[Bluntness100]

Im not sure, I'd have to have a look too. Can you post a link? For no other reason that we do like to have a look on mumsnet. 😁

[meshletterholder]

hmmmm. very good question and interesting that you would be the second owners. on balance, i probably would look at it to see how it feels. i'm pretty sure someone has died in my house, its edwardian ish.

[medicinewoman182]

Sure @Bluntness100

Kirkby Avenue, Garforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-48060435.html

We would definitely try and get the price down as the current owners haven't really done anything to improve it since they got it (cheaply I believe)

[medicinewoman182]

@rizlett
Interesting! Did they ever have any strange goings on?

[meshletterholder]

oh yes, i knew i knew something. my friends bought an amazing duplex flat in converted victorian industrial buildings and the guy very sadly took his own life in the flat. it was fine, its history and things move on.

[Bluntness100]

I think the fact it's bright and modern helps. If it was old and dark it would probably be more eery. I suspect it will be fine looking at it...I'd defo go and have a look. It's a nice house.

[meshletterholder]

wow, its very nice indeed, i can see why you're interested. do know why they're selling?

[MaryPoppinsPenguins]

I would want to know why they were selling...

[Bluntness100]

We know a family who bought a house off of people who were having money problems. They moved in and the male seller went to the garden in the night and hung himself. They found him hanging from a tree there the next morning. 😔😔😔

[expatinscotland]

I'd want to know why they're selling, and my main worries would be about the structure of the home being the reason, or shite neighbours or things like that, not ghosts. I'd definitely view it. A man hanged himself in this flat. It doesn't feel bad at all.

[meshletterholder]

i've read the news articles now. the sellers must be anticipating buyers asking why they are selling, ask.

[QODRestYeMerryGentlemen]

Has the estate agent told you about the murders or did you just know?
Has it affected the price?
For me it would depend on child's age and I honestly don't know if I could watch tv where she died. Sorry

[CMamaof4]

I wouldn't personally, As it happened in recent times, I would worry if he got his sentence cut and came back and had another psychotic episode. Highly unlikely but I wouldn't feel comfortable.
Good luck with what u decide op.

[medicinewoman182]

@Bluntness100 @meshletterholder
It has only come on the market today so yet to book a viewing.

We are very picky in regards to neighbours and crime statistics etc. Have come close to a couple in the area but there is usually something outside of the house that has stopped us. E.g. Unkempt gardens next door, to the point of a council notice on the door and attached neighbours being rented. May seem snobby but my parents have renters in next door and have had a whole host of problems with some of them!

[Bluntness100]

Ach, I just read the news reports also, that was so brutal and that little girl. I'm not sure I could do it to be honest, I'm sorry op.😔😔😔

[expatinscotland]

medicine in that case you should go for a detached. Even if the home on the other side is owned when you buy, the owners of that house can at any time chose to rent it out or sell it to new owners who rent it out.

[Shadowboy]

Hmmm the fact current owners want out in less than 3 years would make me wonder.

[medicinewoman182]

@expatinscotland
Very true! In which case a few more months of intense saving will be in order to afford one in the area!

[medicinewoman182]

@MaryPoppinsPenguins I will certainly be asking!

[meshletterholder]

right, after thinking more about this, no, i wouldn't. its still very recent murder and will be in the memory of locals and the school where the mum was a teacher. it might be the teacher's parents and little girl's grandparents want the house to be thought of a positive place once again, but i wouldn't want to take that on. if you're having doubts now, then it can't be a good sign.

[rizlett]

no strange goings on at all thankfully @medicinewoman182 and oddly a house very similar to the one that might be yours! (built by wimpey!)