Selling/buying a house that somebody died in

[40somethingJBJ]

The “body in the rose garden” thread got me thinking - would it bother you buying a house where someone died? Would you want to know? I’m talking nice, peaceful death, not anything gruesome.

Asking really because my dad passed away at home in his sleep 8 weeks ago, and I’m going to have to sell his house at some point - do I need to mention he died at home? I don’t think it would bother me, but would it bother other people?

Not at all. My wonderful Grandma died in the room I sleep in, no problem with it at all.

My friend bought a house where someone had committed suicide (I don’t like that phrase but can’t remember the better one), he (friend) knew about it and it didn’t bother him, although of course he found it sad.

The previous owner of our house died here (very elderly). The estate agent told us but it’s not something we ever give a second thought to. Obviously sad someone died but he was in his 90s and died peacefully in his bed (or so we were told).
I don’t think you need to mention it if you don’t want to

Also for a house of any age other than new build, if assume it was likely that someone had died there at some point!

My old flat was decorated in clearly an elderly persons style, I assumed they’d died there, no problem with it, but never asked. Later found out they’d sold up for loss of cash and are having a lovely life in the countryside

*loads of cash not loss!

Most houses built before 1950 will have had someone die there

Dying in hospital is a relatively new thing

Well if you don't legally need to mention it, then don't.

But I wouldn't be concerned about a 'normal' death. I admit I'd be squeamish about a murder or suicide though. And I'd be rightly worried about inadequate cleanup if someone has died and not been discovered for ages.

I wouldn't expect a seller to mention if someone had died in the house.

It wouldn't bother me at all if someone had. I presume someone died in this house before I bought it. Doesn't matter.

Ok, that’s all reassuring thanks. It’s not something I’d ever really given much thought to before.

It wouldn't put me off but I'd rather not know.

I think especially if you're buying a period property, it's probably assumed that someone died there.

I grew up in a 16th century cottage and as a kid never questioned it but now, of course someone must have died there at some point.

The only way I'd feel differently would be if I found out there had been an awful tragedy like the death of a child, a suicide or a murder. I think I'd find that very hard to live with.

I think unless it's a new build its quite likely that someone will have died in a house at some point. The older the house the more chance of that. I know the previous resident of my house was an old man in his 90's who died here. It doesn't bother me, and don't entirely understand why it bothers anyone else?

I would expect that somebody will have died in most houses that aren't newbuilds. Or on the plot of land.

People die.

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/76868103?utm_campaign=property-details&utm_content=buying&utm_medium=sharing&utm_source=copytoclipboard

What about this one?

@Caramel81

The previous owner of our house died here (very elderly). The estate agent told us but it’s not something we ever give a second thought to. Obviously sad someone died but he was in his 90s and died peacefully in his bed (or so we were told). I don’t think you need to mention it if you don’t want to

Exactly the same here. He had lived here or in the house next door his entire life, never married. It actually probably made me W arm to the house (which was well maintained but had two plug sockets, a 30 year old boiler and no plumbing for a washing machine) more, knowing he had lived a long and content life here (according to the neighbours!). He left everything to the church and local charities.

There’s already a thread about that - that’s what prompted this question.

I'd much sooner live in a house that someone died peacefully in than a house than where someone endured months of years of abuse, and you wouldn't get the vendor or EA telling you about that.

Houses accomodate all aspects of life and new owners will make new memories.

Not at all, surely unless it's a very new build, all houses have had people die in them. I would just assume every house did. I think I would feel uncomfortable if someone was murdered in a house, but I don't even know if you would have to disclose that unless asked.

Not nearly as creepy though as when we went to visit MIL after dh's grandpa died (her dad) and we were putting our dd to bed and MIL came up to say goodnight and how lovely it was to see dd going to sleep in the bed (mattress and bed frame) that grandpa died in. I felt a bit at that.

Like I say, I’ve never given it much thought. I live in a 1940’s semi, so there’s a good chance somebody’s died here at some point I suppose. I guess it’s just with it being recent and obviously the neighbours know he passed away at home, so wondered if it would put people off really.

What do you think happens when someone dies a ‘normal’ death?

I’ll tell you what happens. Nothing. Absolutely nothing at all. They stop breathing. They are removed from the house. Life goes on.

Nothing will hurt you in that room, that house. There’s nothing contagious. It will be alright.

Why are people so scared of the thought of someone having died? Is it because no-one talks about death? Is it a mystery to all? Well you’d all better get used to it because it’s the one thing in life that you can guarantee.

Be wise and don’t mention it.

I “think” the lady of this house might of died in here but I wouldn’t like to have known that.

I don’t think anybody has said they’re scared of it to be fair? Certainly not on this thread anyway.

Our house growing up was 400 year sold. An old farmhouse.

I am sure many people died in it. Probably even in my bedroom.

Doesn't bother me at all

Never really thought about it.
The person that lived in my house prior to me died, possibly in the house (not 100% sure) but it doesn’t really bother me. I grew up in a old cottage that probably saw death at some point.

Death doesn’t scare me, grave yards don’t scare me (would love to live in a old church/chapel). As far as I’m aware a dead person has never killed a living person 😐.

My house was built in the 1930's so I'd think it was highly likely someone died here at some point.

Doesn't bother me at all.

In the time between purchasing our current house and actually moving in, we found out that the last owner shot himself in the field at the back. We were very upset about it at the time and I would have pulled out of the sale if I could have, but to be honest it has been completely fine and I have to remind myself that the property even has that history.

I think buying a house that someone died in would bother some people and not others.

Very sorry about your dad.