Ghosts, graves, and good deals - how the housing crisis outpriced fear

When the housing market is going crazy and you`ll consider any option that feels safe – or maybe not safe at all? Casinos Analyzer’s new survey reveals how the housing crisis is reshaping taboos – from haunted houses to homes near cemeteries, a comfort zone comes with a price tag in 2025. 

Key findings:
 

• 52% would move into a haunted house if rent was half price.
   
• 41% would buy a murder house if the discount was big enough.
   
• 58% would live next to a cemetery to save money.
   
• Only 36% would buy a former funeral parlor.
   
• And just 28% would sleep in a room where someone died - even if it meant owning their dream home.

The mortgage rate is to die for

41% of people would buy a home where a murder occurred if it meant a big discount. Has a housing crisis gone too far? As people postpone buying houses due to the mortgage rate, such offers seem lucrative this season. People tend to value potential savings over morals or superstitions. At the same time, studies show that owners of such homes have significantly higher price expectations than buyers are willing to pay.

Willing to save up on rent, be ready to live with a ghost

Survey shows that over 50% of potential buyers are willing to purchase a home with “ghosts” if it is cheaper. There is little doubt about which is scarier: ghosts or modern mortgage conditions. However, buyers warn that not all the creepiness will go away – the smell, dampness, and repairs can become a real nightmare. It`s more about compromise than a horror movie.

From caskets to closets: new life for the dead space

Even though some people cannot resist such an offer, only 36% said yes to living in an old funeral basket. “Ick factor” beats saving – for the majority, even a thought of an ex-mortuary is spinning around a horror movie, rather than a home feeling. Among the most popular answers about cultural taboos are fear of death and proximity, religious beliefs, and social image. 

Quiet neighbors, quiet neighbourhood

Some data shows that housing next to a cemetery can be lower in market price. It leads us to 58% who wouldn`t mind living next to a cemetery, stressing such benefits as quiet neighbors, no construction is happening nearby, and the area is likely not be packed to the brim. Are you ready to accept the challenge? 

Sleep tight and the dead won’t bite

Only 28% of respondents would agree to sleep in a room where someone had died – and such a line is not for the fainthearted. For people it’s not just going out of a comfort zone, but a potential psychological burden and possible resale issues. Even rational skeptics become superstitious when it comes to sleep. A feeling that the space retains the energy of the past is holding tight.

In a saturated market like that there is no surprise we would consider living in haunted houses. Fear is negotiable – the mortgage rate isn’t. 

Methodology

To create this study, researchers from Casinos Analyzer surveyed 1,000 U.S. participants aged 21–40 of all genders in October 2025.