What makes a property feel creepy?

Better_Days

Viewed an empty bungalow yesterday, fantastic rural location, property needs updating but lots of potential with a wonderful garden.

Had a good look round then DH went off to look at the kitchen. Was discussing the property with the EA and at the same time we turned round and said to each other 'its creepy'!

Now I don't knit my own sandals, and have been in a number of sad tatty probate properties and cleared out my Dad's flat (where he sadly passed away) and none of those felt creepy.

So why this one on a lovely sunny June day? Any of you experienced something similiar? And do you think I am crackers having doubts about the property because of this?

witchy1066

no not crackers,
if it don't feel right it aint right xx

Tixy

Its the ghosts.......!!

Is it unfurnished? how long empty? could it just be things like a layer of dust everywhere, and the fact that there hasn't be fresh air or heating on or taps run or something? or very dirty windows?!

Sometimes I think it can be how the natural lighting in a place is. If its badly designed and so there are areas that just don't get enough natuarl light, which I think can sometimes be more the case with bungalows.

No point buying a house you don't feel right in but how much updating will you be doing? if you are thinking of knocking down walls / extending / changing windows then that could make a huge diference to how it feels. Even just redecorating and cleaning can get rid of that feel (but doesn't always).

Dan-Dan

a bungalow? the ghosts of all its inhabitants ! ours is creepy and they were our grandparents!

Better_Days

Tixy wrote: »

Even just redecorating and cleaning can get rid of that feel (but doesn't always).

This is my worry. It does need quite a bit of work and I think it would make a big difference to the property, especially as it is empty now.

I know what you mean re the lighting, but we were standing in hall with natural light when we got the 'creepy' feeling.

I feel really torn
This is a pic of the garden which would be a dream come true for me

Mojisola

Have you read this thread - https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4356359

Ivana_Tinkle

I think sometimes it's to do with a property being "unhomely" (I just made that word up but can't think of a better way to put it). We once viewed a semi that had been massively and horribly extended and was a complete mess. You couldn't have made it into a family home without knocking the whole lot down and starting again. That felt creepy because you could only imagine it being turned into sinister grotty bedsits or a cult living there.

FireWyrm

Its not ghosts, its your subconcious telling you there is something wrong.

Is it near any power lines or perhaps a big road. Low frequencies have been shown to produce that 'creepy' feeling in us which is why we think we've 'seen' something when there is nothing there. Have a good look around and look closely at the place. Is there any damp for instance?

Paully232000

I would have to agree, you do get a feel for a place you view and if that feeling is telling you it is creepy then maybe it is not the place for you.

Go back and have another look at it and see if you get the same feeling.

Also, what has knitting your own sandals got to do with anything:)

Tixy

Better_Days wrote: »

This is my worry. It does need quite a bit of work and I think it would make a big difference to the property, especially as it is empty now.

I know what you mean re the lighting, but we were standing in hall with natural light when we got the 'creepy' feeling.

I feel really torn
This is a pic of the garden which would be a dream come true for me

Lovely garden space.
I'd go back for another viewing and see if it feels the same or if you can pinpoint anything specific (smell of damp?).
You could also try chatting with any neigbours you see about about what the area is like and about the house, if they talk about the place very warmly and are happy in the neighbourhood might it reassure you?
Or take a friend / family member to the next viewing that you haven't mentioned the creepy feel to and see if they say anything similar.

Contessa

I agree that certain houses can feel "creepy" and it would, and has put me off. Last year I viewed a large dormer bungalow. Excellent location, beautiful garden, downstairs was fine-but I didn't like the upstairs at all, especially the bathroom even though this had just been refurbished with good quality fittings. Perhaps it was lack of proper windows (only velux in roof), or the door to the eaves. Before I actually viewed it I thought it was lovely but as I stood in the large living room looking out through the French windows to the lovely garden (what's not to like?) I tried to imagine myself being alone in the house and knew I would feel uneasy.