Is your house number lucky?

Data shows homes numbered 1 are worth the most and unlucky 13 the least. Where does yours rank?

An analysis of over 10 million properties across Great Britain has found that houses with the number one are the most sought after, with their values averaging £393,690. That’s almost £30,000 more than the average of ten million homes that were analysed numbered one to 100.

In contrast, the data from property selling site RightMove reveals that houses with the number 13 had the lowest average valuation of £354,793. That’s more than £5,000 less than the average property value of £360,126. It indicates a trend where superstitious beliefs are influencing market prices.

To many people, Friday the 13th is as ordinary a day as any other, but to the superstitious, the number is as unlucky as walking under ladders or breaking mirrors. 

The good news? It makes houses with the number 13 potential mini-bargains for those not swayed by superstition. 

According to the data, homes with a so-called lucky number seven typically boast an above-average value of £365,590. But what is perhaps most surprising is the only pair of two-digit house numbers to make it into the top ten… numbers 76 and 78. 

At ninth in the rankings, number 76 homes have an average property valuation of £363,241. Number 78 homes have a slightly lower average value of £363,225, ranking tenth on the list.

Interestingly, some streets and developments in Great Britain avoid the number 13 altogether. It has resulted in there being nearly twice as many houses with the number 14 in comparison. This is because developers often skip number 13, jumping from 12 to 14 to accommodate superstitious buyers.

Edward Thomson, director of Strutt & Parker property consultancy in London said: “If living at number 13 doesn’t faze you, you might find yourself buying against a smaller proportion of the market and therefore getting a better deal – but only if you’re lucky, of course.”

Other factors that might affect your property value

In addition to superstition, several other factors influence property values. Location is paramount, with proximity to good schools, transportation and amenities often leading to higher valuations. 

The condition and age of the property also play significant roles, as modern, well-maintained homes typically command higher prices. Market trends, including supply and demand dynamics, also affect property values. Furthermore, economic factors such as interest rates and economic growth influence buyer confidence and purchasing power. 

Finally, environmental factors including flood risk, air quality and high levels of noise pollution – such as from busy roads, railways, and airports – can deter buyers and decrease property values. 

How can I improve my property value?

Do you live in a house numbered 13 and feel that superstition has impacted your property’s value? Or maybe you’ve been lucky with your house number but think your home has more potential than its current value. The good news is that there are several ways you can boost your home’s offering to increase its market value. 

By focusing on strategic improvements, modern upgrades and enhancing its curb appeal, you can transform your home into a highly desirable property and maximise the value.

Home improvements and renovations

Whilst typically the most expensive and arduous way to update your home, renovating your home is a tried and tested way to enhance the value of a property.

• Kitchen and bathroom upgrades: Modernising kitchens and bathrooms can significantly boost property value. High-quality fixtures, updated appliances and stylish finishes are attractive to buyers.
• Loft conversions and extensions: Adding extra living space, such as converting a loft into an office space or extra bedroom or building an extension, can increase a property’s size and functionality, thereby enhancing its value.

Enhancing curb appeal

Enhancing curb appeal is a crucial step in increasing your home’s value and attracting potential buyers. The exterior of your home is the first thing people see, and making a great first impression can really help to set the tone.

• Exterior maintenance: Ensure the property’s exterior is well-maintained with fresh paint, clean windows, and a tidy roof and gutters.
• Landscaping: A well-maintained garden, with trimmed hedges, manicured lawns and attractive shrubs and plants can greatly improve the first impression of a property.
• Driveway and pathways: Resurfacing driveways and ensuring pathways are in good condition can enhance the overall appearance and accessibility of the property.

Energy efficiency improvements

Energy-efficient upgrades, such as insulation, double glazing and solar panels, also enhance the property’s marketability. These updates can reduce energy bills and meet the growing demand for more sustainable and eco-friendly homes.

• Insulation: Good quality insulation in the attic and walls can improve energy efficiency, reducing utility bills and increasing appeal. 
• Double glazing: Installing double-glazed windows can enhance insulation, reduce noise, and improve security.
• Solar panels: Adding solar panels can attract eco-conscious buyers and significantly reduce energy costs, making the property more attractive.
• Upgrading the heating system: Modern and efficient heating systems, such as underfloor heating or new boilers, can make a huge difference to energy efficiency and give peace of mind to future buyers.

Modernising interior spaces

Modernising interior spaces through open-plan layouts, updated decor, and smart home technology can enhance your home’s value and make it more appealing to buyers.

• Open-plan living: Creating an open-plan layout by removing non-load-bearing walls can make your home feel larger and more modern. If you have a small kitchen and a small dining room next to each other, opening them up into one large room can transform your home and create a more sociable living space for the family.
• Updating decor: Fresh paint or wallpaper in neutral colours, new flooring or carpet, and modern lighting fixtures can completely refresh and modernise the interior.
• Smart home technology: Installing smart home systems such as automated lighting, heating, fall detection sensors and security can appeal to a range of buyers including tech-savvy and elderly residents. This can help your property to stand out in the market.

Tap into your property value with equity release

Of course, not everybody wants to boost their home’s value to sell it. If you are 55+ and own a property with little or no mortgage, you could potentially unlock some of its value with an equity release plan. 

You can use the tax-free money you release from your home for almost any means. This includes topping up your retirement finances, making home improvements (like the ones suggested above), paying off the remaining mortgage or even taking a luxury holiday!

The most popular form of equity release is a lifetime mortgage, where interest rolls up and adds to the loan. It means you won’t have any mandatory monthly repayments to make for the life of your plan. Instead, your home is sold when the last remaining homeowner passes away or moves into long-term care, and the loan plus interest is repaid from the sale.

If you don’t like the idea of your loan growing in size over time, you can also consider interest-only payment plans. These allow you to service the interest that accrues for as long as you wish.

<<Use our free online tool to work out how much tax-free cash you could unlock>>

If you want to find out more about freeing up some of your property wealth with equity release, make sure you speak to one of our friendly selected advisers. 

They can explain all the pros and cons of a plan to you, including how a plan will reduce the value of your estate, and tell you if you are eligible for a cash release. Think carefully before securing other debts against your home.

Call our team today on 0808 178 3055 or request a free call back here. 

About Clare Yates. With over a decade’s experience writing about later life financial planning, Clare offers a wealth of knowledge about equity release, pension annuities, wills, LPAs and more. When she isn’t writing, Clare likes to spend her time baking and going on walks with her husband, two children and their rescue dog. Follow Clare on LinkedIn