Can You Really Buy a Murder House? The Truth Behind Stigmatized Properties

When you first hear about a “murder house,” what comes to mind? A creepy, haunted place where terrible events unfolded? Or maybe you think about the drastic drop in price, the stigma that would make it hard to sell, or the difficulty of living in a home with such a dark past. But what if I told you that some people do buy these homes — and not just for the thrill of owning something “creepy” or “infamous”?

In this article, I’ll walk you through what really happens when a murder house hits the market. We’ll explore whether buying a home with a tragic history is worth it, the hidden challenges you may face, and how the past of these properties can affect both their value and your peace of mind. You might be surprised by what I have to say about how the market views these homes, how they’re priced, and how buyers handle living in them.

If you’re curious about whether a “murder house” could be your next real estate opportunity or just want to know more about this fascinating side of the market, keep reading. I’ll break it all down for you — from the stigma to the legalities, from potential profit to personal impact.

The Stigma of Murder Houses: Why Some Homes Are Harder to Sell

What Is a Murder House?

A “murder house” is a home where a violent crime, particularly a murder, has taken place. While the definition might seem straightforward, the emotional and social ramifications tied to such a property can be far-reaching. Simply put, these homes come with a history that’s impossible to ignore, no matter how much time has passed since the tragedy.

If you’re considering purchasing one of these homes, it’s crucial to understand what you’re getting into — not just in terms of the house itself but the stigma attached to it.

• Overview of a “Murder House”: A property that has been the site of a homicide, whether it’s a recent crime or something that occurred decades ago, can have lasting psychological and financial effects. People’s perceptions of these homes are influenced by fear, curiosity, or even fascination with the tragic event that occurred there.
• Examples of Infamous Murder Houses in History:
  • The Villisca Axe Murder House (Villisca, Iowa): This house became notorious after a brutal murder of eight people in 1912. Despite the dark history, the house is still open to visitors and has even gained a kind of morbid tourism appeal.
  • The Sharon Tate House (Los Angeles, California): Famously linked to the 1969 Manson Family murders, this house has seen its value fluctuate over the years, partly because of its infamy.
  • The Amityville Horror House (Amityville, New York): Arguably one of the most well-known “murder houses,” the story of this home’s haunted past still grips the public imagination. You can read more about the history and impact of the Amityville house in detail here.

Psychological Impact on Buyers

Buying a house is emotional for anyone, but when you’re considering one with a violent past, the stakes are much higher. If you’re interested in purchasing a murder house, it’s not just the home’s physical condition you need to worry about — it’s how you’ll feel living in it.

Understanding the psychological toll is crucial, especially for anyone who might be sensitive to the emotions tied to such a property.

The Legal Side of Buying Homes with Infamous Histories

What Sellers Must Reveal

If you’re considering buying a murder house, it’s crucial to understand the legal requirements surrounding disclosure. Knowing what you’re legally entitled to learn before making an offer will save you from potential pitfalls.

• State-by-state overview of laws requiring disclosure of violent histories: In many states, sellers must disclose if a violent crime occurred in a home, but the specifics vary. For example, California has the “Stigmatized Property” law, which requires sellers to disclose if a death occurred on the property within the last three years — even if the cause of death was unrelated to the crime itself. Here’s why it’s crucial to disclose deaths in California. Similarly, in Alaska, failing to disclose a death in a property could lead to lawsuits, so it’s essential to understand Alaska’s disclosure requirements before buying a home with a tragic past.
• Murder homes in states with stringent disclosure laws tend to face significant challenges in the market. Buyers in these areas are more cautious, and prices are often significantly lower than in homes without such a past. This law aims to provide transparency but can also contribute to the financial impact on the property.

Property Value & Murder Home Discounts

It’s not just about whether you can buy a murder house, it’s about whether it’s a good financial decision. Understanding how much a property’s value may be discounted by its dark past is key to deciding if it’s worth pursuing.

• How much a “murder house” can be discounted by: The stigma attached to murder houses often results in significant price reductions.
• Cases where properties have sold for significantly lower prices: In some instances, homes linked to notorious murders have sold for pennies on the dollar. One infamous case was the Amityville Horror House, which saw its price slashed multiple times before finally being sold after a major price drop.

Can Murder Houses Be Renovated or Flipped for Profit?

Investing in Murder Houses: A Risk Worth Taking?

For those considering these homes as investments, understanding whether the risk is worth the reward is critical. Whether you’re an investor looking for a bargain or just curious, this section breaks down the pros and cons of flipping a murder house.

• Examples of successful home flips (or failures): Some investors have taken the risk on these homes and come out ahead. For instance, Architectural Digest discusses 6 infamous murder houses and their fate, including both successful renovations and some that ended in failure due to the stigma. For instance, proper disclosure of health hazards like lead can also be a key element when renovating a murder house. Although not directly related to a murder house, ensuring the home is free of dangerous substances like lead is a crucial part of renovating a stigmatized property.
• Insights from real estate investors on how they handle these properties: Many investors focus on transforming the space and de-emphasizing its past. Renovating a murder house requires not just physical renovation but a shift in how the property is marketed to future buyers. Some experts suggest that staging the home in a way that helps potential buyers move past its history is key.

Renovating Murder Homes: The Psychological and Financial Challenge

Renovating a murder house isn’t just about making structural improvements — it’s also about navigating the emotional and financial challenges. Here’s what you need to know.

• Psychological challenges: Some buyers and investors may find that the lingering emotional energy in the home can create challenges when trying to sell. Renovations may be needed, not only to fix the home physically but to “cleanse” it emotionally for future occupants.
• Financial challenges: While buying a murder house at a lower price may seem like an opportunity, the financial burden can be heavy. Renovating such homes could take longer than expected, and potential buyers might still hesitate due to the property’s past, impacting your ROI.

How the History of a Home Affects Its Long-Term Investment Potential

Historical Significance vs. Financial Liability

Long-term investment value is crucial for potential buyers or investors. Understanding how the past of a property can either increase or decrease its financial worth will help you make a smarter decision.

• Historical value: Some “murder homes” have gained fame over the years, which has led to an increase in their value. Take the Amityville Horror House, for example. While the house’s value fluctuated over time, its notoriety and association with a famous haunting eventually made it a profitable investment for some buyers. These properties can develop a unique charm for buyers fascinated by history or the paranormal.
• Stories of properties whose value dropped after years on the market: On the flip side, some properties with a notorious past struggle to gain traction in the market. The Villsca Axe Murder House remained vacant for decades before its eventual sale, with the seller often slashing prices significantly to attract buyers. A property’s dark history can deter buyers, leading to a long, difficult selling process, particularly if the property’s history overshadows its physical appeal.

The Future of Murder Homes: What Happens to Them in 10–20 Years?

It’s important to consider the future of these properties. Are they likely to increase in value, or will they continue to be a burden on the market?

• Trends in how these properties either appreciate or depreciate over time: While some murder houses may rise in value as they become historical landmarks, others face ongoing depreciation. According to Realtor.com, in some cases, the value of such properties can increase as time distances them from the tragedy, while in other cases, the stigma persists and continues to drive down prices. You can read more about the future of these homes in the article “Real Estate To Die For: Would You Ever Live in a Murder House?”.
• Expert predictions from real estate trend analysts: Experts suggest that the trend will depend heavily on regional factors and the broader cultural context. For example, certain buyers may see the potential for a murder house to gain value if the right renovations and rebranding efforts are made, while others may avoid such properties entirely due to their past.

What Happens After You Buy a Murder House: Life in the Infamous Property

Living with the Legacy of a Murder House

Many readers might wonder what living in such a home is really like. This section provides direct insights into the experience of owning and living in a property with such a tragic history.

• Testimonials from people who have lived in notorious murder homes: People who buy these homes often share unique stories of how the property’s past affects their daily lives. Some report feeling uncomfortable or haunted by the thought of what happened there, while others learn to live with it, sometimes even embracing the historical aspect of their home. These personal accounts help you understand the reality behind the purchase.
• Psychological effects of living in a stigmatized property: Research indicates that some people experience psychological discomfort when living in a home with a violent past. Fear, unease, and even social isolation can affect mental health. One study found that people living in stigmatized homes report higher levels of anxiety and lower levels of satisfaction with their home.

How to Cope with the Social Stigma

For those interested in buying or living in a murder house, this section offers practical advice on how to cope with the stigma and manage neighbors’ perceptions.

• Social coping strategies and how to manage neighbors’ perceptions: Overcoming the social stigma of living in a notorious house is an ongoing process. Residents of such homes often recommend focusing on open communication with neighbors to foster a sense of normalcy. Being transparent and understanding about the property’s history while emphasizing its current value as a home can also help ease community concerns. In some cases, a “rebranding” effort — such as highlighting the home’s other features and qualities — can shift the narrative from its past to its present.

Should You Buy a Murder House? Key Takeaways

When Is It Worth Buying a Murder House?

After reading through all the information in this article, you need to weigh the pros and cons carefully to decide if buying a murder house makes sense for you.

• When the financial and emotional payoff is worth it: If you’re looking for a property with a discounted price due to its history, a murder house can offer a significant opportunity. However, this comes with the understanding that you’ll need to handle the emotional aspects. If you’re willing to renovate and live with the stigma (or even embrace it), then the long-term financial benefits could outweigh the initial difficulties.
• When the property’s historical significance adds value: Some buyers may appreciate the house’s fame or historical significance, seeing it as a unique investment. If the home is a piece of history and its value appreciates over time due to its notoriety, it could make for a profitable, albeit unconventional, purchase.

When Should You Walk Away?

Not every murder house is a good investment. It’s important to know when to pass on a property to avoid unnecessary stress, financial loss, or emotional turmoil.

• Key red flags to watch for when considering a property with an infamous history:
  • If the property has been on the market for a long time without much interest, it could be a sign that the stigma is too much for potential buyers to overcome.
  • If the home is in poor condition and renovation costs are too high, the financial risk may not be worth it.
  • If the psychological impact of living in the house outweighs any potential financial gain, it’s a clear indication that this might not be the right choice for you.

Do you think you’d ever buy a murder house, or would you walk away? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below — I’d love to hear your opinions!

If you’re looking for more insights on property investments, home renovation tips, and everything related to buying and remodeling homes, check out Build Like New for more expert advice and resources.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, financial, or psychological advice. Always consult with professionals before making any real estate decisions.