When emotional connection and personal energy matter more than ever, symbolism and superstition are playing an increasingly influential role in property decisions.

From avoiding the 'unlucky' number 13 to choosing a front door colour with meaning, buyers are paying attention to the subtle signs that shape their perception of a home. Here we explore how numerology and superstition are influencing the UK property market, with insights and practical advice from industry experts.

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In numerology, numbers carry distinct energies that can influence how we experience spaces. When it comes to homes, numerologists believe that each house number creates a certain atmosphere that may impact a person’s well-being while living there.

It can also influence buyer psychology.

Each number from 1 to 9 and the ‘master numbers’ 11, 22, and 33 all carry a unique energy that influences everything from personal growth to relationship dynamics.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the unluckiest house number is 13. According to Rightmove, homes with this number, on average, sell for £5,333 less than other numbered homes in the UK.

It is not unusual for new-build developments to avoid the number 13 altogether, substituting it with 12A or skipping directly to 14.

Property buying expert Robin Edwards says: “If I was selling a house that was number 13, I’d definitely consider changing it to something like 12A. Properties with that number can take longer to find a buyer or go under offer.”

According to Land Registry data, homes numbered 13 have historically underperformed.

In 2024, homes numbered 13 in England and Wales sold for an average of £260,000, which is 12.2% less than the wider market average, and equates to a drop of £36,203 for the average number 13 home seller.

The North East appears to be home to the most superstitious homebuyers, with the average sold price for a number 13 property at 22.1% below the wider market average.

According to Rightmove, houses numbered 13 have the lowest average property value out of an analysis of over 10 million properties numbered from one to 100.

Homes with the number 13 typically have the lowest property valuations, with an average valuation of £354,793, more than £5,000 lower than the average across the study of £360,126.

Many streets skip the superstitiously unlucky number altogether. There are almost double the number of houses numbered 14 than 13 across the UK.

Numerologist Jane Alton explains why the energy of a house number 13 might put off buyers:

"With the number 13, you've got the 1, which represents that unstoppable drive, and then the 3, which is all about creativity and ideas. Together, they add up to 4, which is about structure and stability."

Jane adds: "Subconsciously, people may sense that a 13 carries quite intense energy. For some, it can bring up a sense of having to work harder or that things won't flow quite as easily."

But, for non-superstitious homebuyers, properties numbered 13 may present an opportunity to secure a property at a reduced price.

Edward Thomson, director at Strutt & Parker Sloane Street, says, “It is possible you could find yourself buying against a smaller proportion of the market and therefore do a better deal.”

Rightmove’s property expert, Tim Bannister, adds: “Owners of number 13 properties may find that it adds a unique aspect to their home, given there are not as many around, and it could even be a conversation starter when the time comes to sell.” 

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13th isn't all bad, though. Friday the 13th is the quietest day to complete a house sale in the UK, according to Rightmove. For those who aren't swayed by superstition, this can actually be an ideal time to complete a purchase.

With fewer completions taking place, solicitors, estate agents, and removal companies are likely to be less busy, which can result in a smoother, more efficient transaction.

Given that Friday is already the most popular day for completions, choosing to complete on this often-avoided date could be a smart move. 

Much like the number 13, in Feng Shui, the number 4 is often associated with bad luck as it sounds like the word for 'death' in Mandarin and Cantonese.

Real Estate agent Robin Edwards says: “I work with a lot of Chinese clients and for them, 4 is very unlucky. Developers in the Far East won’t include 4 in their numbering or even have/name a 4th floor...at all! It definitely affects buying decisions for international buyers here in the UK too.”

Numerologist Jane Alton adds: “Even though 4 is a solid, grounded number, people can literally feel boxed in with a lot of ‘4’ energy.” 

So, which house numbers are worth looking out for?

Jane Alton discusses the merits of the number 8. She says, “It is linked to success in the material world. It’s the manager, the builder, the achiever. In times of uncertainty, many people crave that sense of stability and achievement at home.”

However, it’s a powerful number. “8 houses are highly appealing to those focused on success and financial growth, but the intensity may not suit those seeking a quiet life.”

The latest research by estate agent Yopa reveals that homes with odd-numbered addresses sell for slightly more on average than those with even-numbered addresses.

When it comes to sale volumes, there’s a 50/50 split between odd and even-numbered properties. This shows that there’s little influence of imparnumerophobia, the fear of odd numbers, among UK homebuyers.

However, according to numerology, even numbers represent stability and harmony. So, if these qualities are important to you, choose a property with an even number.

In the UK, house number 7 is widely regarded as the luckiest. Many people believe it carries a sense of magic and positivity, often seeing it as a symbol of good fortune and balance.

Founder of The Bespoke Sign House, Kristian Goodenough, explains how retail sales back this up: "Odd numbers account for over half of our orders. While number 7 remains a lucky favourite, number 13 stands out as the least ordered number between 1 and 20, with sales significantly lower than its neighbours."

House number 3 is a good choice for creatives or artists. It represents joy, communication and self-expression. Jane Alton says: "Creative types or social households often love a 3-house. But too much 3 energy can feel scattered if not balanced.”

She adds: “If you look at the three, you've got lots of light coming in. You've got the trinity: masculine, feminine, and creativity all working together. The number three is very creative and its energy is fluffy and happy.”

This may explain its popularity as a top-selling number.

Don’t despair, if you do buy or already own a number 13 or 4 property, there are several tricks for ‘neutralising’ negative energies associated with it.

Displaying house numbers in specific ways, such as within an oval or circular sign, is a common Feng Shui practice.

You could also encase the number within a red circle, the red will help to 'burn’ away the negative energy associated with the number to reduce its negative effects.

Some homeowners use the method of ‘patching’, adding numerological energy to their homes without changing the address.

According to Jane Alton, “If the house number feels out of sync, you can give your home a name that is compatible with your personal numbers. That will add a new dimension and help balance the energy.”

Other tricks include using specific front-door or hallway colours to change the energy, or by displaying mirrors and crystals to reflect light to offset heavier vibrations.

While numerology reveals the energetic blueprint of a house number, Feng Shui provides practical tools to harmonise that energy through layout and interior design.

Feng Shui expert Inbaal Honigman explains: "Sometimes it’s a good idea to influence a house number which doesn’t feel aligned with your personality or family dynamic.” She adds, ”Introduce a balancing symbol as the first thing you see when you enter your home. 

Some favourite powerful icons include the Dragon, Phoenix or Yin Yang symbol or calming colours like green, blue, yellow, or purple."

If your house number feels 'off' or too intense, style tweaks can help adjust the atmosphere to bring balance. 

Inbaal Honigman suggests: "When a number feels too emotional, colours like gold, green, and orange can encourage prosperity, along with symbols like coins, bamboo, and fish sculptures.

If it feels too material or businesslike, go for pinks and reds, and then pair those colours with figurines like cranes or mandarin ducks. These combinations invite love and emotional connection.”

The entrance is key in both numerology and Feng Shui. As Inbaal puts it: “The front door is the shield between the outside world and your inner kingdom.”

In Feng Shui, a red front door is considered auspicious, bringing good luck, prosperity, and positive energy to a household. Associated with the element of fire, it represents warmth, inspiration, and passion. 

Traditionally, painting your front door red is believed to attract opportunity and create a strong entry point that invites abundance. Are you brave enough to go bold?

According to Property Rescue, house number 1 properties sell for 8% above average, with number 2 at 5% above average.

Rightmove reported that the highest valued house is number 1, with an average of £393,690, versus £354,793 for number 13, a difference of 11%. Homes with the number 7 have an average valuation of £365,590, 3% more than houses with the number 13.

Numerologist Jane Alton adds: “1 is a focused energy. Buyers drawn to this are often people who like to be in charge of their space, especially in uncertain times".

Estate agent Barrows and Forrester analysed house sales in England and Wales in 2023 and found the most popular house number was 2, with 15,014 sales, closely followed by 1. Number 1 topped sales of detached homes, while number 2 led for semis.

Property buying expert Robin Edwards said: “We’ve definitely seen buyers favour numbers like 1 and 2. Number 1 carries a sense of exclusivity, hence developments branded ‘One Hyde Park’ or ‘One Mayfair.’ It’s simple psychology.”

When it comes to the most valuable house numbers, Barrows and Forrester reveal the top spot was 197, with an average selling price of £325,000. But, close behind were number 1 at £320,000, number 150 at £320,000 and house number 2 at £315,000.

The popularity of low door numbers is largely because these are the most common numbers on the market. They also often appear on corner plots or end-of-terrace homes that typically offer that much-desired extra space, an important consideration for any homebuyer, whether superstitious or not.

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