This is the question nobody asks out loud but everyone thinks: "Is my house worth less now?" The answer depends on what happened, how it was handled, and where you live.
Impact by Type of Death
| Type of Death | Typical Value Impact | Duration of Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Natural death (illness, old age) | 0% — no measurable impact | N/A |
| Accidental death | 0–5% | 1–2 years |
| Suicide | 5–15% | 2–5 years |
| Homicide | 10–25% | 3–7 years |
| Unattended death with decomposition | 10–20% (if remediated) / 30–50% (if not) | 2–5 years (remediated) / indefinite (not) |
| High-profile crime | 15–30%+ | 5–10+ years |
These are generalizations. Hot real estate markets absorb the impact faster. In a seller's market, a 10% discount makes the property a "deal" and attracts investors quickly.
Disclosure Laws by State
"Do I have to tell buyers someone died here?" The answer depends entirely on your state:
States That Require Death Disclosure
- California — must disclose deaths within the past 3 years (any cause)
- Alaska — must disclose if asked directly
- South Dakota — must disclose if asked
States That Do NOT Require Disclosure
- Most states — do not require disclosure of death, suicide, or homicide
- Georgia, Texas, New York, Florida, Massachusetts — among the many states with no death disclosure requirement
States With Specific Carve-outs
- Some states require disclosure only if asked directly by the buyer
- Some states require disclosure only for deaths related to the property's condition (e.g., mold-related death)
- HIV/AIDS-related deaths are specifically protected from disclosure in most states (Fair Housing Act implications)
Always consult a real estate attorney in your state. Disclosure laws are nuanced and getting it wrong can result in lawsuits.
The "Stigmatized Property" Reality
Real estate professionals use the term "stigmatized property" for homes where something psychologically distressing happened. The stigma isn't about the physical condition — after professional remediation, the home is physically safe. It's about perception.
Strategies that work:
- Professional remediation — the #1 most important step. A certified cleanup with documentation proves the home is safe. See our guide to finding legitimate companies
- Time — the longer between the event and the sale, the less impact
- Renovation — cosmetic updates (new paint, flooring, fixtures) in the affected area create psychological distance from the event
- Pricing strategy — pricing at market value (not discounted) with room for negotiation works better than pre-discounting
- Agent selection — work with a real estate agent experienced with stigmatized properties. They exist and they know how to market them
Selling a Property After a Death
If You're the Heir/Executor
- Complete any necessary probate process first
- Get professional remediation if biohazard cleanup was needed
- Obtain a remediation clearance certificate
- Consider cosmetic updates to the affected area
- Get a pre-listing home inspection to address any other issues
- Consult a real estate attorney about disclosure requirements in your state
If You Want to Sell Quickly
- Cash buyers/investors — will buy the property as-is, typically at 60–80% of market value. Fast close (7–14 days)
- iBuyer services — Opendoor, Offerpad may make offers, though they may factor in the property history
- Auction — can generate competitive bidding, especially if the property is in a desirable location
Protecting Value: What to Do Now
- Remediate immediately. The longer contamination sits, the more structural damage occurs, and the more the story spreads in the neighborhood
- Keep documentation. Cleanup invoices, clearance certificates, and before/after photos protect you legally and demonstrate due diligence to buyers
- Control the narrative. Neighbors may talk. Having professional remediation documentation shows you handled it properly
- Don't panic-sell. If you don't need to sell immediately, waiting 1–2 years significantly reduces any value impact
Need professional remediation to protect your property value? Call (855) 566-2405 or find a vetted specialist. Professional cleanup with documentation is your best protection.