October is coming to an end, bringing not only leaves and chilly air but also the night of Halloween with its costumes and pranks. As we prepare to embrace this spectral holiday, let’s take the opportunity to recall the major superstitions and beliefs intertwined with real estate.  

Get ready to enter a world where the ordinary blends with the unusual and the supernatural, in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, enchantments, and good luck charms. 

!!! DISCLAIMER !!!

This article is written for informational purposes and does not promote or endorse any form of superstition or irrational belief. The choice to follow or not follow these practices is always personal and subjective. 

• The Number 17 – In Italy, the number 17 is considered unlucky, to the extent that it has its own idiomatic expression, “to be on the ground 17” (to be unlucky). For this reason, some people avoid buying or living in a property with the civic number 17. Similarly, other cultures have numbers deemed unlucky, such as the number 13 in some parts of the Anglo-Saxon world. 
• Blue Eyes – In many countries, including Italy and France, some believe that hanging an amulet or an object with “blue eyes” (often called “the eye of Fatima”) at the entrance of a house can protect against evil spirits and bring luck to the residents. 
• Selling a House with a Shoe on the Windowsill – In Italy, there is a belief that putting a shoe on the windowsill can speed up the sale of a house. This ancient ritual is said to attract the attention of gods and passersby, thereby bringing in new interested buyers. 

• Protective Spells – In many countries, spells or prayers are used to protect a house from misfortune and negative energies. These rituals may involve the use of oils, herbs, or sacred objects to purify and safeguard the domestic environment. According to some spells, sage and rosemary serve as a ‘protective blanket’ over the house. 
• Opening of Windows – In France, some people believe that opening all the windows of a house on New Year’s Eve can rid the house of the negative energies of the past year and invite new positive energy for the coming year. 
• Salt for Purification – In Italy and France, it is common to use salt to purify and protect a house. The belief is that salt has the power to ward off negative energies and evil spirits. Some people sprinkle salt around doors and windows or place it in small containers in rooms. 
• Renaming a House: In some cultures, it is common to rename a house to ward off negative energies or ward off bad luck, unlike what happens, for example, with boats. Changing the name of a house can be a way to start a new phase and attract good luck. 

Additionally, the architecture itself can be influenced by centuries-old beliefs and superstitions. Certain details, such as the shape and orientation of a building, can be considered key elements in ensuring the happiness and prosperity of its inhabitants. Many builders and investors still follow these traditions today, incorporating symbolic elements into their designs to ensure the success and good fortune of their constructions. 

Superstitions and beliefs related to real estate are thus a rich tapestry of ancient traditions and beliefs. Although they may seem irrational, these beliefs continue to colour the world of real estate with charm and good omens, being an integral part of the culture and folklore of many countries.

For some people, following these practices is a matter of tradition and respect for history.

For others, they may represent a way to have a sense of control over the challenges and unforeseen events that life may bring.