Is Buying a Home During the Ghost Month Really Cheaper? A Comprehensive Analysis of Price Discounts, Room for Negotiation, and Risks Involved in Buying a Home

For many homebuyers, the seventh month of the lunar calendar has always been considered the off-season for the housing market.，「Ghost MonthTraditional beliefs such as “Buying a house is bad luck” and “Moving during the Ghost Month will attract spirits” are deeply ingrained in people’s minds.

But have you ever stopped to think:Precisely because everyone thinks this way, the Ghost Month might actually be the best time for you to snag a bargain?

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of every aspect of buying a home during the Ghost Month, covering market data, room for negotiation, actual risks, and expert advice.

---

Is the Ghost Month a Slow Season for the Housing Market? What Do the Data Say?

The answer is yes, and it’s “subtle” in a way that really resonates.

According to statistics from Zhuzhan Magazine, the volume of new real estate projects launched in Northern Taiwan in August has generally exceeded 100 billion yuan since 2018, and the housing market boom in 2024 even approached a record high of 150 billion yuan. However,During the 2025 Ghost Month, new property listings plummeted to 56.97 billion yuan, a year-over-year decline of 61.5%, marking an eight-year low.. This figure is even worse than it was when the amendments to the “Average Land Rights Ordinance” took effect and during the Level 3 pandemic alert.

The presale market is equally sluggish.Xinyi Real EstateAccording to statistics, the number of pre-sale listings disclosed across Taiwan in August 2025 was only2,550 units, down 751 year-over-year TP46T...marking the lowest volume since the implementation of real-time disclosure requirements for presales. Zeng Jingde, project manager at the Real Estate Research Department of Sinyi Realty, stated bluntly, “Presale demand isn’t just ‘getting through a tough month’—it’s ‘getting through the Ghost Month.’”

Now let’s look at the crowds of home viewers. According to 591’s statistics on visitor numbers at sales centers for new construction projects, the average weekly number of visitors to new construction projects across Taiwan in August 2025 fell from 10 groups to6 groups, with a decline of 40 percent. One industry insider described it this way: “Closing a deal is like catching Pokémon.”

The key point is: the weaker the buying interest, the better it is for buyers. Fewer people, less competition, and more options—this is the perfect time to make a move.

---

How much room is there to negotiate when buying a home during the Ghost Month?

Expert Opinions

Several real estate and astrology experts agree that,The Ghost Month is a good time to negotiate prices。

Zhou Qingyuan, Assistant General Manager of the Senior High School District at Sinyi Realty, pointed out that the seventh lunar month is actually a good time to negotiate, offering the opportunity to secure better prices than usual. A feng shui master also stated bluntly, “The seventh lunar month is actually a good time to actively view properties.” There is greater room for negotiation when buying a home or renovating, and acting now offers the chance to secure a better price.

Chen Bingchen, Director of the Global Real Estate Intelligence Office, offered further analysis: With the overall housing market cooling and buyers adopting a wait-and-see attitude, the time properties remain on the market has increased for many listings, and buyer interest has declined even further during the “Ghost Month.” “Those willing to make a purchase have a very good chance of negotiating a favorable price,” he said.

How much can you actually cut?

Real estate experts have provided specific guidelines for negotiating prices:

Object Type	Suggested Bid	Description
Community Hit by a Wave of Sell-offs	Actual Price Registration30% offShout	There are several units in the community that are being sold urgently, creating significant selling pressure.
General Community	Actual Price Registration20% offShout	Market conditions are normal, with no unusual circumstances.
Highly Sought-After Grade A Properties	Actual Price Registration10% offShout	Prime location, excellent conditions, and strong competition

If that's the case,Haunted HouseIn neighborhoods where disputes frequently occur, you can negotiate an additional 10% discount....especially during the Ghost Month, when you’ll have more leverage when negotiating the price of a home. However, these types of properties can be harder to resell in the future, so think carefully before making a purchase.

An Important Reminder

However,Not all homeowners will voluntarily lower their asking prices because of the Ghost Month.. As times have changed, people’s superstitions about buying a home during the Ghost Month have gradually faded, and the old saying that “housing prices are bound to fall during the Ghost Month” no longer holds water. Because housing prices have been rising steadily in recent years, people now—rather than viewing the Ghost Month as an inauspicious time for such matters—are more likely to “If you don't buy a house now, you'll never be able to afford one later." a sense of urgency."

The advantage of the Ghost Month is that “there are fewer people, making it easier to negotiate,” not that “homeowners are proactively lowering prices.” . The key is whether you have enough bargaining skills and patience.

The Real Risks of Buying a Home During the Ghost Month vs. Traditional Myths

A Common Myth: Buying a House During the Ghost Month Will Attract Spirits

This is the biggest myth. From the perspective of professional knowledge of astrology and feng shui, the Ghost MonthWhat you really need to avoid are “moving into a new home” and “breaking ground.” , rather than “viewing properties” and “signing a contract.”

Actually, when it comes to viewing properties and negotiating prices during the Ghost Month,It's no problem to place an order or sign a contract...As long as you reschedule the property transfer, groundbreaking, and housewarming to the eighth month of the lunar calendar, you can avoid these traditional taboos.

In other words:You can “buy” a house during the Ghost Month, but don’t “move in” just yet.

The Real Risk: A Home Inspection Is the Key

Instead of worrying about your best friend, you should worry about the following:Real Risks：

Risk 1: Water Leaks:The Ghost Month falls right in the middle of midsummer and typhoon season, when the weather is highly variable, making itThe Best Time to Inspect a Property. Traces of water left behind by the typhoon, indoor temperatures during the afternoon sun, and ventilation—all of these become clearly evident at this time. When viewing a home during cooler seasons, some issues may be overlooked, but under the climatic conditions of the Ghost Month,The actual performance of a building—including its insulation, drainage, and ventilation—is laid bare.。

Risk 2: Loan-to-Value Ratio:In the second half of 2026, the housing market will experience a dual phenomenon of “sharp contraction in supply and a surge in property deliveries.” Banks may tighten their mortgage approval standards, so you should confirm your loan terms before purchasing a home.

Risk 3、Price Stalemate:In the second half of 2026, the housing market was characterized by “stagnant prices and a lack of liquidity.” Sellers were unwilling to sell at a discount, while buyers hoped for lower prices, leaving the two sides at an impasse. Although there were fewer people out and about during the Ghost Month,This doesn't mean you'll necessarily be able to negotiate the ideal price.。

---

Things to Keep in Mind When Signing a Contract During the Ghost Month

If you find a home you like during the Ghost Month, be sure to keep the following principles for signing a contract in mind:

1. The contract signing date can be postponed.

If both the buyer and seller agree, they mayPostpone the signing date until the end of the Ghost Month(After September 10, 2026).

2. Choose an auspicious date from the Farmers' Almanac

If you can’t postpone it, settle for the next best option—choose a date listed as auspicious in the Farmers’ Almanac. "Executing a contract," "transacting," or "receiving money" Signed the contract on that day.

3. Sign the contract during the day

Avoid holding signing ceremonies in the evening. During the day, yang energy is stronger, and people tend to feel less psychological pressure.

4. You may pay respects to the Earth God before signing the contract.

Some people choose to visit a localWorship at the Land God Temple, and pray for blessings.

5. Choose a time during the day for the property handover

The property handover is also conducted in accordance withDuring the day, as a general rule...Avoid moving into a new home at night. You can first go to a temple to obtain “Great Compassion Water.” Dip three leaves in the water, and on the day of the move, sprinkle them throughout every room of the house to purify it.

---

Feng Shui Master’s Advice: Viewing Homes During the Ghost Month, Moving In in August

Here are some tips for buying a home during the Ghost Month:Best Strategy：

Step 1: Viewing Properties and Negotiating Prices During the Ghost Month
Interest in buying homes has waned during the seventh month of the lunar calendar. “Not even a single prospective buyer has shown up, and homeowners and developers are getting really anxious—and when people get anxious, they’re open to negotiating anything.” This is the perfect time to strike a deal, as you may be able to secure a better price than usual.

---

🔥 If you've read this far, these 3 articles are also worth checking out

• 👉 🔥 2026 Horoscopes for the 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs Revealed! These 3 Signs Will Be the Luckiest This Year (Check to See If You’re One of Them)
• 👉 💰 Where is your wealth corner? People with the ID 90% are all looking in the wrong place.
• 👉 🧧 Put this on top of your fridge, and good fortune will come knocking on its own

Step 2: Placing an Order and Signing a Contract During the Ghost Month
When you see a house you like,You can pay a deposit and sign the contract first.。

Step 3: Property Transfer and Moving In in August
Once the eighth lunar month arrives (after September 10, 2026),Pick an auspicious day to officially transfer the property title and move into the new home。

Additional Benefits of Buying a Home During the Ghost Month

In addition to the significant room for negotiation on home prices, the Ghost Month offers two additional advantages:

Furniture and Appliance Specials: Since the number of people moving during the Ghost Month drops sharply, many furniture stores and appliance retailers take this opportunity to run sales promotions to boost sales. Why not take advantage of this time to place a single order to stock up? You canSave a significant amount of money...and then move the furniture and appliances into the new home once the renovations are finished.

Preparatory Work for Renovation: If you pay a deposit to purchase a home in the seventh lunar month, you can start by consulting an interior designer for planning and measuring the property, and have a construction company and contractors come to provide estimates. Then, in the eighth lunar month, you can choose an auspicious date to officially begin construction.

---

Which homes should you especially avoid viewing during the Ghost Month? (Homes over 30 years old)

Although you can view homes during the Ghost Month, there areThere is one type of home I strongly recommend avoiding: older homes that are more than 30 years old.。

According to legend, spirits are more likely to return to their former homes and wander there during the Ghost Month, and those with weaker birth charts are more susceptible to negative spiritual influences, soTry to avoid "homes that are more than 30 years old."

Other Items to Avoid

In addition to older homes that are more than 30 years old, you should also pay attention to the following:

• Homes near a cemetery: Religious ceremonies are more common
• A house near the temple: The magnetic field is quite complex
• A house near the hospital: Be aware that there is a strong presence of yin energy
• Mountain Area Real Estate Projects: There is plenty of shade, which can easily block out the sun; people with sensitive skin should avoid it as much as possible.
• NortheastWith a southwest orientation: It doesn't get much sunlight; in feng shui, this is known as the "Ghost Gate" position.

---

📌 Is It Really Cheaper to Buy a House During the Ghost Month? | Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is it really cheaper to buy a house during the Ghost Month?

A：There's a chance, but it's not guaranteed. The Ghost Month is traditionally a slow season for the housing market, with a sharp decline in new listings and a sudden drop in the number of homeviewers. With fewer competing buyers, there is relatively more room for negotiation. Real estate experts recommend starting your offer at 70–90 percent of the registered transaction price. However, as times have changed, not all homeowners will proactively lower their asking prices just because it’s the Ghost Month; the key still lies in your negotiation skills and market judgment.

Q2: Can I sign a contract to buy a house during the Ghost Month?

A：Sure. Viewing Homes and Negotiating Prices During the Ghost Month,It's no problem to place an order or sign a contract. For added peace of mind, you can choose an auspicious date from the Farmers’ Almanac—one marked as favorable for “signing contracts,” “transactions,” or “acquiring wealth”—to sign the contract, andSchedule it for daytime. If both the buyer and seller agree, the contract signing date can be postponed until the end of the Ghost Month.

Q3: What is the biggest taboo when buying a house during the Ghost Month?

A：What you really need to avoid are “moving into a new home” and “breaking ground.” ...rather than "viewing properties" and "signing contracts." My professional feng shui and astrology-based recommended standard operating procedure (SOP) is:Viewing properties, negotiating prices, placing a deposit, and signing the contract during the Ghost Month → Transferring ownership, starting construction, and moving in during the 8th lunar month. It is also recommended to avoid moving large pieces of furniture, home appliances, deities, and ancestral tablets during the Ghost Month.

Q4: What should I be aware of when viewing homes during the Ghost Month?

A: Here are a few key points to keep in mind, based on professional Feng Shui advice:

• Try to view the property before 1:00 p.m., finish watching it no later than sunset (5:00 p.m.)
• Knock on the door or ring the doorbell before entering., expressing respect for invisible forces
• When you walk in, open the windows, turn on the lights, and turn on the air conditioner., keep the space well-ventilated and well-lit
• Avoid viewing homes that are more than 30 years old
• Avoid properties located near cemeteries, temples, or hospitals
• You can carry small items such as amulets and coarse salt with you to ward off evil and bring good fortune.

Q5: Which types of homes are particularly not recommended to view during the Ghost Month?

A: My advice is,Try to avoid older homes that are more than 30 years old.According to legend, deceased friends are likely to return to their former homes and linger there during the Ghost Month. In addition,Homes located near cemeteries, temples, and hospitals, andMountain Area Real Estate Projects、Northeast-to-southwest orientationIt is also recommended that people with sensitive skin avoid items that do not receive direct sunlight.

Q6: What else should I be particularly mindful of when buying a home during the Ghost Month in 2026?

A: There are two special circumstances worth noting in 2026:

1. Total Solar Eclipse on the Day the Gates of the Underworld Open: A total solar eclipse will occur from late on August 12, 2026, into the early hours of August 13, coinciding precisely with the Zi hour—the time when the "Ghost Gate" is said to open. Although it will not be visible in Taiwan, it may affect market sentiment.
2. Structural Changes in the Housing Market: In the second half of 2026, Taiwan’s housing market will experience a dual phenomenon of “sharp contraction in supply and a surge in property handovers,” as the market enters a phase characterized by “priority on inventory clearance, capital as king, and project-specific performance.” Before purchasing a home, buyers should first confirm the terms of their bank loan to avoid issues with loan approval.

---

Is Buying a Home During the Ghost Month Really Cheaper? Conclusion | Is Buying a Home During the Ghost Month an Opportunity or a Trap?

Back to the original question:Is it really cheaper to buy a house during the Ghost Month?

The answer is:It's possible, but not certain.

The Ghost Month is indeed a traditionally slow season for the housing market.，New listings have plummeted, the number of homeviewers has dropped sharply, and transaction volumes have hit a record low. For buyers,Few competitors, plenty of options, and plenty of room for negotiation...these are all real advantages.

But at the same time, we must also recognize that:Homeowners won't voluntarily lower their asking prices just because it's the Ghost Month.. The advantage of the Ghost Month lies in “It's easier to talk when there are fewer people around.", rather than "The homeowner is so generous". You need sufficient negotiation skills, patience, and market awareness to turn this 'off-season' into your 'golden period'."

Most importantly: You can “buy” a house during the Ghost Month, but don’t “move in” just yet. Viewing the property, negotiating the price, placing a deposit, and signing the contract are all fine. Just wait until the 8th lunar month to complete the property transfer, break ground, and move in. This way, you can take advantage of the better prices during the Ghost Month while avoiding traditional taboos—killing two birds with one stone.

📌 Further Reading(Click on the articles below to learn more):

• [The Ultimate Guide to Taboos in the 7th Lunar Month of 2026 | The Date the Gates of the Underworld Open, a Complete List of 27 Taboos, the Mid-Autumn Festival Ritual Process, and Scientific Explanations—All Explained in One Place]
• [Complete Guide to the 2026 Ghost Month Dates and Schedule | All the Important Dates During the 30-Day Ghost Month at a Glance]
• [How Much Will the 2026 Mid-Autumn Festival Ritual Cost? | A Complete Guide to Offering Budgets Ranging from 500 to 5,000 Yuan]
• [A Complete Illustrated Guide to Ghost Month Taboos | 20 Rules You Must Know About the Seventh Lunar Month [Quick Guide]]