Homeowners are often mistaking creaky floorboards and squeaky doors for ghosts, with many believing their properties are haunted.
According to a survey by Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks, more than one in ten homeowners think they share their house with an ethereal lodger.
But instead of blaming spooks when things go bump in the night, it may be more sensible to look carefully at what needs fixing in the home.
Steve Reid, retail director for Clydesdale Bank, pointed out that 99 per cent of noises and seemingly strange occurrences actually have reasonable explanations.
For example, the events may be the result of a faulty boiler, a loose floorboard or birds nesting in the loft.
Mr Reid advised those concerned about strange noises to check for such things first, before worrying about ghosts.
This seems like wise advice, especially since 40 per cent of homeowners claim they would sell their property if they believed it was haunted.
