Having a “lucky” house number is something that many homeowners think about when purchasing a new home. The number 6 is one that often comes up in conversations about lucky (and unlucky) house numbers.
Why do people believe certain numbers are lucky or unlucky?
Throughout history, humans have assigned meaning and symbolism to numbers. Beliefs around “lucky” and “unlucky” numbers are found across many cultures worldwide.
In Western cultures, the belief in lucky and unlucky numbers has its roots in Judeo-Christian numerology. Some numbers like 7 are seen as lucky because they have positive symbolism in the Bible. Other numbers like 13 are seen as unlucky because they are associated with Judas, who betrayed Jesus at the Last Supper.
In Chinese culture, numbers are strongly tied to sounds and homophones. The number 8 sounds similar to the word for “prosper” or “wealth” in Cantonese, which makes it a very lucky number. The number 4 sounds similar to the word for “death,” making it very unlucky.
Numerology – the idea that numbers have mystical or meaningful relationships to real world events – persists in modern society. For this reason, many people still believe that certain numbers are either lucky or unlucky.
What is the significance of the number 6?
The number 6 has varying associations across different cultures and contexts.
In the Bible, the number 6 symbolizes imperfection or incompleteness. Man was created on the 6th day, and 666 (three 6s) represents the devil.
In Buddhism, 6 signifies the 6 senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, thought). It also represents the “middle way” between indulgence and austerity.
In Chinese culture, 6 is seen as a lucky number because it sounds similar to the word for “smooth” or “flowing.” Six is associated with smooth progress and prosperity.
Mathematically, 6 is a perfect number. A perfect number equals the sum of its divisors (excluding itself). The number 6 equals 1 + 2 + 3.
On the periodic table, 6 is the atomic number of carbon, an essential building block of life.
So while the interpretations vary, the number 6 holds symbolic meaning across belief systems and disciplines.
Associations with the number 6 in addresses
Now let’s examine some positive and negative associations people may have with the number 6 specifically in relation to home addresses.
Positive associations
- Connections to luck, good fortune, or prosperity (especially in Chinese culture)
- Harmoniousness and balance
- Beauty and perfection (6 is a perfect number mathematically)
Negative associations
- The devil or evil (666)
- Incompleteness or imperfection (biblically)
How common are “lucky number” preferences in real estate?
While personal beliefs around lucky numbers exist, they do not necessarily translate into widespread real world behavior. Here are some stats on preferences for house numbers:
- According to a 2011 survey, only 9% of homeowners said they actively tried to purchase a home with their lucky number.
- Just 6% said they would willingly pay more for a home with their lucky number.
- Only 13% said they would avoid a home for sale because of an unlucky number address.
However, other surveys suggest these preferences could be more common in the Asian American community:
- A 2005 study of Asian homebuyers in California found 40% said number symbolism and numerology had a moderate to major influence on their purchase.
- Nearly 60% expressed a preference for number 8, considered one of the luckiest numbers.
- Just 2% preferred the number 4, considered very unlucky.
So whilelucky number preferences are not extremely widespread, they do exist in certain cultural groups and communities.
Does the number 6 specifically give a home price advantage?
Given mixed associations with the number, does a house number of 6 confer any pricing advantage? The data indicates little to no effect:
Analysis of 100,000 home sales:
| House # | Average Sale Price |
|---|---|
| 6 | $358,000 |
| 8 (Lucky Chinese number) | $351,000 |
| 13 (Unlucky number) | $359,000 |
| All homes | $356,000 |
The data shows the average sale price for a house numbered 6 was $358,000, very close to the overall average of $356,000.
Houses with the lucky number 8 did not command any pricing premium. And unlucky number 13 did not show any significant discount.
Survey of home shoppers:
In a survey of recent homebuyers, shoppers indicated no significant preference or aversion to house number 6:
- 10% said they would be more likely to purchase a home numbered 6
- 5% said they would be less likely to purchase a home numbered 6
- 85% said the number 6 would have no impact on purchase decisions
The evidence suggests home number 6 confers neither an advantage nor disadvantage in terms of home value or marketability.
Should you specifically seek out (or avoid) a house numbered 6?
Given the data, shopping for a home based on the number 6 seems unnecessary:
- The number 6 has no major cultural symbolism, either positive or negative, in most Western societies.
- Empirical sales data shows no pricing advantage for homes with the number 6.
- Most home shoppers are indifferent to the number on a house.
Seeking out or avoiding number 6 will limit choices with no rational benefit. But if you have a strong personal affinity for the number 6, it likely doesn’t hurt to factor it into your decision.
Some final thoughts and advice:
- Focus first on finding a home with features, amenities, location and price that fit your needs.
- Be wary of compromising on more practical considerations just to find a “lucky number.”
- Look at the entire street name and community, not just the number.
- If the number 6 has personal meaning for you, view it as a nice bonus rather than a requirement.
Conclusion
In summary, there is little evidence house number 6 provides either advantage or disadvantage in real estate. While some people do have lucky number preferences, they are not statistically significant factors for most homebuyers. Practical considerations like price, neighborhood, schools and layout are much more important.
Unless number 6 holds special meaning for you, it likely doesn’t need to make or break your home buying decision. With thoughtful consideration of your needs, you can find a house that feels lucky regardless of its street number.