The index is not based on paranormal activity but rather on property data, the Lancashire Telegraph reports. 

The index looked at homes built prior to 1930, homes with poor energy performance certificate (EPC) ratings of E to G, and properties with substandard wall and heating efficiency.

Lancaster scored the highest, earning a score of 68.6 out of 100, ahead of Liverpool on 48.9 and Preston on 48.7.

Jamie Burns, engineering expert at Ailsa, said: “It might sound strange, but some of the technology associated with ghost hunting isn’t actually a million miles away from equipment we use in engineering.

“Ghost hunters are often shown using things like thermal imaging and ultrasound equipment to search for unusual sounds, heat signatures or other unexplained activity.”

Burns added: “We use similar principles in our everyday work, except rather than looking for ghosts, we’re looking for problems.”

The engineering specialist’s analysis associated the “haunted” label to the creaks, chills, and rattles typically identified in older, less energy-efficient homes.

Burns added: “Our job involves detecting strange noises, unusual sounds, heat signatures and emissions that could indicate something isn’t quite right.

“So, in a funny way, you could say engineers like us are already professional ghost hunters; we’re just normally hunting for faults rather than phantoms.”

Burns shared ‘haunted house’ phenomena that are practically signs of everyday household issues, rather than the supernatural.

Footsteps in empty rooms might be vibrations from heating systems, appliances, or nearby traffic travelling through floorboards and joists.

Loud bangs at night may be caused by pipes and building materials expanding and contracting while temperatures change.

Humming, hissing, or whispering sounds might be prompted by fans, boilers, extractor systems, or water pipes.

Rattling doors and objects could be prompted by nearby washing machines, passing lorries, or loose fittings.