Dubai: Indian, Chinese property buyers demand Vastu, Feng Shui-compliant homes

The rationale behind the homes designed by these principals is their emphasis on ease of use, optimal space utilisation, proper ventilation, and natural light

Indian and Chinese property buyers increasingly show interest and demand for Vastu and Feng Shui-compliant properties in Dubai.

Real estate industry insiders say that some Vastu-compliant homes are available in Dubai, but developers don’t prioritise or categorise Vastu or Feng Shui-compliant homes.

Vastu or Feng Shui are ancient Indian and Chinese practices used to maximise the use of space and objects that are in harmony with the environment and bring peace to the residents.

The rationale behind Vastu or Feng Shui-designed homes is that they’re easy to use, excellent in terms of utilisation of spaces, proper ventilation of air and light, bringing in natural light, incorporating natural elements like plants and use colours that can help increase feelings of positivity among others.

According to Jeetu Punjabi, private office advisor, Engel & Völkers Dubai, incorporating Vastu principles in villa design is not just a passing trend but reflects a deep-seated belief in its ability to bring good health, wealth, happiness, and harmony. This approach is not limited to the layout and design but extends to details like the room shape, furniture arrangement, and the direction of rooms. The principles of Vastu are believed to influence the positive and negative energies surrounding humans, potentially affecting their daily lives and overall well-being​​.

Dubai’s overall property market has witnessed unprecedented demand in the past two years, pushing prices to record as buyers from different cultures across the world flocked to the emirate to buy properties. Indian buyers topped the list last year, while Chinese buyers were also among the top 10 nationalities.

“There is indeed a growing interest in Vastu and Feng Shui-compliant homes in Dubai, particularly among Indian and Chinese nationals. We see a high number of inquiries for these types of units. Given my experience with clients seeking Vastu-compliant units in north or northeast directions, it’s clear that there is a significant niche market for properties adhering to these principles,” said Punjabi.

He said the demand for Vastu and Feng Shui-compliant homes is driven by cultural beliefs and the desire to align living spaces with principles believed to bring harmony and prosperity.

Svetlana Vasilieva, head of secondary sales at Metropolitan Homes, also confirmed that they’re receiving a high volume of inquiries specifically related to Vastu homes.

“Vastu-compliant homes are primarily purchased by Indian clients, accounting for 50 per cent to 70 per cent. They are typically end users seeking self-occupancy rather than investors,” she said.

Echoing his peer, Jacob Bramley, leasing manager at Betterhomes, said they regularly receive inquiries specifically for Vastu-compliant homes but not for Feng Shui.

“Vastu is practised by Hindus, so we find that a lot of Indian and Pakistani clients tend to focus their search on homes that are Vastu-compliant. Feng Shui originated from China, so it would be more commonly practised by Chinese clients,” he said.