Go with the Flow
by Howard Choy
from Residential Property Investors Guide

Howard Choy of Feng Shui Architects Pty Ltd provides this 10-point checklist. Does your new investment meet the feng shui test?

Feng (wind) shui (water) is about the flow and containment of chi (energy) in the environment. According to the Chinese, wind carries chi and water contains it, so the right mix of both allows the balanced energy to benefit the occupants. Feng shui principles make good design sense, and buildings which conform with feng shui enjoy a much wider market among Asians and an increasing number of Australians.

Good chi is called "sheng chi" (vital energy) while bad chi is called "sha chi" (destructive energy). It can be caused by glaring lights, sharp noises, charged emotions, pointed objects and lack of privacy. So avoid property facing the road in a T junction or the end of a cul de sac, where traffic points towards it. Also avoid properties in noisy areas or where the rooms are invaded by glaring light from the sun or headlights. Avoid properties which are overshadowed or overlooked by taller buildings nearby. Avoid properties close to places filled with emotion and noise, such as churches, bars and brothels, airports and under flight paths, railway lines or highways. Avoid properties close to pointed objects - such objects are bad omens in feng shui.

The ideal building, from a feng shui point of view, is like a comfortable arm chair, beautifully positioned in a sunny garden. To find a property with sheng chi, consider the following:

1. The building should be slightly elevated - on the high side of the street.

2. The back of the building should be protected, by trees, another building, or high ground behind.

3. It should also be protected slightly on the sides, by being nestled into the landscape instead of perched on top of it.

4. It should have an open and uncluttered area in the front, on the sunny side of the building.

5. To the Chinese, water represents wealth. If there is no open water in sight, a water feature in the front and the back will do as well.

6. The front door lets the energy into the building. It has to be visible, welcoming and friendly, and appropriate in size to the building. Avoid having the garage, a tree, lamp post or power pole too close to the front door, especially if it obscures or dominates the door.

7. There should be a transition space (lobby or hall) between the front door and the rest of the building. This filters and softens the harsher outside chi making it suitable for inside.

8. Outlook is important. The living area and kitchen should look onto open space with plants and water in the background.

9. Kitchens and bathrooms should be on the edges of the building. The kitchen and family area can be the heart of the home. The kitchen should not be near the front door, neither should bathrooms and toilets.

10. Your building should have a regular shape, but perfect shapes, such as circles and hexagons focus the energy in one spot. This is fine for churches and meditation spaces, but not such a good idea for the activities of a home.

When the feng shui is right, the property, says Choy, is balanced and harmonious. Properties which make people feel secure and comfortable, are more likely to attract tenants. Good feng shui makes economic sense.