The reasoning behind the homes crafted according to these principles lies in their focus on user-friendly design, efficient utilization of space, adequate ventilation, and the incorporation of natural light.
There is a growing trend among Indian and Chinese property buyers in Dubai, as they express a heightened interest and request for properties that adhere to Vastu and Feng Shui principles.
According to experts within the real estate industry, there are Vastu-compliant homes available in Dubai; however, developers do not give priority to or categorize homes based on Vastu or Feng Shui compliance.
The utilization of Vastu or Feng Shui, ancient practices from India and China, aims to optimize space and ensure harmony with the surroundings, fostering peace for the inhabitants.
The philosophy behind homes designed according to Vastu or Feng Shui is centered on ease of use, efficient space utilization, adequate air and light ventilation, harnessing natural light, integrating elements such as plants, and employing colors that contribute to enhancing positive feelings, among other aspects.
Jeetu Punjabi, a private office advisor at Engel & Völkers Dubai, emphasizes that the incorporation of Vastu principles in villa design is not merely a passing trend; rather, it reflects a deeply rooted belief in its capacity to bring about good health, wealth, happiness, and harmony. This approach goes beyond just the layout and design, encompassing details such as room shape, furniture arrangement, and the orientation of rooms. The principles of Vastu are thought to impact the positive and negative energies surrounding individuals, potentially influencing their daily lives and overall well-being.
Dubai’s property market has experienced an unprecedented surge in demand over the last two years, leading to record prices as buyers from diverse cultures worldwide have flocked to the emirate for property purchases. Indian buyers dominated the list last year, with Chinese buyers also ranking among the top 10 nationalities.
Growing demand
“In Dubai, there is a noticeable increase in interest for homes that adhere to Vastu and Feng Shui principles, especially among Indian and Chinese nationals. We receive numerous inquiries for such properties, indicating a substantial niche market. From my interactions with clients looking for Vastu-compliant units in the north or northeast directions, it is evident that there is a considerable demand for properties following these principles,” stated Punjabi.
He explained that the cultural beliefs and the wish to synchronize living spaces with principles associated with harmony and prosperity are the driving forces behind the demand for Vastu and Feng Shui-compliant homes.
Svetlana Vasilieva, who heads secondary sales at Metropolitan Homes, also verified that they are experiencing a significant number of inquiries specifically regarding Vastu homes.
“Indian clients primarily purchase Vastu-compliant homes, constituting 50% to 70% of our clientele. Typically, these are end users looking for homes for self-occupancy rather than investors,” she stated.
Jacob Bramley, leasing manager at Betterhomes, echoed his counterpart, stating that they frequently receive inquiries specifically for homes compliant with Vastu principles rather than Feng Shui.
He explained that since Vastu is practiced by Hindus, Indian and Pakistani clients tend to concentrate their search on homes that adhere to Vastu principles. On the other hand, Feng Shui, having originated from China, is more commonly practiced by Chinese clients.
To simplify the search process, Bramley recommended that buyers communicate their precise Vastu-related requirements to the broker. This allows the agent to focus the search on properties that meet these specific features. He emphasized that, based on his experience, these requirements can vary from person to person, making it crucial for the agent to be informed of the specifics early in the search process.
Supply and prices
Bramley mentioned that locating homes that adhere entirely to the principles can be difficult, and it ultimately depends on the individual client’s willingness to compromise on these principles.
The high occupancy rates in Dubai contribute to a shortage of homes that fully comply with Vastu principles.
He notes that there is no discernible difference in pricing between homes that are compliant and those that are not.
Svetlana Vasilieva also mentioned that there is currently a shortage of homes in the market that adhere to Vastu/Feng Shui principles, as master plans typically provide a limited number of units designed with both Vastu and Feng Shui in mind.
She noted that developers do not classify homes based on these specific characteristics. However, during resale, owners often demand a higher price, especially when the potential buyer is specifically looking for a Vastu or Feng Shui-compliant home.
Jeetu Punjabi added that Vastu and Feng Shui-compliant homes in Dubai might come at a higher cost compared to regular homes due to the necessity for specialized design, consultation, and customization to align with these ancient practices. Any home upgraded to meet these standards can command a premium price easily.
Integrating Vastu-compliant homes
Punjabi has been collaborating with a client whose budget ranges from Dh3 million to Dh100 million, specifically in search of three units within a single community, intending to integrate them and ensure Vastu compliance. This is because obtaining a single Vastu-compliant unit has proven to be challenging.
The evolving trend in Dubai’s real estate market indicates a growing incorporation of Vastu principles into home designs. However, the availability of these Vastu-compliant homes may not be sufficient to meet the needs of all potential buyers. Consequently, some buyers are exploring the option of constructing custom homes to align with Vastu principles.
Jeetu Punjabi informed Khaleej Times that the current real estate supply does not fully satisfy the demand for homes following Vastu principles. The disparity between supply and demand prompts certain buyers to consider personalized homes, plots, or properties that can be renovated to adhere to Vastu principles. This is especially true since finding such properties within gated communities can be a challenging task.
Are developers building such homes?
The private office advisor of Engel & Völkers Dubai, Svetlana Vasilieva, believes that developers are not giving sufficient attention to Vastu and Feng Shui, even though there are villa communities with dedicated units following these principles.
Svetlana Vasilieva added that, in general, developers do not prioritize the introduction of such homes.
“To our understanding, only two major developers consider Vastu principles, primarily because the majority of buyers for their projects are Indian nationals. Most property owners, including Chinese clients, prefer to personalize their homes based on their preferences after moving in. This includes considerations like Feng Shui, but the initial purchase decision seems to be less influenced by pre-existing alignment,” she added.
Despite the availability of Vastu-compliant homes, Bramley mentioned that they have not encountered any developments where this has been a major consideration in their designs.
