When the demographics for property purchasing is monitored, it is evident that a lot of Indian nationals are the top groups of property investors in Dubai currently. Interestingly, Chinese nationals too have made it to the top 10 nationalities of property investors in Dubai. Managing Director of Anarock Middle East, Morgan Owen commented on this: “ While Indian HNIs are definitely one of the top investors in Dubai, however, a cross-section of other businessmen and professionals have also come forward to show interest due to relatively favourable prices.”

Considering this information, it is evident that the top demographics of the property market does have an impact on certain demands. Taking a peak at the Indian and Chinese properties in their native environments, there are specificities that they make sure to include in.

In the light of the current interests of the property market, there is a rising demand for properties that are compliant with ‘Vasthu’ and ‘Feng-Shui’ attributes. These practices are ancient practices that the Indian and Chinese cultures have embodied when designing a property. It is believed that it is the art of design to achieve maximum space, natural lighting, as well as invite prosperity into the homes.

Why are Vasthu and Feng-Shui practices so popular?

Passed on from generation to generation in Indian architectural practice, Vasthu is known as the ‘science of architecture’. With every direction with its own element attached to it, this theory suggests how the architecture should be planned out in order to position the property in the best flow with nature’s elements.

• North - Wealth

• Northeast - Relieves from miseries

• East - Pleasures of life

• Southeast - Fire

• South - Eradicates evil forces

• Southwest - Longevity

• West - Prosperity

• NorthWest - Business and Friendship

The shape of the property, entrances, colours, the number of windows and doors with their facing directions, directions to place water elements (pool,water tank, water display, etc) and many more such practices are suggested with Vasthu compliance tied with its respective direction and accordance.

Feng-Shui on the other hand is a Chinese practice which believes that a residence is a mirror of what a person is and adjusting a home would have an impact on the lives of the family as well. Incorporating the four elements, they suggest the design, arrangement and practises that a homeowner should be compliant with when designing a house.

• The Five Elements - Earth, Water, Fire, Wood, Metal

• Chi - The Force of Life

• Commanding Position - The mostly populated area

• Bagua Map - It is a map drawn to position various aspects of a house such as family, children, wealth, career and more.

This practice goes from designing a property to the arrangement of furniture and arrangement. It suggests enhancing the spiritual energies to make your lives better. Feng-Shui is practiced by a lot of people all over the world.

Although these attributes are not seen in the mass development of property in Dubai, these sort of specifications seem to be applied mostly in luxury and exclusive properties. But as the property market booms across the global property market, it is only advantageous to facilitate the needs and the wants of specific cultural aspects of major market investors. Even though it is not ideal to supply every micro demand that emerges in the market, supplying what some of the biggest investors in the market might boost transactions.

As much as Dubai develops every single year, it also makes sure to attach the values worldwide, creating a global hub across many industries, now including architecture as well. Constant changes in Dubai’s property market is what makes it vibrant and competitive, understanding its behaviour is utmost important when it comes to investing. Anarock Middle East keeps a close eye on the changes of the market. Our experts will guide you through the intricacies of Dubai’s real estate market to secure you the best deal to fit your demands of Vasthu or Feng-Shui compliance.