Investing, schools & living
Feng shui and Chinese customs: a practical guide
Quick answerMany Chinese buyers look at orientation (avoiding west sun), T-junctions facing the front door, doors facing doors or lifts, nearby cemeteries, hospitals, pylons or temples and house numbers (avoid 4, like 8). Whether or not you believe, these affect resale because the next buyer may care. Practically, afternoon sun and ventilation matter most for tropical comfort and power bills.
30-second summary
- Orientation: Avoid west sun; north / south is cooler
- T-junction: Facing the door: many buyers avoid
- Facing door / lift: A common condo concern
- Surroundings: Cemeteries, funeral parlours, pylons, hospitals
- Numbers: Avoid 4, 14; like 8, 6, 9
- Resale: Concerns shrink the buyer pool
Why care?
Feng shui is belief and culture, and we take no position — but in areas where most buyers are Chinese, units with "bad feng shui" are often harder to resell or need a discount. Worth knowing even if you don't mind.
Common considerations, practically
| Consideration | Traditional view | Practical angle |
|---|---|---|
| Orientation | e.g. sitting north facing south | JB's sun is strong; west-facing rooms get hot and raise aircon bills |
| T-junction | A road pointing at the door is unlucky | Headlights, noise and safety |
| Door facing door | Two front doors aligned | Less privacy |
| Door facing lift / stairs | Rushing energy | Foot traffic noise |
| Cemetery, funeral parlour | Yin energy | Most buyers avoid → harder resale |
| Pylons, transmission lines | Harmful energy | Health concerns (most buyers care) |
| Beam over bed, door facing toilet | Unlucky | Fixable in renovation |
| Numbers | 4 sounds like "death", 8 like "prosper" | House / floor numbers sway some buyers |
Easy checks during a viewing
- Use a phone compass for the living room and master bedroom
- Visit once around 3–5 pm to feel the west sun
- Check what the front door faces
- Condos: distance from the door to lifts and refuse room
- Check a map for cemeteries, funeral parlours and pylons
- Note the unit and floor numbers
Move-in customs (briefly)
Many families pick an auspicious move-in date, bring rice, salt, water and a new broom across the threshold, and cook a first meal to "start the fire". Customs vary — follow your family's.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need to consider feng shui?
It's personal. But in areas with mostly Chinese buyers, feng shui concerns affect resale, so it's worth understanding.
Which orientation is best in JB?
Practically, avoiding west sun in the living room and master bedroom keeps the home cooler and bills lower; north or south facing is popular.
What is a T-junction (lu chong)?
When a road points straight at the front door — traditionally unlucky, and practically brings headlights and noise.
Are homes numbered 4 cheaper?
Some Chinese buyers avoid the number 4, so the resale buyer pool may be smaller and there may be room to negotiate.