Top 11 Tips for Choosing Property Based on Feng Shui and Folk Wisdom

When purchasing a home, the first thing to examine is the exterior of the property to see if it has any indentations or irregularities. A good house or plot of land should have a square or rectangular shape, with no protrusions or dips. Next, the layout of the surroundings should be considered: the direction and strength of the wind or air currents entering the house. If wind or air flows directly into the house through a narrow space, it is not advisable to buy, as wealth may come quickly but leave just as fast. On the other hand, if the wind or air flows too slowly, and the air circulation inside the house is poor, it could negatively affect financial prosperity. The ideal situation is when the air gently flows into the house. If a less-than-ideal house is purchased, adjustments can be made by using doors and windows to regulate airflow. Feng Shui places great importance on the concept of 'tàng phong tụ khí', which emphasizes the influence of airflow on the fortune of the homeowner.

Some houses I have visited often feel dark, with weak lighting that allows negative energy to accumulate. This is not good for the household, as it may lead to many issues, such as family conflicts or children becoming careless. It is not advisable to live in such conditions unless the house is renovated to restore balance between Yin and Yang. An ideal home should be filled with natural light, which is referred to as 'dương quang sung túc.' With sufficient sunlight, the family will remain healthy, the mind will be clear, and the mood will stay positive and joyful.

The central area of the house is the most important, representing the head of the household, typically the man. It is also the space used for the ancestral altar. This means that the center of the house should not be contaminated by impurities, such as a bathroom or septic tank. Additionally, avoid buying houses with bathrooms located directly in the center of the house, especially if they align with the main entrance, as this can lead to financial loss and health issues. Another important point is that each direction and room in the house affects individual family members. For instance, if the northeast or north direction of the house contains a bathroom or an animal pen, it can hinder your children’s education and career prospects, particularly affecting the youngest child, as these directions are connected to the 'Văn Xương' star, which governs academic success and professional achievements.

In Feng Shui, it is believed that the ideal entrance to a home should be a winding path, often referred to as a '回旋' (circular) route. Direct roads leading straight to the house’s door are to be avoided. According to Feng Shui, roads symbolize the flow of energy (Qi), and a winding path helps to regulate this flow, slowly bringing positive energy into your home. On the other hand, a road that leads directly to the house causes a turbulent flow of energy, turning it into negative Qi and a sign of future misfortune. If the main entrance is directly aligned with a road, the length of that road indicates how severe the negative impact will be. This phenomenon is called 'the tiger’s mouth' in ancient Feng Shui texts, indicating that living in such a home will bring continuous unrest. Such homes should not be purchased. If you’ve already made the purchase, it’s advised to add an odd-numbered step in front of the house or, if altering the road is impossible, consider placing a stone pillar to help mitigate the effects.

When buying or building a house on sloping land, caution is essential. If the main entrance faces a steep road or a slope, it can be dangerous. Such a house is a bad omen, predicting financial loss and even potential danger to those living there. Houses on inclined or sloped land can lead to the loss of wealth and resources. If the land is a steep hillside or narrow with another house at the base, it is considered a sign of harm. Therefore, it is recommended to choose level ground for building a house, especially avoiding positions near or at the base of a slope. Also, ensure that the road or slope does not lead directly into the front door.

Houses located directly across from government offices, police stations, or military barracks are not recommended for purchase or residence. Such locations are considered in Feng Shui as 'direct confrontation,' and they hinder prosperity. Residents of these homes may face legal issues or even physical harm. Additionally, houses situated behind temples or shrines are not ideal, as the heavy negative energy from these sacred places can affect the home. Finally, homes located near cemeteries should be avoided at all costs, as this location will block financial growth and career success.

A property located where a curved road leads directly to the house is considered extremely unfavorable. The curve, with its apex pointing towards the house, resembles an arrow aimed straight at the heart. This positioning is not ideal for a home. Ancient Feng Shui texts warn that such a house, known as 'Backwards Arrow Poison,' brings risks to the inhabitants, including accidents, fires, or serious illness. According to the 'Ba Zhai Ming Jing' (Book of Eight Trigrams), this is an inauspicious layout. However, Feng Shui experts in Hong Kong often recommend using a concave mirror to remedy this flaw.

In large cities, some areas feature tall buildings lining both sides of narrow streets. This creates a spatial effect that resembles a sword descending from the sky. Homes facing such a setup, referred to as being hit by 'Heavenly Blade Poison,' are exposed to an excessive flow of Qi, which can lead to adverse effects. The narrow gap between the buildings causes air currents to intensify, channeling harmful energy directly into the house. This situation often leads to inhabitants feeling irritable, tense, or suffering from blood circulation problems, mental exhaustion, or even physical injuries over time. Furthermore, those living in these homes may face setbacks in business, with financial losses and obstacles caused by others' interference. The tighter and longer the gap, the greater the danger. The taller the buildings, the more harmful the effect. These homes are best avoided.

When purchasing a home or land, pay attention to who is the first person to open the gate and greet you. If it is a lively child, a young adult, or a healthy and active person, it is a sign that not only the transaction will be smooth, but the land itself is also fortunate. On the other hand, if an elderly, frail, sickly, or cold and unwelcoming person opens the door, the deal is less likely to succeed. In traditional beliefs, the person who greets you is believed to influence the prosperity and fortune of the home, so it is important to take notice during your search.

This is an important task that many potential homebuyers overlook, which can lead to purchasing undesirable properties that negatively affect their personal and family prosperity. According to traditional house selection methods, to gauge the quality of the property you're considering, simply look into the owner's background. A home's well-being is closely tied to the fortune and success of its owner. If the owner's family is unstable, with issues like wayward children, marital discord, illness, or financial failure, it is best to avoid such a property. However, if the owner’s family is stable and prosperous, it is a good sign to proceed with the purchase.

When entering a house, observe the condition of the threshold. If the steps or door show signs of wear, chipping, or deterioration, it indicates that the house has had frequent visitors, possibly from playful children. In ancient times, it was believed that such signs indicated a prosperous family, with many descendants and abundant blessings. It was thought that a house with many visitors would attract wealth and fortune, as the homeowner was welcoming and generous. On the other hand, if the house appears neglected, with sharp edges or little sign of activity (unless it's a new house), it suggests a lack of prosperity and should be avoided.