Feng Shui factor

You’ve upgraded the appliances, repainted interior walls, and laid new floor coverings. But there’s another upgrade you probably haven’t considered – one that doesn’t require a contractor, won’t break the bank, and might just make your property irresistible to a whole new segment of renters or buyers: Feng Shui.

What is Feng Shui anyway?

Feng Shui (pronounced “fung shway”) is an ancient Chinese practice that aims to harmonise individuals with their environment by arranging objects and spaces to optimise the flow of energy (qi) and promote balance, well-being, and prosperity. The term itself translates to “wind” (feng) and “water” (shui) – two elements that flow freely through nature.

The prevalence of Feng Shui in the local property market is hard to gauge. But surveys in other markets point to its economic significance. For example, according to a survey by the American Real Estate Association, properties marketed with Feng Shui features saw 12% more inquiries from potential tenants. Forty-seven percent of Asian American home buyers consider Feng Shui principles “important” or “very important” in their decision-making process.

According to the 2023 New Zealand census, 861,576 people identified as part of the Asian ethnic group, representing 17.3% of the total population.

Feng Shui isn’t just spiritual – it’s a financial consideration.

Why landlords should care?

TradeMe statistics from February show a spectacular increase in the number of new rental listings in Auckland: up from 8,049 to 10,805 – a 34% lift compared to the same time last year.

Renters haven’t had so many options and are increasingly selective. Little wonder some landlords are offering $500 grocery vouchers or a free week’s rent to secure a tenant.

Landlords need a point of difference. Better Feng Shui could attract a whole new tenant pool. It could also result in better long-term care of your property – tenants who feel “in harmony” with their space tend to treat it better.

Plus, many Feng Shui principles align with what makes spaces generally appealing – good lighting, thoughtful layouts, and clutter-free environments.

Feng Shui quick hits

You don’t need to redesign your entire property or hire a Feng Shui master (though they do exist). Here are some practical changes that align with Feng Shui principles to make your property more appealing:

Entrance: The entrance represents how energy enters the home – and how opportunity enters your tenants’ lives:

• Remove obstacles within 9 feet of the front door
• A well-lit entrance signifies clarity and opportunity
• Ensure doors open fully (not blocked by furniture) and don’t squeak (squeaky door = squeaky finances, apparently)
• Red, brown, or black doors are particularly auspicious in Feng Shui

Layout: How energy flows through spaces matters:

• Beds and desks should be positioned so occupants can see the door without being directly in line with it (this creates a sense of security that resonates on a primal level)
• Allow pathways for energy to circulate
• Mirrors facing the front door are a big no-no, because they “bounce” good energy right back out
• Incorporate wood, fire, earth, metal, and water through materials and colours

Bathroom: Bathrooms are wealth-drainers in Feng Shui (think about it – water going down drains = money flowing away):

• Keep toilet lids down – it’s the easiest wealth-protection move in Feng Shui
• Fix leaky faucets – they symbolise money dripping away
• Close the bathroom door to keep wealth energy from escaping
• Add plants to transform negative energy

Bad Feng Shui: What to avoid

Presenting an “energy challenged” property is a big no-no. Here’s what NOT to do:

• Sharp corners pointing at beds/desks create “poison arrows” of negative energy
• Cluttered closets block prosperity (and make your property look smaller)
• Broken anything  = broken promises = broken lease agreements
• Nothing kills energy like dead plants
• Mirrors facing beds disrupt sleep by bouncing energy around (and nobody wants to stare at themselves while sleeping)
• Water features in the south create a conflict between fire and water elements

Is Feng Shui going to magically transform your rental? Probably not. But in a market where points of difference matter, incorporating Feng Shui principles can make your property stand out in listing photos and appeal to demographics you might be missing. The best part? Many Feng Shui principles cost nothing to implement, just requiring thoughtful arrangement and presentation.

Call 0800 GOODWINS to dive deeper into rental market idiosyncrasies and small changes you can make to command the best possible rent.