Vastu might be an ancient science, offering insights into building construction, but it is as popular today as it ever was. To provide better clarity to buyers who seek to build Vastu-compliant homes, we answer some frequently asked questions about property building, keeping in mind the rules prescribed in Vastu Shastra. 

Are a household's peace and well-being connected with its Vastu?

Houses that are designed to provide smooth coordination between the five elements of nature: earth, air, water, fire and space, are likely to attract peace. By laying down specific rules, the ancient Indian science of Vastu ensures the same. Since healthy living has a lot to do with a healthy life and a growing career, a home that is blessed with easy access to all the natural elements, is likely to promote an overall healthy and prosperous life cycle.

How does the shape of a plot impact a home’s environment according to Vastu?

Vastu lays a great deal of emphasis on shapes and sizes in building construction. While some shapes are considered perfect for living purposes, others are not highly recommended. The premise of this is also based on the logic that a house should be shaped and be facing the natural elements in such a way that it gets the best of everything, without having too much exposure that would be detrimental for human life in any way. 

For residences, square or rectangular-shaped plots are ideal. Round, oval, triangular and L-shaped plots are best avoided. Vastu recommends against flats/plots what have cuts towards the corner.

Does a person’s date of birth influence property purchase?

Vastu does not specify any such rule. It holds true, only when it is interpreted keeping in mind the rules prescribed under astrology. This concept has its source in numerology, too.

If a home is not built following Vastu rules, will it have a negative impact during resale?

Buyers are becoming increasingly conscious about Vastu Shastra and its impact on their life. Consequently, builders now use Vastu-compliance as a unique selling point for their housing projects. A Vastu-compliant house will surely help, if you are planning to sell it.

What should be the location of water tanks/septic tanks in a house as per Vastu?

The ideal locations to place overhead water tanks are in the north, west and north-west directions. It must be ensured that the overhead tank is not placed right above the main entrance. Barring the west, a septic tank could be placed in any direction. However, it should not have an extension in the south or the south-west.

What should be a house's floor plan according to Vastu?

 North-facing homes are considered the ideal floor plan according to Vastu.

What are the remedies if a house has Vastu doshas?

Vastu offers problem-specific remedies, in order to lessen the impact of what are known as doshas (deficiencies). By making small changes in your household, it is possible to address a specific shortcoming that your house might have from a Vastu point of view.

What is the significance of open spaces in Vastu?

To maintain balance between the elements, open spaces are highly recommended in Vastu. It also recommends keeping the open spaces towards the north and east.

Is it necessary to construct a house in accordance with the principles of Vastu Shastra? If one doesn’t follow them, can it cause problems?

More than often, buyers do not have a choice to check and ensure that a property is built in a Vastu-friendly manner. At the same time, there are no definite facts to indicate that living in a house that is not built keeping in mind the Vastu rules, can be disastrous.

However, it must be noted here that Vastu is more of a science, in which rules are made keeping in mind the environment we live in. It is, for example, scientifically good to have as much sunlight and natural light in your home as possible, something that Vastu strongly prescribes.

Are Vastu compliant properties costlier?

Since a lot of planning, diligent execution and resources go into a Vastu-compliant home, such properties are  typically priced much higher than similar properties that are not constructed in accordance with Vastu rules. 

The increased demand for such homes is another reason why Vastu-compliant homes are costlier. Such is the popularity of this ancient concept now that second-time buyers often  look for new properties so that they are able to move to a home that meets Vastu standards.

When compared to a normal property, rates of Vastu-complaint properties may be higher by 4%-10% per sq ft.