| Photo by bricknbolt.com via Steve Derodar
Just as the sun rises in the East, a dependable certainty of our natural world, so too does the importance of orientation rise in the world of real estate. In the same way that the sun’s position dictates the rhythm of life, the direction a property faces can dictate its value, warmth, and even energy efficiency.
Absolutely true. There’s massive importance to using a compass in real estate, a tool for making wise investments and not just for navigating. Buyers can make informed selections by being aware of a property’s orientation. For instance, homes facing south are frequently blessed with abundant sunlight all day, contributing to their increased energy efficiency and comfort. In contrast, residences facing west receive abundant afternoon and evening sunlight, making them ideal for sunset views but maybe less energy-efficient in the summer.
In the same way that explorers have relied on the compass to navigate the unknown, homebuyers should depend on a compass to understand how natural elements, like light and wind, interact with the property. When you invest in real estate, a compass symbolizes clarity and foresight—it ensures you’re not just buying walls and a roof but a home that aligns with your lifestyle, comfort, and future value.
To the untrained eye, orientation might seem like a small detail, but for the savvy buyer, it is the beginning of a journey—much like how the sun’s ascent starts the day. The compass guides us through more than mere directions; it guides us toward informed, strategic real estate investments. Investing in properties with optimal exposure ensures a comfortable living environment and a stronger return on investment, as homes with the right light, heat, and energy efficiency often command higher prices in the market.
As widely known, properties that embrace the sunrise—those facing east—often symbolize the dawn of opportunity, lighting up early with natural light, warmth, and optimism. They’re prized for their ability to welcome the day, offering aesthetic beauty and financial benefit.
How relatable! Fifteen years ago, when deciding on a lot of purchase, a client was keen on where the lot was located. My buyer for a premier Laguna residential lot knew that for as long as she gets an East-facing lot, she was sold already upon knowledge. As a retiree, she believed that an east-facing house was perfect for her, believed to be auspicious. Her strong belief in Feng Shui led her to prioritize an East-facing home. According to Feng Shui principles, an east-facing house welcomes prosperity, health, and balance. For her, the symbolism of the sun rising in the east represented new beginnings and success. She believed the energy of the morning sun would help boost positive chi, leading to peace and harmony for her family.
True or not, The phrase “The sun rises in the East” is not just a universal truth but also a significant factor in real estate.For others, Understanding a property’s exposure to the sun, particularly which direction it faces, plays a crucial role in its desirability, comfort, and long-term value.
Homes that face east capture the first light of day, which provides numerous benefits, including natural light, energy efficiency, wellness, and mood, which are ideal for gardens and greenery. East-facing properties enjoy ample morning sunlight, ideal for early risers and those who want a bright and cheerful home environment. Energy Efficiency: By receiving sunlight in the morning, these homes can remain cooler in the afternoons and evenings, reducing the need for air conditioning and potentially saving energy costs in warmer climates. Wellness and Mood: Morning sunlight is associated with better mental health, boosting moods and overall well-being. Natural light, especially in the morning, can help set the body’s circadian rhythms, promoting better sleep patterns. Ideal for Gardens and Greenery: Gardens and landscaping thrive in east-facing homes because they receive direct sunlight in the cooler part of the day, helping to nourish plants without the intense heat of the afternoon sun.
James, a young professional from New York, emphasized his preference for an East-facing apartment because he loved starting his day early. With a demanding job as an executive, he enjoyed waking up with the sun shining through his windows, energizing him for the day. The morning light flooding the room was a significant factor in his choice. The way the light gently woke him up without the harsh glare of an afternoon or west-facing sun was critical in creating his ideal living environment.
“The choice between east-facing and other property orientations largely depends on lifestyle, cultural beliefs, and geographic location. Some prioritize the morning energy and symbolism of the rising sun,”
Maria, a buyer in Texas, preferred a West-facing property over an east-facing one due to the climate. Texas is known for its hot afternoons, and an east-facing home might mean more relaxed afternoons since the house would only be exposed to the morning sun. For Maria, it was essential to reduce energy costs, so she sought a home that wouldn’t trap heat during the day, something that east-facing properties in hotter climates sometimes struggle with. She chose a west-facing home to keep things cooler naturally without over-relying on air conditioning.
In Manhattan, Amir and Sarah, a couple working in finance, were presented with two options: an East-facing apartment with views of the sunrise and a West-facing option that offered a view of the Hudson River. Amir preferred the east-facing apartment because it gave him a sense of calmness in the morning as the sunlight gently illuminated the skyline. However, Sarah was drawn to the west-facing apartment for the majestic sunsets. Their real estate agent noted that many buyers in New York face this same dilemma: an inspiring sunrise vs. breathtaking sunsets.
On the West Coast, specifically in Malibu, coastal properties facing West tend to be more desirable. Sharon, a buyer who wanted a beach house, found the West-facing house more appealing because it provided stunning ocean sunsets. She enjoyed entertaining guests in the evening, and the visual of the sun setting over the water was a key selling point. However, her friend Emily, who also wanted to buy a coastal property, preferred an East-facing home on the other side of the country in Florida, where the sunrise over the Atlantic would create an entirely different, yet equally breathtaking, experience.
The choice between east-facing and other property orientations largely depends on lifestyle, cultural beliefs, and geographic location. Some prioritize the morning energy and symbolism of the rising sun, while others prefer the warmer afternoons or scenic sunsets of west-facing homes. Climate, energy efficiency, and architectural preferences also play critical roles in decision-making.
While many factors influence real estate decisions, considering the direction a property faces—particularly whether it allows the morning sun to flood in from the east—can significantly enhance its value, comfort, and energy efficiency.
The sun rises in the East, and that much is still valid. The phrase “The Sun rises in the East” has acquired symbolic implications in literature and everyday use. It’s frequently connected to fresh starts, hope, rejuvenation, and the prospect of a brand-new day. A sign of light, awakening, and enlightenment, the East is associated with many different civilizations and spiritual traditions.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: In New York City, Stevenson is affiliated with Elegran Forbes Global Properties as a Real Estate Advisor and licensed Real Estate Salesperson. Forbes Global Properties is a global network of elite real estate professionals, including brokers, developers, and agents, who specialize in luxury properties. Through Forbes Global Properties, members can connect with affluent buyers and sellers across the globe and showcase their high-end properties on a global stage. Stevenson is a member of the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Email him at svderodar@elegran.com.
