In India, people have always been apprehensive of purchasing south-facing plots and houses as there are myths about them not being auspicious. Vastu Shastra, which is an ancient science, has always been used in the country as a guideline for construction, and even now, many believe it can infuse the home with positive energy. As per designers and experts, Vaastu Shastra guidelines say that all directions are good and a few details can help to generate harmony and positivity in homes, offices, factories and any building that is frequented by people regularly.

Those who are planning to build or purchase a south-facing house or apartment needn't despair about myths about it leading to a financial crisis or family doom, as many wealthy and successful people have lived in such properties. In fact, south-facing homes are considered lucky for people in the administrative services like police, judiciary and paramilitary as the direction relates to the fire element. Also, people whose zodiac signs are ruled by Mars or are involved in professions where fire plays a significant role like culinary arts, arms and ammunition, fire equipment dealers and such, will prosper in south-facing homes.

Here are some easy to implement Vaastu guidelines such as reorganising rooms, setting up the home entrance and other details in and around the home that can enable the flow of positive energy in a south-facing house.

1.Entrance door norms

A home's vibes and energy can be sensed from the moment one walks in through the gate or entrance door. So, when planning the entrance of a south-facing home, there are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind. Experts recommend placing the main door in the central section of the south-facing wall or slightly towards the left. Also, the entrance door should not be centered on the south-facing wall or be towards the right as that is considered inauspicious.

2.Boundary wall regulations

For a bungalow or independent house, ensure that the west and south boundary walls of the house are thicker and higher than those on the east and north.

3.Water storage and wastewater removal norms

Most bungalows and independent homes have borne wells or underground water storage tanks near the entrance gate. However, the same position is not recommended for a south-facing house, as it could negatively affect female members of the house. Ideally, the water storage and the septic tank should not be in the south or south-west. The flow of the water disposal can be directed towards the east or north direction for safety and wellbeing of residents.

4.Ideal colors for the façade

Few people know that colors can play a significant role in improving or diminishing the Vaastu of a house. It pays to be cautious while selecting facade colors for a south-facing home as the wrong colors can lead to imbalances in the energy. The perfect colors are light shades of red, brown or orange. Tones such as blue grey or black should be avoided.

5.Location of the master bedroom

Bedrooms should be havens of peace to ensure that both body and mind get complete rest. In a south-facing home, the master bedroom should be in the south-west direction. However, if the house is spread over two or three levels, then the master bedroom should always be located on the highest floor, and it should ideally be in the south-west direction.

6.Kitchen location

In a south-facing house, the location of the kitchen and fire source plays a significant role in the health and harmony of its residents. The home should ideally have a south-east based kitchen where people can cook facing eastwards as that direction lets in the maximum sunlight.

If the kitchen is located in the north-west direction, then people should face the west while cooking. Avoid having a south-west kitchen in a south-facing house under all circumstances. Also, the kitchen of south-facing houses should use soft tones to ensure harmony in energy.

7.Location of south facing plot

For a south-facing house to be peaceful and beneficial for its residents, the plot should slope down towards the north or east. It is best to check the plot before construction begins as it is always more fruitful if the southern side is higher and it slopes down towards the east or north. If the plot slopes down from the north or east side towards the south, it can lead to poverty and ill health for the residents, and they might struggle to prosper in life.

8.Boundary wall height

In a south-facing single-family dwelling, the height and breadth of the boundary walls should also be carefully designed to avoid discord and health issues. The boundary walls should be higher and thicker in the south compared to the walls in the other three directions – north, east and west. The logic is that the thick walls will absorb the intense afternoon heat during summer and protect the residents from its ill effects.

9.Ideal location of the home's heart and soul

Ideally, the living room and pooja area or prayer room are regarded as the heart and soul of every home as these are places where people relax and enjoy me time. In a south-facing home, both the living room and pooja area should be placed in the south, south-west or west direction.

    10. Car parking area

The last point among the do’s and don'ts for south-facing homes focuses on the most neglected section, namely the garage. In India, most families keep the car parked on the road in front of the house. In a south-facing house, the garage can be planned in any place except the south.