**Why Vastu Still Matters in 2026** A PropSouth survey of 1,400 South Indian homebuyers in Q4 2025 found that 63% consider Vastu compliance as "very important" or "essential" in their property search. Among buyers above 45 years of age, the figure rose to 81%. Builders have responded — most new projects in Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru now offer Vastu-compliant floor plans as standard, and some explicitly market "100% Vastu" projects. **The Core Vastu Principles for Apartments** **Main Entrance/Door** The best directions for the main entrance are North, East, or North-East. These are considered auspicious as they allow morning sunlight to enter the home. South-facing main doors are considered inauspicious in traditional Vastu. *Practical modern note:* In high-rise apartments, not every unit can have a north or east entrance. Many Vastu practitioners accept that the building's main entrance direction takes precedence for apartments above the ground floor. **Master Bedroom** Southwest corner of the flat is ideal. The head of the household sleeping with their head pointing South (feet towards North) is considered beneficial. Avoid master bedrooms in the Northeast corner. **Kitchen** Southeast is the ideal kitchen location (Fire governs this corner). Northwest is acceptable. Avoid kitchen in the Northeast or Southwest. **Bathrooms** Northwest or West is ideal for bathrooms. Avoid Northeast (Ishanya corner) as a bathroom location — this is considered particularly inauspicious. **Living Room** North or East is ideal for the living area. Ensure the main seating faces East or North. **What to Check During a Site Visit** - Note the direction the main door of the apartment faces (use your phone's compass) - Check if the master bedroom is towards the Southwest of the floor plan - Verify the kitchen is not in the Northeast - Look at the balcony direction — East-facing balconies allow morning light, considered auspicious **Vastu and Resale Value** In South India's secondary market, Vastu-non-compliant apartments (particularly south-facing or with toilet in northeast) can be harder to sell to certain buyer segments and may command a 3–5% discount. This is a real, if irrational, market reality. **When Vastu and Price Conflict** If you find an otherwise ideal apartment that's south-facing, most modern Vastu practitioners and architects can suggest remedies: - Vastu-aligned décor and colour palettes - Mirror placement to redirect negative energy - Threshold (thresh) elevation adjustments Ultimately, Vastu compliance is one of many factors. A structurally sound, RERA-registered, well-located apartment in a reputable project is more important than strict Vastu compliance — especially if you can apply simple remedies.