In property, small details can make a big difference.
One of the best examples is the direction your house faces.
This can impact your lifestyle and the value of your property.
Read on to learn more.
Ways to find out which direction your house faces
Compass
If you have a compass in your house, stand at your front door with it.
Of course, first make sure your compass is being held level and isn’t close to any magnetic objects (i.e., power lines, electronic devices, etc.)
Apps
You could also use an application on your phone.
These will tell you the direction you’re facing from the front door. This includes map apps, such as:
- Google Maps
- Apple Maps
- MapQuest
And compass apps, such as:
- Built-in compass app
- Digital Compass (by Axiomatic Inc.)
- Compass & Altimeter (by PixelProse SARL).
Ask your neighbours
At least half of your neighbours will often face your house in the same direction.
So, they might if you don’t know the answer to this question! Don’t be afraid to ask them.
Position of the sun
The position of the sun is how most people work out the answer.
It rises in the east and sets in the west. Use this as your basis for working it out.
Is it essential which direction your house faces?
It can be. Your house direction impacts the natural light you receive.
It can also affect your energy efficiency. These are two things that you and potential buyers may care about.
The position of your windows, about the sunrise, is one example.
When your windows face the east, you’ll see the sunrise every morning and thus get lots of light. But it may be darker in the evenings.
Meanwhile, if your windows face west, it could be darker in the mornings. But you’ll receive the light from sunset.
If you’ve got them, exposure to sunlight can also affect solar panel generation. South-facing homes tend to be warmer than north-facing homes.
Features of a north-facing house
When your house faces the north, it tends to be cooler. This is because it is less exposed to direct sunlight.
This may be useful in the hotter months. However, in the winter, it could be disadvantageous.
You tend to have less natural light at the front of a north-facing house. This may force you to install more lighting.
Features of a south-facing house
A south-facing house tends to be the warmest. This is because it receives the most sunlight throughout the day.
South-facing windows will be beneficial for plant growth. And your house may not need as much central heating in the winter.
Just be aware that the house can get extra hot during the warm months of summer.
Features of an east-facing house
You’ll get lots of morning sunlight when your house faces the east. You’ll be facing the sunrise directly.
And if you’ve got windows at the front of your property, it’ll receive lots of natural light.
On the other hand, your house may be slightly darker in the late afternoon and evening.
This is because the sun will be in the west, behind your house. Windows on both sides of your property can mitigate this.
Your property also tends to be cooler in the evenings.
Features of a west-facing house
You receive most of your sunlight in the late afternoon and evening.
The sunset will go straight in front of your house, perfect if you have windows.
Compared to other properties, your house tends to be warmer in the evening. But it may be cooler in the early mornings.
Does direction house faces impact property value?
Yes, it can do.
South-facing properties are considered the most valuable because they get the most sunlight during the day. This can result in an offer up to 5% higher.
North-facing properties tend to receive the least sunlight, making them less desirable.
However, if this house has a south-facing garden, then this may counteract that since it means the garden will be brighter.
As explained above, West and East-facing properties have unique pros and cons.
Just ensure your buyer is aware of this. Most of the time, it’s unlikely to impact value significantly.
