When choosing a property, many people pay special attention to the view and orientation. You often hear older generations say, “Buy a property that faces south,” or even the phrase “A south-facing unit is priceless.” While this may sound like superstition, there’s actually some scientific reasoning behind it.
Traditionally, a unit’s orientation is determined by the direction the main door faces. If the main door faces south, then the unit is considered south-facing (and north-facing from the back). This is the so-called “north-south orientation” that many people prefer. However, with modern floor plans becoming more varied, the way orientation is determined has evolved. Nowadays, it’s more common to judge orientation based on the direction of the main windows in the living and dining rooms or the opening of the balcony.
Apart from the perceived benefits of feng shui, the popularity of south-facing units largely comes down to practical factors like sunlight, natural lighting, ventilation, and insulation. These factors contribute to a more comfortable living environment and have some scientific basis.
According to the Hong Kong Observatory, the sun is always in the south during winter in Hong Kong. This means south-facing units receive more sunlight in the colder months, making them warmer. In summer, south-facing units are more likely to catch cooling breezes from the south. In short, these units tend to be warmer in winter and cooler in summer, offering a more comfortable living environment compared to other orientations.
But are south-facing units always perfect? Not necessarily. While these units have clear advantages, there are also some potential downsides depending on the circumstances. For one, not all south-facing units are created equally. They don’t always face directly south; they can also face southeast or southwest. Southwest-facing units, for instance, may experience intense afternoon sunlight, which could lead to overheating, particularly in the summer.
If a south-facing unit is in an open area, it can enjoy good ventilation and breezes. However, if it faces undesirable surroundings like garbage stations, busy roads, or back alleys, odours and dust could be blown directly into the home, turning the advantage of good ventilation into a disadvantage. Similarly, if the unit is surrounded by taller buildings, it might not benefit from the “winter warmth and summer coolness” effect at all.
In Hong Kong, sea views are often the top choice for homebuyers, followed by mountain views. But if a south-facing unit also has a sea view, it’s important to note that sea breezes carry higher salt content, which can accelerate the corrosion of electrical appliances, especially air conditioners. Air conditioners typically use aluminium or zinc evaporators, which are more susceptible to salt damage, leading to faster wear and tear and higher maintenance or replacement costs.
Humidity is another factor to consider, especially during the rainy season. South-facing units are more prone to moisture-related problems, such as damp walls, floors, and furniture, which can lead to mould. To mitigate this, residents can use dehumidifiers to keep the indoor environment dry.
In conclusion, while south-facing units have many advantages, they’re not always the best choice. Other factors, such as floor height, openness, surrounding environment, and the view, should also be taken into account. Buying a property is a major life decision, and orientation is just one of many considerations. It’s essential to visit the unit in person to fully understand its pros and cons and ensure it’s the right fit for you.
