Aspect Matters - The geographic orientation of your home in relation to the sun can have a big impact on quality of lifestyle and future resale value

First, we need to understand the sun and how this has such a huge impact on how a house or apartment should be oriented to achieve a quality living space. For Sydneysiders living in this part of the world, our sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Add to this the knowledge that the sun tilts toward the north in winter, sitting lower in the sky, and moves high overhead in summer, and you soon understand that a northerly aspect will give you direct sun in winter and overhead sun in summer, ideal for year-round all-day sun.

In contrast, a southern aspect will give you no sun in winter and no direct sun in summer, which is less than ideal. Facing south can bring all sorts of issues, including damp conditions even after rain has passed. No direct sun prevents evaporation, causing the ground to remain wet for much longer periods. No direct sun also means darker rooms and, in the cooler months, a much colder house, which will affect the cost of running and heating the home.
Moving to the east, the advantages of an eastern aspect are direct morning sun while avoiding the often strong afternoon sun, especially in summer. The sun rises in the east, so for me, as a night person, the thought of being woken at 5 am by the rising sun has zero appeal, but for many, an eastern outlook is ideal. Living on the east coast of Australia, this means potential ocean views and beautiful sunrises (if you’re into that sort of thing – lol).

A western aspect brings a setting sun in your eyes late afternoon, and in summer, this comes with afternoon heat. But it’s not all bad; western sun in winter offers a different story, warming you in the late afternoon when everywhere else the temperature is dropping. Luckily, technology has made the western sun a lot more manageable these days, whether it be window tinting, double glazing, or electric blinds and awnings that control the direct sunlight at different hours of the day.

We now need to focus on how you should prioritise aspect when choosing a home to buy. To help make this decision, I like to direct my clients toward the part of the house in which they’ll be doing most of their living. In modern home design, this often means the open-plan kitchen/living room, and of equal importance, the outdoor space. A garden bathed in all-day sun is most preferable, especially if it contains a pool and outdoor entertaining area. I always like to suggest that the indoor/outdoor living space is the aspect of most importance in which you’ll most want to be throughout the greater hours of the day.

Aspect Desirability Star Rating

There are, of course, exceptions to the rule.

The above aspect star rating is best applied to houses and apartments that have neighbouring properties which will interrupt sun and light at different times of the day. The star rating gives you the best potential for light and sun in those circumstances.

The rules get tested when you have a property with a far-stretching open vista. In these circumstances, shadowing of your outlook is reduced, and light, though not necessarily directly into your home, can be seen in the distance, and the impression is a lighter, brighter outlook.

The second scenario in which the rules get tested is when your outlook is over water. Water reflects sunlight and provides a sparkling backdrop, which adds light and brightness to your outlook. In Sydney, there are many suburbs with stunning water views taken in from the south, east, and west that by nature (and market demand) offer a desirable aspect.

As a strategic property consultant, I can’t emphasise enough the importance of aspect when considering a new home. For apartments, this is by far the single most important factor when considering a purchase. A house usually offers windows on four sides, which allows light to enter at different times of the day. In comparison, an apartment may only have windows on one side. Get the aspect wrong, and you’ll be stuck with a dark, cold, and potentially damp home.

Finally, aspect affects the value of a property. Desirable aspects command a premium, while southern aspect properties (without a view) are worth less and are harder to sell, especially in winter

Aspect Matters

Engage a strategic buyer’s agent to navigate the complexities of the Sydney Real Estate Property Market. Buying property in Sydney is by far your largest financial investment. Poor due diligence, lack of current market knowledge, no access to valuation and negotiation tools and general outdated market exposure can lead to a poor purchase and potentially the purchase of a poor-quality asset. Surround yourself with experience, MCS Buyers, ensuring you buy well in Sydney.

Important Note: The above article is not intended as financial advice and serves as an example of a strategy practiced by clients we work for in securing quality property in the Sydney Real Estate market. It is strongly advised that anyone looking to buy property should first seek professional financial advice from a licensed accountant, financial planner, and mortgage broker to review their individual financial circumstances and abilities.