The ancient practice that could unlock real estate value

What if your home’s energy could influence its worth? Feng shui isn’t just about harmony – it’s a hidden factor that can unlock real estate potential.

Kelly McCloskey is a rare blend. Combining her early career in real estate with over a decade as a practising feng shui expert, she understands the property market and what resonates like no one else.

Through 10 property transactions – not counting her numerous clientele – McCloskey has repeatedly witnessed the effect of carefully calibrated feng shui on potential buyers.

“Every property I’ve worked on has seen a remarkable level of interest,” she notes. “There’s an intangible quality – a resonance that draws people in, often in ways they can’t fully articulate.”

But the results are compelling. Each home she has transformed has secured a premium, and on several occasions, the price per square metre has set records.

This aligns with recent findings in the property sector. A study by HSBC revealed that 57 per cent of Australians believe feng shui would increase their home’s value, while 40 per cent said they would implement feng shui principles to encourage a sale. Part of its subtlety is that buyers may not always be consciously aware of feng shui’s impact. But 82 per cent admitted they prefer homes that utilise its principles, even if they don’t realise it.

The numbers show that feng shui isn’t just an aesthetic preference – it’s a market advantage.

“It’s about more than aesthetics, it’s about creating an emotional anchor,” McCloskey explains. “Good feng shui builds an environment that feels balanced and inviting, allowing buyers to feel an immediate, instinctive connection – this connection is a strategic advantage.”

Oliver Bruce, director at Marshall White, has observed the growing sophistication of today’s buyers. “I’ve seen a perceptible trend in the luxury market – buyers no longer dismiss feng shui as a novelty; they’re evaluating it as a factor in their purchasing decisions,” Bruce affirms. “In a world where peace of mind is a rare commodity, feng shui brings a sense of calm and order that high-end clients value.”

Bruce emphasises that the elegance of feng shui lies in its seamless integration. A properly aligned property doesn’t broadcast its intentionality; rather, it exudes a pleasing harmony.

With her real estate expertise and understanding of what buyers value – combined with a deep understanding of feng shui – McCloskey has seen the financial results firsthand.

In November 2019, Bruce sold McCloskey’s Albert Park property at 50.2 per cent above the median house price for the suburb at the time.

Another of her properties in Port Melbourne achieved a 60.2 per cent premium over the median price in March 2020. While many factors influence the property market, these figures hint at the potential of homes incorporating feng shui principles.

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Properties under McCloskey’s guidance consistently attract competitive bidding, often with multiple offers.

“People today are looking for more than just a home, they’re searching for a sanctuary,” she observes. “When a property has been aligned with feng shui principles, it offers a sense of harmony and experience that lingers with the visitor.”

In the luxury market, this experiential aspect transcends standard valuation metrics, translating into an unseen factor that can contribute to higher sale prices.

“There is a subtlety to feng shui when done well,” McCloskey elaborates. “It creates spaces that breathe, and energy flows naturally – resulting in a profound sense of tranquillity.” For the sophisticated buyer, this flow speaks to a lifestyle that values not just visual beauty but also an underlying sense of wellness and balance.

The market is witnessing a shift as more discerning buyers seek homes that resonate on an aesthetic and emotional level. For luxury sector sellers, embracing feng shui enhances a property’s appeal and aligns it with a narrative of well-being, exclusivity and refined sensibilities.

As an ancient practice, feng shui is a subtle yet powerful influence that can distinguish a home and draw in those who appreciate the delicate balance of beauty and harmony. More than just an atmospheric enhancement, it is proving to be a potential driver of property value.