How to choose an apartment in Bulgaria according to the cardinal directions

When looking for a new home, there are many things to keep in mind that are important for comfort. One of the key considerations is the position of the apartment in relation to the cardinal directions. How do you correctly choose an apartment in a new-build development in Bulgaria according to the cardinal directions? Are windows facing south or north better?

When buying a home you always have to make compromises. That said, our property sales experience shows that buyers do not want to give up their choice of orientation when purchasing an apartment. Everyone has their own idea of which way the apartment's windows should face: north, south, west or east.

Under the spatial planning law, the layout of apartments and their orientation to the cardinal directions is classified as follows: south, south-east, south-west, east, west, north-east, north-west, north.

The orientation of an apartment's windows to the cardinal directions depends on personal preference, on how well the building is insulated, whether it is an old or new construction, and what heating or cooling appliances are in place.

When planning the rooms in line with the building's orientation, the layout of the rooms is decided — wherever possible preference is given to the living rooms. They have the best exposure, followed by children's rooms, bedrooms, the kitchen, the staircase, bathrooms and utility rooms.

Advantages and disadvantages of the various orientations of an apartment

A south-facing apartment in Bulgaria. Pros and cons

According to specialists, the best exposure is the south side of the apartment. Will it be hot in summer? Of course, in summer such an apartment is warmer. At the same time, during the season the sun is quite high and does not reach into the rooms if there is a covered terrace or an awning over the window. 
Among the advantages, in winter the sun is lower and lights the room all day long, significantly raises the temperature and provides abundant natural light.

Windows facing south-east

This is considered one of the best options. In summer it is not too hot. In winter it is sunny enough, which lowers the heating bills.
South-west orientation. Advantages and disadvantages
In summer it is very hot. You will need air conditioning. But for the other nine months it is very sunny and the apartment is pleasantly warm.

East-facing orientation

The sun will wake you up in the morning, but around midday it will be in the shade. In summer it is great, in winter bright and cosy.

West-facing windows: pros and cons

West-facing rooms are lit from midday until sunset. Summer without air conditioning will be difficult for the occupants. The rest of the time it is a real blessing. The apartment is very bright.

To the north-east

In the morning the situation is acceptable. The sun reaches into the rooms and warms them in spring and summer. Will it be dark? The rest of the day and of the year it is cool and not bright enough.

The apartment's windows face north-west. Is it worth buying

For most people only pure north is worse than north-west. Especially since north-westerly winds prevail in most regions of Bulgaria. Will it be cold in winter? It will be cool — pay attention to the building's insulation.

North side

A north-facing apartment does not need cooling in hot weather. On the other hand, the rest of the time — about 9 months — it is cold, damp and gloomy.

According to Bulgarian construction regulations, «a dwelling cannot be entirely oriented to the north-east, north-west or north».

What determines the choice of an apartment by the cardinal directions

A home is usually oriented in more than one direction. The more favourable exposure is given to the living room and the children's room, while the less favourable is given to the bedrooms and utility rooms. Apartment: sunny side or not? The general rule is: the more the sun shines into your home, the easier it is to keep warm in winter. The more natural light there is, the healthier the microclimate.

However, there are exceptions. Even if an apartment has an ideal orientation —  south-east, but is shaded by a neighbouring building, there is no benefit. In a well-insulated and ventilated home it will not be cold and damp even with a northerly orientation. Modern windows with appropriate glazing will temper even the heat of a south-west exposure.

The choice of orientation, besides its objective characteristics, depends on your personal preferences.

So, if you dislike heat and overly bright light, the north-east will probably be more valuable to you than the south-east. If autumn depression comes over you every year during the dark and cold season — you need a warm, sunny spot.
 

Which way should an apartment's windows face according to feng shui

Some buyers prefer to choose an apartment according to the canons of feng shui. It is worth starting with an analysis of the shape of the home. Feng shui for the home recommends regular squares and rectangles — they are easy to divide into bagua zones. Irregular shapes are best avoided.

The entrance to the apartment should be wide, so that chi energy can flow into the home unimpeded. You should not skimp on windows.

The home should be as symmetrical as possible. Symmetry and harmony are the foundation of feng shui teaching.

Each cardinal direction in feng shui is a source of energy influencing a particular area of life.

Energy enters the home through the front door and the windows. This means that the central facade and the entrance should be oriented towards the direction whose energy you lack or need.

Table of feng shui sectors and zones with their corresponding energies

Feng shui tools allow you to increase or reduce the penetration into the home of the energy you need or wish to avoid.

The energy map will suggest where it is best to arrange the bedroom, the children's rooms, the kitchen, the study and the living room.

East-facing windows in feng shui are the ideal position. In such a room you can feel the influence of the strong energy of the rising sun and the newborn day. This zone strengthens family relationships. An east-facing orientation is suitable for the bedroom, children's room, living room, dining room and kitchen.

The south side attracts positive energy. Light should pass freely through the glass, and to protect against negativity a canopy or awning is installed above the window. This zone is suitable for a study, dining room or living room.

A northerly orientation is responsible for career, and is suitable for a study or library.

West is the creative zone. It is suitable for a children's or games room. Light curtains are recommended for west-facing windows.

Bulgaria Avenue will work with you to select the best offers, with the orientation that will bring you cosiness, comfort and well-being.