Can You Buy a West-Facing House?

Can You Buy a West-Facing House?

Whenever most people have discussions about buying a house, one of the usual topics of conversation is what way the house is facing.  Some buyers are really keen on homes facing east, while others, who purchase homes, will only buy west-facing homes.  The big question is whether, as a buyer, you should consider purchasing a west-facing property, and whether it would be the right decision for you. Let us try to solve the issue so that you can make the right decision.

What is a West-Facing House?

A west-facing home is a home whose primary entrance or front of the home faces west. So even if (hypothetically) the west face is not your entry, you will still often be facing west, or at least to the east (if your property is on a 90-degree angle). This also means that if you have an area we call the living-room-type area, or you have windows to the front of your house, that area will get the most light when you are home later afternoon or into the evening, when the sun is setting. 

Some people think it is great because they can look out their window and see the sunset, while others are not too happy about their evenings. 

Can You Buy a West-Facing House?

Is It Good to Buy a West-Facing House?

Generally speaking, home orientation cannot be characterised as “good” or “bad.” It is highly individualised to your lifestyle, your interests and what you value most regarding a house. 

If you are considering a west-facing property in Winnipeg or anywhere in Canada, consider the following:

1. Natural Light in the Evening

Houses with western-facing windows may receive a significant quantity of evening light; they will be receiving a good amount of afternoon light for the most part, too. If you enjoy bringing light into your home after work and enjoy a bright sunny homecoming, a house that faces west may be a good choice. Evening light is peaceful and beautiful, and tends to cast a warm, golden colour on your walls, etc.

2. Warmer in the Winter

Winnipeg winters are long and very cold. A house with western-facing windows may provide you with a little extra warmth during those very cold winter days. The extra sun in winter can help to mitigate your heating bills, while increasing the comfort of your home.

3. Hotter in the Summer

In the summer, west-facing houses can get very warm. You may have to invest in suitable curtains, blinds or air conditioning to keep your living space cooler.

4. Energy Savings vs. Energy Costs

Depending on where your house faces, you may be saving energy in the winter, while spending more energy in the summer. This trade off is something to keep in mind when you are considering which house to purchase.

5. Resale Value

Here in Canada, and particularly in the case of Winnipeg, home orientation doesn’t matter much to resale value. Some buyers will even choose a property that has an east or south facing side when they ‘opt’ to do so. On the other hand, homes that face ‘west’ can be equally popular based on the view of sunsets and the calming nature of the night.

Should you buy a west-facing home in Winnipeg?

Absolutely, you can buy a west-facing home in Winnipeg or anywhere else in Canada.  What matters most is the lifestyle you live, and if a west-facing home fits in with that daily routine and personal preferences.  If the daily routine consists of being away at work all day (where you receive no natural light) only to come home in the evening to an open, inviting, and bright space that has literally welcomed you home after a long day, what does it matter if it faces west? 

However, if you are extremely sensitive to heat or much prefer a cooler and less sunlit room, you may want to think about it, or ensure that you have appropriate cooler solutions.

How AJ Buys Houses Makes the Process Easier for You

Purchasing or selling a house can be a stressful time, especially when things like direction can factor into the decision.  This is where AJ Buys Houses can assist.  We work with homeowners all over Winnipeg and beyond to be as easy and stress-free as possible.

  • If you are a homeowner looking to sell, we will make you a competitive cash offer and can possibly close very quickly. You will not have to worry about repairs, staging, or waiting months on market. There is a reason people search “we buy houses winnipeg” and decide to work with us.
  • If you are a home buyer looking for opportunities, we can help you with the true value of a home, regardless of whether the home is west-facing or not, to help you make an informed decision.

Our goal is to provide you with peace of mind and a painless transaction.

Conclusion

So, is it possible to buy a house that faces west? Well, absolutely! These homes allow for warm sunsets and cozy winter afternoons, as well as incredible sunsets. What truly matters when choosing a property is what means the most to you. 

At AJ Buys Houses, we believe any home can be the right home if it fits your priorities and budget. Whether you are buying, selling, or just exploring options, we will be with you every step of your journey. For more information, contact us now!

Contact Details

Company Name – AJ Buys Houses

Address – 404 Smithfield Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2V0C9

Phone No. – 204-295-5574

Email ID – info@ajbuyshouses.ca

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it negative for resale if your house faces west?

No, not at all.  Buyers in Winnipeg care more about location, price and condition, not direction. A west-facing house can sell as easily as any other house.

Q: Will it cost extra to cool a west-facing property during the summer?

Perhaps, although with modern insulation and high-efficiency windows, you can probably manage simply.

Q: Does a west-facing house get enough sun in the morning?

The morning sun will be mainly at the back of the house.  If you have a backyard or patio that faces east, you will have beautiful sunrises.

Q: How do I know if a west-facing house is right for me?

Think about your daily life. If you enjoy sunsets and spend your nights at home, this is a terrific option.

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