Indians are among top international buyers of property in London, and many are keen that their purchases comply with the principles of vastu-shastra, the ancient Indian system of architecture.

The “golden postcodes” of prime central London locations of major interest to Indians are Mayfair, Belgravia and Knightsbridge — many buyers have pre-existing links with the UK and interest is also driven by historic ties, cultural and family links, and as a destination for their children’s education.

Specific needs of Indian buyers often include space for prayer area, a servant’s quarter and a separate entrance for staff. There is also a preference for complexes that offer a porter/security so that the property can be locked up and looked after when they are not in the country.

Property developer One Point Six has converted a flat inside a 19th century house in the city’s Knightsbridge area into a three-bedroom, three-bathroom flat according to vastu principles, offering it at a price of £4.75 million. The developer used the services of vastu expert Geetanjali Bhalla for the conversion project.

Located on the third floor at 49-51 Pont Street, the 1,360 sq ft flat has been classified as 80% vastu compliant, which is well above the London average, Caroline Takla of One Point Six told Hindustan Times.

She said Indian clients, encouraged by norms which have been relaxed to allow them to buy property outside India, have often expressed frustration that London flats and houses are not vastu-compliant.

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