In order to assess a given plot of land's potential for good Vastu, ten primary characteristics are analyzed. The ten characteristics are as follows: land slope, land shape, soil condition, land history, adjacent buildings, surrounding streets, surrounding area, rivers/canals, hills/mountains, land orientation related to one's work/nature. This presentation will describe how to identify an ideal plot of land based upon the characteristics given in Vastu scriptures.

The slope of the land significantly influences the quality of the household. Generally speaking, the south and the west should be higher so that the land slopes towards an open north and east. This ideal land slope absorbs nature's auspiciousness from the north and east and evades the inauspicious influences from the south and west. This slope also causes rainwater to flow auspiciously from west to north and south to east. The ground level beneath the building should be higher in the south, southwest, and west compared to the north, northeast, and east. It is most auspicious if the northeast is the deepest point. If the ground contradicts these guidelines, try to move the earth so that the proportions give you an auspicious slope. The expenses incurred will be naturally recuperated many times over.

The shape of the land is most auspicious as a 1:1 square. Rectangular ratios from 1:1 up to 1:2 are also auspicious. The more the proportion exceeds the ratio 1:2 the less conducive the plot becomes for containing, balancing, and utilizing nature's manifold influences. If the plot's ratio exceeds the ideal 1:1 square and forms a rectangle, then a longer north to south side is better. The plot's corners should not point to the main directions, but to the secondary directions. A rectangular plot with sides facing the cardinal directions is good. An octagonal shaped plot or house is very auspicious. Circular or triangular plots are not harmonious and prevent stability. If the plot must be round then only a round building should be erected. A building on a round plot should never be pentagonal, hexagonal, or completely irregular. If an irregularly shaped plot cannot be avoided, the inauspiciousness can be avoided by selecting a square or rectangular part of the plot and partitioning that portion of land with an interior wall or suitable fence. In this manner, nature's energies can be more easily concentrated and harmonized.

The condition of the soil is best if light, yellow, or red. If the soil has a black color under 11.8 feet, then the inhabitants will have to work hard without decisive improvement. Before commencing construction, any objects on the land such as iron, steel, ripped clothes, bones, cotton, ant hills, termites, coal, and other such things must be removed. This will prevent any inauspicious influences from entering through the soil.

The history of the land should be considered. Vastu strongly recommends one not to buy a plot of land or house in which anything inauspicious has taken place, such as suicide, bankruptcy, insanity, disease, or any other such misfortune. These things cling to the land and buildings with lingering effects which inevitably rub off on subsequent occupants to one degree or another.

The position of a plot in relation to its neighboring houses should be carefully considered. A small plot between two big plots should not be purchased, neither should a small building between two larger buildings. One who purchases such a relatively small building will gradually lose wealth. Buildings blocking the northeast of your plot will cause you mental restlessness. Rainwater from neighboring plots should not flow into your plot, particularly from the north or east. The most important factor when selecting a plot is its relative position to the magnetic meridian which should be parallel to the plot.

The position of the streets surrounding a plot are important. A building with streets on all four sides is considered very auspicious. Such a location indicates health, wealth, prosperity, and a balanced mind. If such a house/office is in the northeast of a village, there will be an enormous increase in wealth, business, and knowledge. The southeast position of a town or village offers ideal position for hotels or any manufacturing plant which involves the fire element.

Regarding a plot with streets on three sides:
Streets in the east, west, and north of a plot are very good and foster wealth and prosperity. One should make sure that the main gate to the plot is in the north, and there should be more open space available in the north and east than in the south and west. Streets in the east, west, and south have very positive effects on business, and the main gate should be in the east. Streets in the south, west, and north are also good but the main entrance should be in the west, and the east should have more open space. Streets in the east, south, and north of a plot are also very good if the main gate or entrance is in the east.

Regarding a plot with streets on two sides:
Streets in the north and east of a plot are very auspicious. A main entrance in the east with more space in the north is best. A main entrance in the north with more space in the east is also very good. Streets in the east and south of a plot influence the inhabitants to spend excessively on entertainment. A south main entrance will make matters worse whereas an east entrance combined with more space in the east and north may help. Streets in the south and west of a plot are not too bad if the main entrance is in the wests, but a south entrance may incur heavy losses. Streets in the north and west of a plot are good for money if the main entrance is in the north with more space in the north and east. Streets in the west and east of a plot are good if the main entrance is in the east. Streets in the north and south of a plot are also good if the main entrance is in the north.

Regarding a plot with a street on one side:
A street on the north or east side is auspicious. Street on west side fosters fame and honor. Street on south is advantageous for businesses involving ladies' articles or entertainment products.

Regarding streets leading directly to a plot:
A street leading to the plot from the northeast (in northern and eastern part), leading to the plot from the northwest (only in the western part), and from the southeast (only in the southern part) is considered as auspicious. Streets are regarded as inauspicious if they lead from the north to the northwest of the plot or if they lead from the west or south to the southwest or from the east to the southeast. One should not acquire a plot situated at the end of a dead-end street that is in line with any of the main directions.

The area surrounding the plot should be clear of any pollutants. Ensure no nuclear waste sites are located within a 10 mile radius of the plot, and ensure no air or noise polluting factories are located within a 5 mile radius. Keep home or office away from an electric sub-station (at least 550 yards away). Research indicates that prolonged exposure to such intense electromagnetic output is likely to effect one's health negatively. Avoid living too close to an airport because studies show that constant noise of airplanes taking off can disrupt children's concentration on their education. Avoid being too close to any waste site.

Rivers or canals that flow close to the plot in the north create auspiciousness, especially if they flow from west to east. Same principle applies to rivers in the east if they flow from south to north. If there is a river in the west or south then the plot should be avoided.

Hills or mountains in the south, southwest, or west of the plot are good, but if they are located in the opposite directions they obstruct progress.

The orientation of the land is related to one's work and nature. Every plot faces a particular direction. Orientation is determined by the direction which the plot slopes. A plot that is oriented towards the east will favor scholars, philosophers, priests, professors, and teachers. A plot that slopes towards the north fosters people engaged in government administration and service. A plot that slopes towards the south supports those active in business, farming, and various economic ventures. A plot oriented towards the west is ideal for people in the service and entertainment industries.