The number 8 is a symbol of good luck for Chinese buyers, because when spoken in Cantonese it sounds like the word “prosperity,” and often listings that have at least one number 8 in their price prove to be more popular.

The number 18, when spoken out loud in Cantonese, sounds like the phrase “I want to be very wealthy.” Which is why it’s no surprise that now in 2018, the Year of the Dog, real estate professionals are forecasting that this will also be a year of the deal for Chinese property buyers.

According to Juwai, a selective website with access to an exclusive audience of 1.5 million high-net-worth Chinese consumers, there have been cases where Chinese investors held back on purchasing a property abroad in 2017, instead choosing to wait for 2018.

When will these Chinese buyers begin flooding the market? In the eighth month of the year! While Chinese buyers are expected to be a prominent force all year long, August is predicted to be a peak period for property viewing.

Carrie Law, CEO of Juwai.com, says “You will likely see buyers and agents scheduling viewings and closings for the eighth day of the eighth month of 2018,” adding that it would not be surprising to see Chinese buyers hustling to close before 2019.

Now that you know why 2018 is expected to be a prosperous year for Chinese buyers, we thought it might be a good idea to point out some of the other property features that predict good fortune.

If you’re a Chinese buyer, chances are you already know. But for the rest of us, here are a few good luck signs that might just bring you some prosperity.

Good feng shui

Literally translated as “wind-water” in English, feng shui is the Chinese philosophical system of harmonizing everyone with the surrounding environment.

New or “successful” homes, homes on high or level ground, the floor plan, and wide open space in front of a home all matter when looking for a home with good feng shui. You can read about what else to look for and why here.

Watch out for the number four

The Wall Street Journal reports that while the number eight is beneficial, the number four is to be avoided. “Four” sounds like the word for death and buyers should avoid it when possible. If you’re selling your home and want to attract Chinese buyers, avoid the number at all cost.

Look for lucky colors

The feng shui colors for 2018 are colors that symbolize wood and water: green, blue, and black. These colors are lucky in fashion and also in the decorating of your home or office.

A strong front door

The front door is very important in feng shui. Look for an unobstructed, open flow of energy, meaning the pathway to the door is clean and clear of debris or dead plants. It should also be well-cared for with good hardware and lacking in rusty or squeaky hinges. A blue, green, or black front door will be lucky in 2018, but depending on the direction that the door is facing, the color might need to change.

Still have questions about lucky signs to look for in a home? Find one of our knowledgeable agents based on location or language today.