For generations, cul-de-sacs have been prized by homebuyers for their quiet streets, sense of community and child-friendly appeal.

But according to one of the world's most well-known Feng Shui experts, there's one reason she would never choose to live at the very end of one.

Marie Diamond, a Feng Shui master, sparked debate after appearing on etiquette expert Sara Jane Ho's podcast Hot Water, to discuss the ancient Chinese practice and why certain homes are believed to affect health, happiness and prosperity.

The conversation quickly divided opinions after Diamond claimed the layout of a dead-end street can cause energy to become 'trapped' and unable to flow freely.

'In China, we just know you do not live in a cul-de-sac,' Sara Jane said during the discussion, revealing that she had spent part of her childhood living on one.

'My mother actually got diagnosed with breast cancer there. That's when we realised cul-de-sacs are really bad feng shui.'

Diamond explained that the concern lies specifically with homes positioned at the very end of the circular street.

'When people go into the cul-de-sac and it's at the end, it's like a round circle, the energy gets trapped,' she said.

'At the beginning of that street and in the middle of that street, you're still fine, but the people that live literally at the end of the cul-de-sac, the dead end, they get trapped.

'The energy cannot leave anymore, it can't move freely.'

The idea stems from traditional Feng Shui principles, which aim to balance the flow of 'chi' - or life force energy - throughout a home and its surroundings.

In classical Feng Shui, blocked or stagnant energy is believed to negatively affect wellbeing, while free-flowing energy is associated with harmony and prosperity.

Diamond insisted there are ways to counteract the issue for homeowners already living in a cul-de-sac by placing the front door on the side of the home if you can.

'If you can't, place a red carpet in front of your home. Place a convex pakua mirror above the door,' she added.

A pakua mirror is a traditional Feng Shui tool believed to deflect negative energy away from a property, while the colour red is thought to symbolise protection and vitality.

However, many viewers were unconvinced by the claims, with hundreds rushing to the comments section to defend their beloved streets.

'Everyone knows the cul-de-sac is by far the best lot placement in any neighbourhood,' one person wrote.

'I LOVE my cul-de-sac, and my family has thrived here for over 20 years! Everything is attitude. My home is blessed, safe and healthy!' another said.

'Not me thriving in my cul de sac,' a third joked.

One woman, who said she had grown up at the very end of a cul-de-sac, rejected the theory entirely.

'I definitely disagree with this. I grew up in a cul-de-sac and had an amazing childhood, my family didn't have any health issues, the energy was great, and all the kids in the neighbourhood played there,' she wrote.

'And we were the house right in the "dead end".'

Others pointed to the strong sense of community often associated with this street design.

'I grew up on two cul-de-sacs, and they were great, also safer for children to play outside,' another added.

Some also questioned the logic behind the theory.

'So, energy only flows on roads? It can't pass through the open spaces between houses?' one person asked.

'We have lived in a cul de sac for nine years,' another homeowner shared.

'Our home is blessed, as both our children were born here. We love our home; it's full of joy, laughter and love.'

Others were curious about solutions, with one person asking: 'In Feng Shui there is a cure for everything, so what is the cure for this?'

While the practice remains deeply rooted in Chinese culture and has been practised for thousands of years, many of its principles are based on traditional beliefs rather than modern scientific evidence.

Still, for believers like Diamond, small changes to a home's layout and décor are thought to help encourage the smooth flow of energy, even if it means rethinking one of suburbia's most sought-after addresses.