My first house was north facing - big back garden approx. 60-70 feet. Still, no sun into the garden and had to have the lights on permanently.
Second house, south facing, purely chosen by accident, I liked the way it faced a green to the front and the difference to the kitchen, dining room is unreal. Having had both, I would never ever buy a house with a full north facing garden again.
What I have noticed in new developments, however, is that that they are charging huge premiums for the houses with South Facing rear gardens.
They hadn't copped onto that when I bought mine three years ago, I got the South facing by default.
If your friend has been charged a premium for the South Facing aspect, I would be looking for a refund.