The 60-Minute Rule: How to Know if a Property Is a Good Buy Before You Fall in Love
The 60-Minute Rule: How to Know if a Property Is a Good Buy Before You Fall in Love
Real estate feels personal, even when youâre buying as an investor. The lighting hits, the balcony view is right, the neighborhood cafĂ© looks perfect, and suddenly youâre imagining your life there. Thatâs normal. But if you want to buy well, you need a process that protects you from âlove at first viewing.â
Hereâs a simple rule we use: you should be able to confirm whether a property is fundamentally strong within 60 minutes of serious checking.
Step 1: The street check
Before you analyze the apartment, analyze the street.
Walk the block at two different times if possible. If you canât, at least check the area carefully.
Ask: Is it noisy? Is it safe? Does it feel pleasant at night? Are there supermarkets, cafés, parks, transport, daily services nearby?
A perfect apartment in an inconvenient street becomes a daily compromise. A good apartment on a great street stays liquid.
Step 2: The layout liquidity test
Forget interior design. Look at the floor plan.
A liquid layout is one that fits the widest group of people. That means:
A functional living room
A bedroom that isnât tiny
Good natural light
A kitchen and bathroom that feel usable
No awkward shapes that make furnishing difficult
Liquidity matters because it protects your resale. In a slower market, simple layouts still move.
Step 3: The building health check
The building is part of your investment, not background scenery.
Ask:
Is the building well managed?
Are common areas clean and maintained?
Are there signs of moisture, neglect, constant repairs, or chaos?
Do running costs look reasonable for what youâre getting?
Even if you love the apartment, a problematic building can turn ownership into stress.
Step 4: The real cost check
Most buyers only calculate the purchase price. Smart buyers calculate ownership.
Include:
Transaction costs
Monthly running costs
Maintenance expectations
Furnishing or renovation needs
Management fees if you wonât live there full time
A conservative vacancy buffer if it will be rented
A property is only a good deal if it works after real costs.
Step 5: The exit plan question
This is the most important step.
Who will buy this from me later, and why?
If the answer is clear, youâre safe. If the answer is âsomeone will want it,â you are guessing.
Properties that are easy to exit usually have:
A strong street
A practical layout
A healthy building
A realistic cost structure
A buyer pool bigger than one niche taste
You donât need to be an expert to buy well. You need a process that forces clarity before emotion takes over. The 60-minute rule helps you spot strong fundamentals fast, anywhere in the world.