Begin with financing. If you are using a mortgage, get pre-approval before viewing: it defines your true budget and makes your offers credible.
Decide between ready and off-plan. Ready property means immediate use or rental income and what you see is what you get; off-plan offers newer product and staged payments, in exchange for a wait until handover.
Budget beyond the price. Allow for transfer and registration fees, broker commission, valuation and mortgage costs where applicable, and annual service charges for apartments and some communities.
Inspect the details that affect resale: view, floor level, parking, service-charge levels, and the building or community's maintenance record.
Finally, buy with representation. A buyer's agent compares honestly across projects and negotiates for you — not for the listing.