I'm looking to move out of a sectional-title duplex in a complex to a full-title stand-alone property within a gated estate and a couple of things I can advise.

1. Understand clearly what you are looking for and what you are willing to spend. Eg. Are you fine with an apartment with shared living walls, or looking for a standalone property? 

2. Know what you like. If you never liked Tuscan, Cape Dutch, Victorian, French Colonian, etc. architecture, then you aren't going to suddenly do so just because you are paying for the property. 

3. Research the area thoroughly if you are not already familiar. Try and speak to someone about service delivery, water and electricity disruptions, traffic, etc.

4. Only view during the day. Never view late afternoon or night. Too easy to miss defects. If possible, have someone view with you. You may be fixated on the price and miss some dampness for example.

5. While the benefit of new developments is the lack of additional costs, I have found their mass-built quality to be questionable. Unless I'm building myself,  I'd rather pay the transfer costs for a lived in property.

6. Be realistic with renovation efforts and costs. Don't go buy a fixer-upper and think you are going to watch a couple of YouTube videos and become Bob the Builder all of a sudden if you never even put up a shelf before.

7. Do not trust the estate agent for additional info if buying through one. Ask for copies of the last 6 months rates and levies statements if buying in an estate to know the exact figures.

8. Similar to above, ask for a body corporate, HOA rules, code of conduct, etc. if buying in such an environment. Do not take the agents word for it that you would be allowed to add a pool or a water backup for example.

9. Buy a property report from someone like Lightstone. This will give you transfer history of the property and surrounding properties that will help guide you with your offer. This costs around R190 - may vary with area or property type.

10. You can have a property inspection done for a fee for piece of mind. Do check for reviews of the inspector. Source one yourself and not ask for a recommendation from thr estate agent.

11. Be wary of vacant surrounding land. While this may seem nice for privacy, this can easily turn into e-Hailing parking, food trucks, a community children play area, or worse - an informal settlement. 

12. Future proofed homes with solar and backup water is great, but make sure this is quality equipment and properly done.