It's quite normal to be nervous when you're househunting - especially if you're a first-time buyer - but a little pre-search preparation can go a long way towards reducing the nervousness and ensuring that you end up with exactly the right home.
Generally, an older property will offer more home per rand paid and if you can carry out some home improvement tasks yourself you will get more value. On the other hand, there is usually no transfer duty payable on newly-built homes, and they are often more secure and easier to maintain.
To some extent, the answers to these questions will help you decide where you should start looking, but you also need to consider whether these neighbourhoods are within easy reach of work, schools, public transport, medical services, shopping and entertainment facilities.
You might be determined to have two bathrooms and a lock-up garage, for example, but not too concerned if there isn't a study or a pool, and the more details you can provide about what you are looking for, the easier it will be for estate agents working in your chosen area to help you find your ideal home, and not waste anyone's time showing you unsuitable properties.
There's no doubt that househunting is a learning experience and that you should not just leap into a purchase until you have looked at a fair number of properties in your preferred area and price bracket. But it's also important to view with a real intention of buying, so that you will be able to make a quick decision when you do find the right home.