The property market generally undergoes 7-10 year cycles.  Hence property investors must be prepared to take a longer term view.  Your investment goals could cover any of the following:
a) Capital growth
b) Income streams through rental returns
c) Diversifying your investment portfolio through property investment

Like all investments it pays to do proper homework before taking the plunge into property.  This will involve researching and understanding the prevailing economic conditions and property market trends.  Macro-economic issues on employment rate and economic growth prospect, to stock market trends and interest rate changes can have an impact on property prices.  It is also critical to keep abreast of regulatory polices, which can also affect property prices and your financing options for investment.

The foremost consideration for a property investor is to be comfortable with the amount borrowed. It is prudent to take into account any possible adverse changes, such as property market downturns, increases in interest rate, etc, to ascertain how prepared you are financially.  You should also consider your cashflow in the event that the property cannot be rented out.