I worked out a golden rule for myself the last time I was in the market to rent a flat.
Look at what you can afford then:
If the toilet's back flow runs deep enough on the floor for the cockroaches to drown, look for another place.
If they are able to swim to safety, renegotiate the rent.
If they can go about their business after a flush, it's a keeper.
If there are no cockroaches, ask about the multiple murders.
Real advice: When you buy, the banks will usually finance for a payment up to 30% of your monthly income. This is wrong. Don't buy for more than 25% and don't rent for more than 30%. You may think you can afford more and you will be able to for a few months but shit does happen and then you'll need that few bucks a month extra.
If you buy, get a flexi type bond and drop anything you can into it, even it is just R10.
If you rent, save up and keep at least one months rent separate from your spending stash.
Thank me later.