suggestions regarding buying a house

Hi people! I am planning to buy a house(thinking of a gated community) in the next 1-2years in Vijayawada to settle down with my family. My family has no background in real estate. Any suggestions regarding how much money is expected(single payment or home loan, what's better), how do you do it like invest when the ventures are in the construction phase or when it's all built?Also any good area/ community recommendations? pls help :)