Inflation will get worse in the coming decade. The days of lower interest will be over. It is unlikely prices of medium and small size units will fall. Their prices will edge up slowly over time.
So for future retirement and hedge against inflation, buy your first flat while you both are in employment and can still afford it.
Large companies are more systematic and with a larger data base for your home search. But there is no guarantee that the agents are professional. Take every encounter with the agent as a learning process to collect information.
You don't have to leave your phone number when you ask them questions in their shops / in person.
You decide the following key parameters first before visiting the agent's shop:
(a) budget (b) location (c) size (d) floor (e) direction (f) partition design
then ask the agent to describe or show you ONLY the flats that meet your requirements, preferably immediately while you are still at their shops. If they can't arrange at once, visit another shop. Don't let them bait and switch.
Ask lots of questions to test their knowledge.
It is their job to proof that they can serve you better with good knowledge, attitude, efficiency yet patience.
Read latest market price record for reference.
Keep your ears open by listening to agents' sales pitch, but don't change your budget or initial requirements easily. Take your time. Buying a home is an important decision.