There is no universal answer — it depends on how long you will stay, the cash you have, and what rents and prices are doing in your area.
Start with how long you'll stay
The single biggest factor is your time horizon. Buying carries large one-off costs (deposit, stamp duty, fees) that only pay off if you hold the property long enough.
- Moving within ~3 years: renting usually wins — you avoid sinking transaction costs you can't recover.
- Staying 5+ years: buying typically builds equity that beats paying rent, if prices hold.
- Unsure: rent, and keep saving your deposit. Flexibility has real value.
Compare the real monthly numbers
Put rent next to the true monthly cost of owning: loan repayment, service charge, maintenance, insurance, and the income you give up on your deposit. Owning is rarely just "the mortgage".
Remember the Dar rent pattern
Many landlords here ask for 6–12 months' rent in advance. That large upfront cheque is money tied up too — factor it into the comparison, not just the monthly figure.
The honest rule of thumb
If you'll stay put, you have the deposit plus a buffer, and the monthly cost of owning is close to rent, buying usually makes sense. If any of those is shaky, renting is the smarter, lower-stress choice.
