Don't rent. Renting I feel is good for a first option to see if you can actually live together before buying, or for a group of friends say that may wish to move out at different points.
My boyfriend and I rented for 6 months before buying our own place. I think renting long term is silly, you are simply helping to pay off someone elses mortgage while you are there. It's dead money. At least if you own your house you are paying it off, granted it takes time though.
We've been in our house for a year and a half now and we also very rarely have enough money left to fix the house up. It takes time to do so. We're simply taking it a step at a time. We got our house cheap for the area it is in because so much work needs doing, but when it is done it will be worth a hell of a lot more. People my age are buying nice houses in worser areas to afford them, whilst we live in a house that needs an overhall but it is in a good area and when completed will be fab.
Just stick in there, don't lose heart. If I were considering what you are considering I would feel I am taking a step back. However you really need to decide what is best for you.
