Going for Rent and for your Own house depends on may things 1) If both are earning and if the job is not transferrable -Owning would be really good 2) If Single person is earning and if he has kids and if he is in a city like bangalore -then rent and owning -both are impossible -as rent is not affordable and buying is totally ruled out-In such circumstances Lease is good for period of 3 years or 5 years -Nobody leases out property as there is no recurring income ,BUT if the Owner is a business man then certainly he may lease the house as he is getting a big fat amount as lease amount which he can put into his business and earn more than rent -element of risk is there for both the parties . 3) Any time owning a house is far better than any other option -but you should be blessed with that kind of money -which is possible only if you are Techie or if your Abroad.