I rented for a couple of years, 1st flat paying ?545 a month. Then moved to the valley ?500 a month
Bought a repossession in heaton last year for 100k, paying ?510 a month repayment mortgage. Same bills just have to my own DIY if anything breaks.
Renting suited me at the time. testing the water, make sure can pay bills, put up with the mrs ect.
Identical house next door but one has just gone on the market for 160k
Defiantly buy if you can.