buy a house or rent a house?

Right now we are still renting. We were going to buy the house we were living in but decided against it because they were asking way too much for it and it needed way too much major work. We are going to rent for another year or 2 and see where we are financially and with our credit. The only thing that really holds us back is that we are self employed and have only been in business for 3 years so a lot of mortgage companies won't cut us a break on our interest. But hopefully after we have been in business for a little longer and have good established proof of income we can get a break.

I think I need buy a house . But I think I never consider to buy a house in mordern city just like Shenzhen , Beijing , Shanghai ,Hangzhou or province Center and South China Cities . The price there is so high that you can't imagin it . I just want to buy a house in my hometown . Where the price maybe RMB250000. Ok , this price is also high for me .I assume my month salary is : 2000 and my husband is : 3000 , Ok , We save 4000 every month to buy a house , 3000 x 12 x 4 =144000, We need 4 years to invest the first capital on this house ! But still now , my salary just can reach 2000 , and my future husband , I really don't know who is and how much he can earn and what is his thoughts about purchasing a house . Most farmers their earning is : 500RMB Per month Most chinese labour workers their salary just : 800--1500RMB per month or lower . Most Technology workers /Clerks their salary just :1000---4500RMB per month Most supervisors or managers their salary is 2000--10000RMB per month ! How many bosses in China and how much they can earn ? I really don't know! But the house price is : 180000RMB---1200000RMB/100 square or higher ! The price is really awful to all us of Chinese !

I have to rent a house as I can't afford to buy one with the current house prices, I'd rather own a property hopefully one day I'll have enough money to buy my own house.

I prefer buying a house. I think there are government programs that are offering 15 years to pay houses so it would be better to have one. It is just like renting a house also, because you are paying them monthly. The cost may be higher but at least, after 15 years you have your own house already...