In India's real estate market, prospective homebuyers often face a dilemma of whether to rent or buy a property, given the emotional, financial, and social benefits and drawbacks involved in either option. While homeownership offers long-term benefits of asset creation and a sense of security, renting provides financial flexibility, freedom from maintenance responsibilities, and affordable outgoings. The decision to rent or buy will depend on your current circumstances, priorities, financial capacity, long-term goals, and personal preferences, suggesting that renting can be a good short-term option until a stable income is achieved, followed by investing in a first home in the 30s after evaluating financial capacity and goals.