I am thirty six and have been renting all my life! I would definitely recommend it and have always felt that i am better off than my friends who were struggling to make ends meet just to pay the interest on their places. If you're patient and cunning enough, you can find nice flats for a very reasonable rent. When I was in my twenties I did the flatshare thing which had bills included in the monthly rent. Over the years this has enabled me to save up money and I now have a very hefty deposit for a flat and I won't be applying for a very big mortgage. I think buying and renting each has their advantages.. there is no better way... luck can influence things and timing....