Depends on how long the not yet homeowener will live there. If you live in the same house for the next 40 years you are almost certainly better off owning it. However if you have to move after a year (which might not be in your control) you probably will lose money. 7 years is a good rule of thumb for minimum time you need to live in a house before it is better than renting, but exact circumstances can be very different.