Which is the best option Rental VS Buying?

Hi…
I have planned to own a house. But my friend suggest me to stay in a rental house. I am in a confusion to choose among rental and Buying. Can you suggest the best choice to choose?

Real Estate is down and might take 5 more years to recover .... The day you see rental values going up and massive demand for Rental, try and buy a house or apartment ....

It may also take 10 years for real estate demand to come back .... Till then accumulate cash in FD , stay in rental ...