In the minority here, but personally I would buy.
House prices here are starting to go up again, so look at the area you are interested in and see if you think you can get a good price if you buy now, or if you'll do better by waiting.
I prefer my money going to a mortgage, because the sooner I started it, the nearer I am to the 25 year end (and with overpayments, I'm bringing that date of freedom from 'housing costs' closer).
Regarding maintenance, we bought a derelict house in 2009. By doing everything ourselves, and using second hand stuff (a bathroom suite my aunt was having replaced) a carpet my parents were tearing out that we refitted) we made it perfectly liveable for about £500. It's really cold, but oh well, I put another layer on.
The furnace failing wasn't an issue because we don't have one. The roof leaks a little, but we are saving up to do all the work necessary at once, using cash.
So my perspective is that I'm happy to have a bit of hardship so that in the end I get the house I want for less than it's market value (purchase price + eventual cost of work < finished value).
And 'house maintenance' costs can be significant, yes, but they also are, like most other expenses, more flexible than people think. Remember, everyone else buys a car on credit. When you are told a roof is good for 5 years and then MUST be replaced, do your due diligence and make sure they're not just telling you what -they- want to hear.
Also, fixing furnaces is fun and a good skill to have. We have only needed an actual professional for one job - putting lead on the roof leak because I didn't want my husband to go up a ladder that high. Everything else - electrical work, plumbing, decorating we have done ourselves, and from my experience, if you buy raw material from independent merchants, it is very cheap.
Big box stores (here B & Q) get you by making raw timber cheap, and then charging you 100x the going rate for screws. They get you in the store with headline low rates, but then when you need an outlet cover they are £4.99 each, instead of 60p. Shop around - they get you on the incidentals.
And note - we don't have kids.