Another possibility is a lease-option.
I'd say that if you're qualified to buy, have stable jobs, have a stable relationship, and reasonably expect to live in the house for 5-7 years, then definitely buy.
But if your partner is just too worried to make that commitment, then use a lease-option as a fall-back position. You lease a property (at an amount approximately equal to rent) with an option to buy. Some of your rent is credited to the purchase price, so you'll actually have equity if/when you do choose to buy. And you lock in a price now, in case prices go up during the term of the lease-option.
However, what your partner will find appealing--beyond the fact that your monthly cost is comparable to rent, not a mortgage--is that at the end of the lease-option term you can simply walk away as renters can. So: If housing prices continue to decline and your agreed-upon purchase price is higher than the house's current value, you don't have to buy. You walk away. (Or try to negotiate a lower price with the seller.) You lose your job? You still have to deal with the remainder of the lease (remembering that it's set at rental rates); there's no bank to come after you to foreclose. You're not sure if you'll like the house? Try it out for a year or two as renters. If you like it, buy it. If you don't like it, walk away.
Lease-options aren't for everyone. But it sounds like they might be something to consider in your situation.
Hope that helps.