[Grammar] Is correct to use either the infinitive form or the gerund one?

[The apprentice]

Dear members and teachers:

I would like to know if either the infinitive or the gerund form may be used in the below sentences, or which is the correct one?

1) He was thinking about to buy a house rather than continuing paying rent.

2) He was thinking about to buy a house rather than continuing to pay rent.


I ask for your help and assistance in this issue.

 

[Rover_KE]

He was thinking about buying a house rather than continuing to pay rent.

 

[The apprentice]

YThank you Rover_KE.


I don't know what's wrong with me; I forgot to use the gerund form of the verb after the preposition ABOUT.

 

[The apprentice]

Rover_KE


I basically want to know if PAY may be in its ING form; verbs following the verb CONTINUE normally go in its gerund form.