8. Right to Buy
If you have been a council tenant for three years or more, you may be eligible to apply to buy your home under the Right to Buy scheme.
Who can apply
You may be eligible if you are a secure tenant. You cannot apply if:
- your home is specifically designed for people with disabilities
- your home is particularly suitable for older people and was let to someone aged 60 or over
- your home is provided as part of your employment (in some cases)
- you are an introductory tenant
You can buy your home jointly with:
- any joint tenant
- up to three family members who are not joint tenants, provided the property is their main home and they have lived with you for at least 12 months before you apply (this does not apply to a spouse)
Discount
Right to Buy offers a discount on the market value of your home. The amount depends on how long you have been a tenant, up to a maximum discount of £30,000.
Repairs during the application
Once you apply, any non-urgent repairs or new repair requests will be suspended to ensure the valuation remains consistent. Urgent repairs will still be carried out.
Freehold and leasehold properties
- Houses and bungalows are sold freehold
- Flats and maisonettes are sold on a 125-year lease
If you buy a leasehold property, you will pay an annual service charge which may include:
- communal repairs and maintenance
- cleaning of communal areas
- communal lighting
- estate management
The council will continue to manage communal areas, structural repairs and improvements.
Costs to consider
If you buy your home, you will be responsible for costs including:
- solicitor and conveyancing fees
- land registry and land search fees
- stamp duty (if applicable)
- structural survey costs
Before you decide
Buying a home is a major financial decision. You should carefully consider:
- affordability – mortgage payments do not include buildings insurance or repairs
- benefits – housing benefit does not help with mortgage payments
- care costs – property value may be considered if you later need residential care
- service charges – if buying a flat or maisonette, ongoing charges will apply
Full details will be provided in your Right to Buy offer letter.
How to apply
- Complete the Right to Buy application form (RTB1)
- Send the form to us
We must confirm whether you are eligible within:
-
4 weeks (or 8 weeks if we have been your landlord for less than three years)
If your application is approved:
- an offer will be issued within 8 weeks for freehold properties
- or 12 weeks for leasehold properties
Valuation and survey
If you disagree with the valuation, you can request an independent valuation by the district valuer within 12 weeks of receiving the notice. Their decision is final.
You should also arrange an independent survey, as mortgage valuations do not identify all structural issues.
If you are satisfied with the offer and have arranged funding, you can proceed to purchase your home.