What you need to know

Right to Buy has been around in one form or another since the 1970s. It allows secure tenants in council properties to buy the home they live in at a discounted price. More recently this has also been introduced to housing association tenants.

Over the years, there have been many changes in the details and qualifying criteria of the scheme. There are a number of qualifying criteria for both the property and the tenant. You can apply to buy your council home if:

• It is your only or main home.
• It is a self-contained property.
• You are a secure tenant.
• You have had a public sector landlord (for example a council/local authority, housing association or NHS trust) for 3 years – it doesn’t have to be 3 years in a row.

You may also have a Right to Buy if your home used to be owned by the council, but it was sold to another landlord (for example, a housing association) while you were living in it. This is called “Preserved Right to Buy”.

You can apply for Right to Buy:

• In your own sole name.
• Jointly with someone who shares your tenancy (for example, your spouse or partner).
• With up to three family members who have lived with you in the home for at least one year, even if they aren’t named on the tenancy agreement.

Calculating your Right to Buy discount

The amount of discount you receive will depend on three main qualifying criteria. These are:

• How long you have been a tenant with a public sector landlord.
• The property type, e.g. house or flat.
• The property value.

Limits on the available discount will also apply depending on where you live. To calculate what you may be entitled to, use our Right to Buy discount calculator.

Why use a Right to Buy Mortgage Broker?

Obtaining the right mortgage is important to everyone. As such, using the right mortgage broker can be invaluable. An advisor that has good knowledge of the Right to Buy scheme can use their expertise to ensure you find the most appropriate deal.