Right to Buy

You can apply to Buy your home:

  • If you have a secure tenancy and have been a public sector tenant for the qualifying period.
  • If you were a secure tenant or a public sector tenant prior to 18/1/05 then the qualification period is two years.
  • However, if you became a new public sector tenant from 18/01/05 you will not qualify for the Right to Buy until you become a secure tenant and have been a public sector tenant for five years.
  • If your property is not excluded from the Right to Buy Scheme.
  • If your property is not suitable for the elderly.

Are You Considering Buying Your Home? [pdf document]

Properties Excluded from the Right to Buy Scheme

Some properties are excluded from the right to buy scheme (for example those held under Schedule 5 Part 10 of the Housing Act 1985).

  • Sheltered Housing Schemes
  • Good Neighbour Schemes

There are also other types of property excluded from the Right to Buy, for example:

  • Properties held other than for housing purposes
  • Properties which are to be demolished.

Properties Which May be Denied the Right to Buy

Some properties which are suitable for occupation by the elderly may be denied the Right to Buy for example those which come under Paragraph 11 Schedule 5 of the 1985 Housing Act.

  • Ground Floor
  • Bungalow

If you are unsure whether your property can be included in the Right to Buy Scheme please contact us.

The government have produced some leaflets with more information:

Your right to buy your home [pdf document]

Your right to buy your home-There's a window of opportunity [pdf document]

Thinking of buying your council flat [pdf document]

Have you been approached by any individual or private company encouraging you to buy?

We are concerned as some of our tenants are being approached by companies offering assistance and advice on the Right to Buy Scheme.

If you are approached by a company offering to help you buy your Council home ask yourself: 'What's in it for them?'

Right to Buy Forms are Free of Charge!

In some cases tenants enter into a deal with these companies paying them money to act on their behalf but it is the company who eventually own the house and not the tenant.  This can then lead to the tenant being charged a higher rent or becoming homeless, don't let this happen to you.

If you need advice on any aspect of the Right to Buy scheme, contact us.