28/07/2022

Right to buy is the process that allows council tenants to buy their homes at a discounted price.

You can apply to buy your home if it is your only or main home, it is self-contained, you’re a secure tenant, and you’ve had a public sector landlord for three years (although this doesn’t need to be three consecutive years).

In June 2022 the government announced its intention to change the rules around Right to Buy to extend the scheme to residents in housing association properties

The move is aimed at helping more people get onto the property ladder and would mean that 2.5m million people who currently rent from a housing association could have the opportunity to purchase their homes through right to buy.

The scheme is also to be extended to tenants who are in work but on housing benefit – potentially around 1.5m people.

Full details of these proposals are eagerly awaited by housing associations and tenants alike.

In the meantime, council tenants who wish to buy their homes can still benefit from substantial discounts.

If you have been a public sector tenant for three to five years, you will receive a 35 per cent discount (50 per cent if you live in a flat) on the market value when buying your home.

After five years the discount increases by 1 per cent (2 per cent for flats) for every additional year of tenancy up to a maximum of 70 per cent or £87,200 in England or £116,200 in London.

Do I need a solicitor to buy my home through right to buy?

This is a commonly asked question. Yes, you will need help from an experienced residential property solicitor when buying your home. Your solicitor will look after the legal aspects involved in the conveyancing process. This includes reviewing all legal documents, handling the transfer of the property to you from the council and ordering searches. There is no exchange of contracts with right to buy, so once all the legalities are in place, along with your mortgage offer, a completion date can be set.

If you’re a council tenant who is interested in purchasing your home your first step is to complete a Right to Buy application form and send it to your landlord.

For information on how Beswicks’ 5-star rated conveyancing and property team can help you complete your right to buy, email enquiry@beswicks.com or phone our Stoke-on-Trent solicitors on 01782 205000 or our Altrincham solicitors on 0161 929 8494.