Right to Buy — How to Buy Your Social Home
The Right to Buy scheme gives eligible council tenants in England the right to purchase their home at a discount. The discount can be substantial — up to £102,400 outside London, or £136,400 in London. Housing association tenants may have the Right to Acquire, which offers a smaller discount. This guide explains eligibility, discounts, the application process, and important pitfalls to avoid.
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Who can use Right to Buy?
In England, you can use Right to Buy if:
- ✓You're a secure council tenant
- ✓The property is your only or main home
- ✓You've had a public sector tenancy for at least 3 years (doesn't have to be continuous)
- ✓You're not subject to a possession order or bankruptcy restrictions
- ✓The property is not specifically exempt (sheltered housing, some rural properties, etc.)
How much discount can you get?
The discount depends on how long you've been a public sector tenant and whether the property is a house or flat:
| Property type | Discount after 3 years | Additional per year |
|---|---|---|
| House | 35% | +1% per year up to 70% |
| Flat | 50% | +2% per year up to 70% |
Maximum discount: £102,400 outside London, £136,400 in London (2024/25, adjusted annually).
The application process
Important restrictions and repayment rules
- ✓If you sell within 5 years, you must repay some or all of the discount (on a sliding scale)
- ✓Year 1: 100% of discount repaid; Year 2: 80%; Year 3: 60%; Year 4: 40%; Year 5: 20%
- ✓If you sell in the first 10 years, you must first offer the property back to the council (right of first refusal)
- ✓Some properties in rural areas have permanent restrictions on resale
- ✓You cannot use Right to Buy if you have a demolition or possession order against the property
Right to Acquire — housing association tenants
Some housing association tenants have the Right to Acquire — similar to Right to Buy but with a smaller discount (£9,000–£16,000 depending on location).
- ✓Must have been a public sector tenant for at least 3 years
- ✓The housing association property must have been funded through public money or transferred from a council
- ✓Not all housing association properties qualify
- ✓The process is similar to Right to Buy — form RTB1 starts the application
Get advice about your specific situation
Ash is a free UK guidance assistant. Ask about your rights, get step-by-step guidance, and generate a formal letter if you need one.
Talk to Ash — it's freeNo sign-up · No account · Works for England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland