Right to Buy: The Government Scheme You NEED to Know About

The Right to Buy scheme allows most council tenants in the UK to purchase their council homes at a discount. This initiative helps tenants become homeowners, providing an opportunity to own the property they have been living in for years. However, certain conditions must be met before applying. This guide explains eligibility, joint applications, and rules regarding ex-council homes.

Eligibility for Right to Buy

To apply for the Right to Buy scheme, you must meet the following conditions:

• The home must be your only or main residence.
• The property should be self-contained, meaning it has its own kitchen, bathroom, and other facilities.
• You must be a secure tenant, which means you have the right to live in the property long-term.
• You must have been a tenant under a public sector landlord (such as a council, housing association, or NHS trust) for at least three years. These years do not have to be continuous.

Different Rules for Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland

The Right to Buy scheme applies mainly to England, but the rules differ in other parts of the UK:

• Wales: The Right to Buy scheme ended in 2019.
• Scotland: The scheme was abolished in 2016.
• Northern Ireland: A similar scheme still exists but with different conditions.

If you live outside England, check with local housing authorities for alternative homeownership options.

Joint Applications: Buying with Others

You don’t have to apply for Right to Buy alone. You can make a joint application with:

• Someone who shares your tenancy.
• Up to three family members who have lived with you for the past 12 months, even if they are not named on the tenancy.

This allows families and close tenants to purchase a home together, making homeownership more affordable.

Buying an Ex-Council Home (Preserved Right to Buy)

If your home was previously owned by the council but was later transferred to another landlord, such as a housing association, you may still qualify for the Preserved Right to Buy. This applies if:

• You were living in the property before the council transferred ownership.
• Your new landlord (housing association or similar) follows the Preserved Right to Buy rules.

If you’re unsure whether this applies to you, ask your landlord for confirmation.

The Right to Buy scheme provides an excellent opportunity for long-term council tenants to purchase their homes at a discounted price. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply alone or with family members who have lived with you for at least a year. Even if your home is now owned by a different landlord, you may still qualify under the Preserved Right to Buy scheme. However, the scheme is no longer available in Wales and Scotland, so tenants in those regions must explore other options. Always check with your local council or landlord for the latest updates and to confirm your eligibility.

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