Your Money
Buying your home is a big step
We're here to help you decide if it’s the right decision for you and your family
We’ll give you all the advice, help and guidance you need throughout the buying process, signposting you to other independent agencies where necessary.
Government plans to extend Right to Buy
The Government has recently said it plans to extend the Right to Buy to housing association tenants. At this stage, there are no more details available. For this to happen, there will need to be a change in legislation. Until then, the only scheme available to housing association tenants is the Right to Acquire scheme. We will keep you updated on any changes in the future.
What are the main differences?
Right to Buy and Right to Acquire
Both schemes were designed by the Government to allow social housing customers to buy the home they currently rent, at a discount.
The schemes operate in very similar ways – the main difference is the amount of discount you receive. These levels are determined by the Government.
The Right to Buy scheme was set up to help people buy their council homes. It also extends to customers of social landlords who obtained their secured tenancies before the date council homes were transferred to new landlords.
The Right to Acquire scheme means more recent customers of social landlords aren’t ruled out from the possibility of buying their home.
Buying your rented home
The main steps
If you’re eligible for the Right to Buy discount, you could be on your way to owning your home.
Remember, the costs of owning your home are very different from those of being a tenant. You’ll need to fully understand what these costs are going to be. You’re also going to need financial and legal advice.
You can also find out more at https://www.gov.uk/right-to-buy-buying-your-council-home
1
Fill in an application form
Ask us for an application form and fill it in. Once complete, send it back to us.
2
Wait for a reply
We have up to 4 weeks to reply, confirming whether or not you have the Right to Buy or the Right to Acquire your home.
3
Receive an offer
We'll then send you an offer notice (S125) within 8 weeks for a house and 12 weeks for a flat. This sets out:
- the property value
- discount
- the price you’ll pay
- any structural problems they may know about
- any terms and conditions.
4
Survey, loans… and get advice
You have up to 12 weeks to accept our offer. It’s now that you’ll need to appoint a solicitor and arrange a mortgage or loan. You should also consider getting a structural survey for peace of mind.
5
Complete the purchase
Once you are happy with your landlord’s terms and have arranged to raise the money, you can proceed and complete your purchase. This stage can take up to three months to complete.
Repairs and your application
What you need to know
Whilst you have an active Right to Buy or Right to Acquire application, you can still report repairs, but we’ll only carry out the repairs that the Government requires us to do by law.
We’ll continue to complete repairs that fall under the following categories:
- Roof leaks / missing tiles or slates
- Dangerous chimney stack/pots
- Overflow gushing
- Broken windows – cracked windows will need to be inspected by a member of our team first
- Significant water ingress near doors and windows
- Blocked flue to an open fire or boiler
- Blocked or leaking foul drains, soil stacks or toilet pans
- Blocked bath, basin or sink
- Total or partial loss of electrical power
- Insecure external windows, doors, or lock (including window safety catches)
- Leaks or flooding from water or heating pipes, tanks or cistern
- Total or partial loss of space or water heating
- Total or partial loss of gas supply
- Unsafe electrical fittings, power or lighting sockets
- Total or partial loss of water supply
- Loose or detached bannister or stair treads
- Dangerous floorboards or stair treads
- Mechanical extractor fan in internal kitchen or bathroom not working
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