Right to Buy: Buying your Council Home

Are you a council tenant dreaming of owning your home? The Right to Buy scheme could be your key to affordable homeownership—offering eligible tenants the chance to purchase their council property at a significant discount from market value.

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What Is the Right to Buy Scheme?

 

Right to Buy is a UK government initiative that helps long-term public sector tenants purchase the home they rent, typically at a discounted price. If you’ve been living in a council house or flat—or a property previously owned by the council but now managed by a housing association—you may qualify.

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This scheme is designed to make homeownership more accessible and affordable, often allowing tenants to buy a property they’ve called home for many years.

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How the Right to Buy Discount Works

 

The amount of discount you receive under Right to Buy depends on:

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• How long you’ve been a tenant

• The type of property (flat or house)

• The location of your home

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Discounts can be substantial—up to £96,000 across England, or £127,900 in London (2025 figures; subject to annual adjustment). The longer your tenancy, the greater the discount you may be entitled to, up to the government’s maximum cap.

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Am I Eligible for Right to Buy?

 

You may qualify if:

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• You’re a council or housing association tenant

• The property is your main home

• You’ve been a public sector tenant for at least 3 years (not necessarily consecutive)

• You hold a secure tenancy agreement

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Don’t worry if your property is now managed by a housing association—Preserved Right to Buy or Right to Acquire may still apply.

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Should You Buy Your Council Home?

 

Owning your home comes with long-term benefits:

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• Full ownership of the property you live in

• Opportunity to build equity and wealth over time

• Purchase at a discounted rate vs. open market value

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However, it’s important to weigh the responsibilities of homeownership, including:

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• Maintenance and repairs

• Insurance and service charges (especially for flats)

• The need for a mortgage and associated costs

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Right to Buy Mortgage Advice & Support

 

At Mortgage Centre, we help tenants turn their housing dreams into a reality. If you're thinking about buying your council home, our experienced advisors can:

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• Confirm your Right to Buy eligibility

• Explain how your discount affects your mortgage needs

• Find mortgage deals suited to discounted purchase prices

• Guide you through the entire application and approval process

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Some lenders even offer Right to Buy mortgage products with little or no deposit, using your discount in place of a traditional down payment.

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Ready to Buy the Home You Already Love?

 

Take advantage of the Right to Buy scheme and make the move from tenant to homeowner. With expert guidance, affordable mortgage options, and full support throughout, we’ll help you every step of the way.

 

Contact Mortgage Centre today to find out if you're eligible—and get started on the journey to owning your home.

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