Apply to buy your council home (Right to Buy): step by step
If you've been renting your council home for at least 3 years, you may be able to buy it at a discount under the government's Right to Buy scheme.
You can withdraw your application at any time up to the completion of purchase. If you change your mind after you apply, you may still have to pay the solicitor and survey costs.
Before you can buy your home, you'll need to know if you're eligible for the Right to Buy scheme.
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Step 1:
Check if you can afford to buy
ShowCheck if you can afford to buy your home, and what discount you could get.
Check if you can afford to buy -
Step 2:
Make an application
ShowFill in the application form.
Make an application -
Step 3:
Get your application decision
ShowWe'll tell you our decision within 4 or 8 weeks.
Get your application decision -
Step 4:
Have your property valued and assessed
ShowA valuer and a surveyor will visit your property to calculate the market value and energy efficiency.
Have your property valued and assessed -
Step 5:
Get a formal offer
ShowYou'll get an offer within 8 or 12 weeks. You can accept it, refuse it or appeal if you disagree with it.
Get a formal offer -
Step 6:
Arrange a mortgage
ShowArrange a mortgage when you accept our offer.
Arrange a mortgage -
Step 7:
Go through the conveyancing process
ShowThis is the legal process to complete the purchase of your home.
Go through the conveyancing process -
Step 8:
If you've bought your flat or maisonette
ShowYour leaseholder information pack will help you understand your rights and responsibilities.
If you've bought your flat or maisonette