Right to Buy is a UK government scheme that allows council tenants in England to purchase their rented home at a significant discount — up to £136,400 in London. The discount counts as your deposit, meaning many buyers need no additional savings to get a mortgage.
What Is Right to Buy?
Right to Buy is a government scheme that allows most council tenants in England to buy their council home at a discount. The scheme has helped millions of tenants become homeowners since it was introduced in the 1980s.
Housing association tenants may be eligible for a similar scheme called "Right to Acquire" or "Preserved Right to Buy," depending on when their property was transferred from council ownership. If you're a first-time buyer, Right to Buy can be an excellent route to homeownership.
Who Is Eligible?
- You must be a secure council tenant (in England)
- Your council home must be your only or main home
- You must have been a public-sector tenant for at least 3 years (not necessarily in the same property)
- You must not be subject to a bankruptcy order or be an undischarged bankrupt
- Your home must not be in a designated rural area or be specifically excluded
How Discounts Are Calculated
Houses: 35% discount after 3 years of tenancy, increasing by 1% for each additional year up to a maximum of 70% or the cash cap (whichever is lower).
Flats: 50% discount after 3 years, increasing by 2% per additional year up to a maximum of 70% or the cash cap.
Note: If you sell within 5 years of buying, you may need to repay some or all of the discount. You won't need to pay stamp duty if the discounted price is below the threshold.
Mortgage Options for Right to Buy
Your Right to Buy discount acts as your deposit, which means you're immediately at a low LTV — often 60-70%. This gives you access to some of the best mortgage rates available.
Many lenders have specific Right to Buy products, and some will lend up to 100% of the discounted purchase price (effectively a zero-deposit mortgage, since the discount provides the equity). A broker can find the best option for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much discount can I get?
- Discounts depend on how long you've been a tenant. In 2026, the maximum discount is £102,400 (£136,400 in London). Houses typically get a percentage discount, flats get a percentage based on years of tenancy.
- Can I use my Right to Buy discount as a deposit?
- Yes. Your discount counts as a deposit, which means many buyers need no additional savings. A £100,000 property with a £40,000 discount means a 60% LTV mortgage — excellent rates are available at this level.
- Do I need a solicitor for Right to Buy?
- Yes. You'll need a solicitor or conveyancer to handle the legal work, just like any property purchase. Typical costs are £1,000–£2,000.
- Can I rent out my Right to Buy property?
- Not immediately. There are restrictions on letting out Right to Buy properties in the first few years. If you want to become a landlord, speak to a solicitor about the specific terms of your purchase.
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