Can I Buy my Council House? Right to Buy With Up to 70% Off
Updated: March 2026
Yes, if you’re a council tenant in England, you may be able to buy your home through the Right to Buy scheme at a discounted price. The discount depends on how long you’ve been a tenant, but you’ll need to meet eligibility criteria and plan for the long-term costs of ownership..
Key Takeaways:
- You can get up to 70% off, capped depending on location
- You must have at least 3 years as a public sector tenant
- Selling within 5 years means repaying some or all of the discount
What is Right to Buy Scheme?
Right to Buy is a government scheme in England that allows eligible council tenants to purchase their home at a discounted price. The discount increases with the length of tenancy, helping long-term renters move into homeownership.
Am I Eligible to Buy My Council House?
To qualify for Right to Buy, you must meet the following key criteria:
- Secure tenancy: You must be a council or public sector tenant with a secure tenancy agreement.
- Primary residence: The property must be your main home and self-contained.
- Three years with a public sector landlord: You must have rented from a council, housing association, or other public sector landlord for at least three years (not necessarily consecutive).
Preserved Right to Buy: Do You Qualify?
If your council home was transferred to a housing association or private landlord, you may still be able to buy it under the Preserved Right to Buy. This applies if:
- You were a council tenant when the transfer happened.
- You remained a tenant in the same home after the transfer.
Your landlord can confirm whether Preserved Right to Buy applies to your home.
Key Exceptions: Who Can’t Use Right to Buy?
You cannot buy your council house under Right to Buy if:
- You live in retirement housing (sheltered or adapted homes for elderly or disabled residents).
- Your property is scheduled for demolition or redevelopment.
- You are a housing association tenant without Preserved Right to Buy.
- You are currently facing eviction or have significant rent arrears.
If you're unsure about eligibility, speak to your landlord before applying.
How Much Discount Can I Get?
The Right to Buy scheme offers discounts on council homes, with the exact amount depending on how long you’ve been a tenant and the type of property you’re buying.
Discount Rates for Houses and Flats
- Houses: The discount starts at 35% after three to five years of tenancy. After five years, it increases by 1% per additional year, up to a maximum of 70% or the cash cap, whichever is lower.
- Flats: The discount starts at 50% after three to five years. It increases by 2% per year after five years, up to a maximum of 70% or the cash cap.
Maximum Discount Caps for 2025
- England (excluding London) – £102,400
- London boroughs – £136,400
If the percentage discount exceeds these caps, the maximum cash amount applies instead.
Right to Buy Discount Example Calculations
| Property Type | Years as Tenant | Property Value | Total Discount | Final Purchase Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| House | 10 years | £200,000 | 40% (£80,000) | £120,000 |
| Flat | 15 years | £300,000 | 70% (£210,000, capped at £136,400) | £163,600 |
| House | 20 years | £180,000 | 50% (£90,000) | £90,000 |
Additional Discount Rules
- The cap on discounts increases annually in line with inflation.
- If you sell within five years, you may have to repay some or all of the discount.
- If your landlord has recently spent money on improvements, your discount may be reduced.
Use a Right to Buy calculator or check with your local council to get a personalised estimate.
Expert advice from our Property Expert Paul:
Right to Buy can be a fantastic opportunity for long-term tenants, but many people don’t realise how quickly the discounts can add up. I’ve seen buyers get over £100,000 off their home, making homeownership possible when they thought it was out of reach. However, it’s important to plan ahead—selling too soon could mean paying back a large portion of the discount.
My advice? If you’re considering Right to Buy, think long-term and make sure it’s the right move for your future.
How do I Buy my Council House? Step-by-Step Process
Below is a simple step by step process on how to buy your council house.
1. Check Eligibility: Start by confirming with your landlord.
2. Submit Application (RTB1 Form): How to fill it out and send it.
3. Landlord’s Response: Timeframes and possible outcomes.
4. Property Valuation & Offer: Understanding the price breakdown.
5. Arranging Finance: Mortgage vs. cash purchase considerations.
6. Final Decision & Legal Process: Accept, negotiate, or appeal valuation.
Our Property Advisory Team has helped countless buyers navigate this transition smoothly, ensuring they avoid common pitfalls and have the right support from start to finish.
Costs & Financial Considerations
Buying your council house through Right to Buy can be a great opportunity, but there are costs beyond the purchase price that you need to plan for. According to Neweconomics, 41% of all council homes sold under the Right to Buy scheme are now owned by private landlords, highlighting a significant shift in property ownership dynamics.
This tells us it is pretty common and if you're thinking about it, it's very much doable.
Upfront Costs
- Stamp Duty: If the property price exceeds £250,000, stamp duty applies. First-time buyers may qualify for relief.
- Solicitor Fees: Legal costs for handling the purchase typically range from £800 to £1,500.
- Land Registry Fees: This varies based on the property price but is usually between £100 and £500.
Mortgage vs. Cash Purchase
Most buyers will need a mortgage to purchase their council home, but if you have enough savings, you may be able to buy outright with cash. Here’s how each option works:
The majority of Right to Buy buyers take out a mortgage. Lenders will assess your income, credit history, and the property’s valuation before approving a loan. Some lenders offer Right to Buy mortgages with no deposit, allowing you to borrow the full discounted price. However, you’ll need to factor in monthly repayments, interest rates, and lender fees.
Do I Need a Deposit to Buy My Council House?
In most cases, you may not need a deposit to buy your council home through Right to Buy. Many lenders offer Right to Buy mortgages with no deposit, as the discount on your home can act as the deposit instead.
However, some lenders still require a deposit, especially if the discounted price is significantly lower than the property’s market value. If you have poor credit or a high loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, you may need to provide a deposit to secure a mortgage.
Can I Buy My Council Home Cash?
As a public sector tenant, you can pay for your home in cash, although most tenants cannot pay in cash and get a mortgage for the purchase.
It is important to remember that as well as securing a mortgage, there will be other costs with buying your property, including solicitor fees, VAT, and the Land Registry fee.
Ongoing Costs to Consider
- Maintenance & Repairs: As a homeowner, all future repairs and maintenance are your responsibility, including structural fixes, boiler servicing, and general upkeep.
- Service Charges (for Flats): Leasehold properties often come with annual service charges and ground rent, which can add hundreds or even thousands of pounds in costs each year.
What Happens If You Sell Within 5 Years?
If you sell your home within 5 years of buying it through Right to Buy, you must repay some or all of the discount you received:
- Year 1: 100% of the discount must be repaid
- Year 2: 80% repayment
- Year 3: 60% repayment
- Year 4: 40% repayment
- Year 5: 20% repayment
👉 If you sell within 10 years, you may also have to offer the property back to your former landlord or another social housing provider first.
A Final Word: Is Right to Buy for You?
Right to Buy can be a great opportunity for council tenants to step onto the property ladder at a discounted price, but it’s not the right choice for everyone. While the savings can be significant, homeownership comes with new financial responsibilities, including maintenance, repairs, and potential service charges for flats. If you plan to sell within five years, you may also have to repay part of the discount, so it’s important to think long-term before making a decision.
Before applying, consider your finances, future plans, and whether you can secure a mortgage if needed. Speaking to a mortgage broker or financial advisor can help you assess your options. If you’re unsure whether Right to Buy is the best path for you, take the time to weigh the benefits against the costs to ensure homeownership is the right move for your situation.
