Right to Buy

The Right to Buy scheme offers council tenants the opportunity to purchase their homes at significant discounts. However, the application process is complex, with strict deadlines and potential complications that can affect your purchase.

What Our Right to Buy Solicitors Can Help With

Expert legal support throughout the Right to Buy process:

• Eligibility Assessment: Confirming your right to buy and discount entitlement
• RTB1 Applications: Submitting formal Right to Buy applications
• Valuation Disputes: Challenging council property valuations
• Discount Calculations: Ensuring correct discount percentages applied
• Right to Acquire: Housing association property purchases
• Preserved Right to Buy: Transfers from council to housing association
• Shared Ownership: Shared ownership Right to Buy options
• Completion Process: Conveyancing and mortgage coordination

Right to Buy Eligibility

To qualify for Right to Buy, you must:

• Be a Secure Tenant: Council tenant with secure tenancy
• 3 Years Tenancy: Minimum 3 years as a public sector tenant
• Principal Home: Property must be your main residence
• Not in Arrears: No significant rent arrears or other breaches
• Property Type: House or flat (some exclusions apply)

Right to Buy Discounts

Discount entitlements vary by property type and tenancy length:

• Houses: 35% discount (3-5 years), increasing to maximum 70% (20+ years)
• Flats: 50% discount (3-5 years), increasing to maximum 70% (15+ years)
• Maximum Discounts: £87,200 in England, £116,200 in London (2024 rates)
• Rural Areas: Lower maximum discounts may apply

The Right to Buy Process

The Right to Buy application process involves:

1. RTB1 Application: Formal application to council (£1 fee)
2. Council Response: RTB2 notice within 4 weeks (or 8 weeks if queries)
3. Section 125 Notice: Council's offer with price and terms
4. Mortgage Arrangement: Securing finance for purchase
5. Legal Representation: Appointing solicitors for conveyancing
6. Completion: Exchange and completion within deadlines

Common Right to Buy Issues

Potential complications include:

• Valuation Disputes: Challenging overvalued property prices
• Discount Errors: Incorrect calculation of entitlement
• Delays: Council delays affecting mortgage offers
• Property Defects: Structural issues affecting saleability
• Exclusions: Properties exempt from Right to Buy

Why Choose SolicitorConnect for Right to Buy

• Specialist Experience: Solicitors familiar with Right to Buy procedures
• Fixed Fee Packages: Transparent pricing for Right to Buy conveyancing
• Deadline Management: Ensuring all time limits are met
• Dispute Resolution: Challenging incorrect valuations and decisions
• Mortgage Coordination: Working with specialist Right to Buy lenders

Most Right to Buy applications complete within 4-6 months from initial application to completion, with potential savings of £20,000-£60,000 through discount entitlements.

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal advice tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified solicitor.