Right to acquire for housing association tenants

 

If you rent your home from a housing association, you may be able to buy it at a discounted price through the UK Government’s ‘Right to Acquire’ scheme. This scheme gives eligible tenants the chance to own their home, with a discount based on where you live.

If you are a council tenant, or live in a Housing Association home that was once owned by the council, you may be eligible for Right to Buy.

 

Who can apply?

  • you must have been a housing association tenant for at least three years (this can be in one go or over different periods)
  • the home must have been built by a housing association – or bought after 31 March 1997 using a social housing grant.
  • you must live in a self-contained property as your main home
  • your landlord must be a registered provider – most housing associations are

 

How much discount can I get?

  • a discount of up to £16,000 – depending on your local council area
  • you can apply even if you’re not the first tenant, as long as the home and your tenancy meet the criteria
  • you will need to arrange your own mortgage or funding. The scheme offers a discount on the purchase price, but does not provide financing. You will also need to cover all buying expenses

 

Things to check before applying

Your home may not be eligible if it’s:

  • in a rural area where homes are protected from sale
  • sheltered or supported housing (e.g. for elderly or disabled residents)
  • designated for community use or key workers

If your landlord says no, they must explain why in writing. Some homes are exempt by law from being sold under this scheme.

 

What if you sell your home later?

  • If you sell within 10 years, you must first offer it back to your former landlord
  • If you sell within 5 years, you may need to repay some or all of the discount, depending on when you sell and how much you made

 

How to apply?

  • Contact your housing association and request a Right to Acquire application form. They must respond within a set timeframe and provide a valuation.
  • You can also get advice from housing advisers, solicitors, citizens advice, or a tenants’ support group

 

Links to more info

Four Million Homes – guidance on Housing Association tenants’ rights 

 

Gov.uk – Right to Acquire – buying your housing association home 

 

Shelter – Right to Acquire rules for housing association and Private Registered Provider Social Housing tenants 

 

Citizens Advice – buying a home 

Discover more on this website