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.

Check if you're eligible to buy your home

  1. Check if you can afford to buy

    Check if you can afford to buy your home, and what discount you could get.

    Check if you can afford to buy

  2. Make an application

    Fill in the application form.

    Make an application

  3. Get your application decision

    We'll tell you our decision within 4 or 8 weeks.

    Get your application decision

  4. Have your property valued and assessed

    A valuer and a surveyor will visit your property to calculate the market value and energy efficiency.

    Have your property valued and assessed

  5. Get a formal offer

    You'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

  6. Arrange a mortgage

    Arrange a mortgage when you accept our offer.

    Arrange a mortgage

  7. Go through the conveyancing process

    This is the legal process to complete the purchase of your home.

    Go through the conveyancing process

  8. If you've bought your flat or maisonette

    Your leaseholder information pack will help you understand your rights and responsibilities.

    If you've bought your flat or maisonette