Am I eligible?

Right to Buy gives council tenants the chance to buy their council home at a discount - but both you and your property must be eligible before you can apply.

You can apply to buy your council home if: 

  • you're a council tenant or were a council tenant when your home was sold to your current landlord
  • you've been a tenant for at least three years
  • it's your only or main home
  • you have no outstanding possession orders against you
  • you have no legal problems with debt
  • you do not live in sheltered accommodation or a property suitable for elderly or disabled people

How much discount could I get?

The longer you have been a tenant, the bigger the discount you get on the market value of your home.

You qualify for a different discount depending on whether you're looking to buy a house or a flat.

House

If eligible, you qualify for a 35 per cent discount on a house if you've been a public sector tenant for three years. The discount remains at 35 per cent until you have had a public sector tenancy for five years.

After five years, the discount increases by one per cent for every extra year you've been a public sector tenant, up to the maximum of 70 per cent or the maximum discount cap (whichever lower).

Flat

If eligible, you qualify for a 50 per cent discount on a flat if you've been a public sector tenant for three years. The discount remains at 50 per cent until you have had a public sector tenancy for five years.

After five years, the discount increases by two per cent for every extra year you've been a public sector tenant, up to a maximum of 70 per cent or the maximum discount cap (whichever lower).

Can I afford it?

If you're considering buying your home under Right to Buy, you're likely to need a loan or mortgage. 

The Government has published a guide for tenants considering applying for a mortgage in order to purchase a home under the Right to Buy.

What do I need before making an application?

Before contacting us to start the application process, you'll need to make sure you have the following:

  • photograph ID, proof of signature and proof of your address
  • further proof of address for the last year for your family members
  • proof of relationship between tenants and family members
  • proof of previous tenancies

What happens next?

When you're ready to make your application, call us on (01788) 533375 or email housingservices@rugby.gov.uk 

Alternatively, you can read the Government guidance on Right to Buy.

View the Government guidance on Right to Buy (external link)

When you contact us, we'll discuss the next steps for your application before sending you an application form to complete.

When we receive your completed application form, we'll contact you to arrange an interview and check you have the necessary proofs listed on the 'What do I need before making an application?' page.