Understanding Right to Buy
The Right to Buy scheme allows eligible council and housing association tenants to purchase their home at a discounted price. It’s a fantastic opportunity to step onto the property ladder — often with far less deposit required than a standard purchase.
However, the process can be confusing, and getting your mortgage approved isn’t always straightforward. From proving eligibility to finding a lender who supports Right to Buy applications, the right advice makes all the difference.
The risks of going it alone
Many tenants start the Right to Buy process thinking it will be simple, but without the right help, it’s easy to hit unexpected problems:
- Applications delayed or declined because eligibility isn’t clear
- Confusion over how discounts affect deposit requirements
- Limited lender choice or higher rates for Right to Buy borrowers
- Missed opportunities to improve credit or strengthen your application
What starts as an exciting opportunity can quickly become overwhelming. Without clear advice, you could risk losing valuable time or even your chance to buy your home.
How I will help you
I’m Toby Keate, independent adviser at Taylor James Financial Services. I’ll guide you through your Right to Buy journey, making sure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
Here’s how I can help:
- Check your eligibility — ensuring you meet the government’s criteria before applying.
- Explain your discount — showing how much you could save and how this counts toward your deposit.
- Find the right mortgage — sourcing from the whole market, including lenders experienced with Right to Buy.
- Help with the paperwork — guiding you through forms, valuations, and lender requirements.
- Support to completion — making sure your mortgage is approved and you become the legal owner of your home.
Right to Buy eligibility explained
You may be eligible to buy your home through the Right to Buy scheme if:
- It’s your main residence and you’ve lived there for at least three years.
- The property is owned by your local council or housing association.
- It’s self-contained and you have no shared tenancy agreement.
The size of your discount depends on how long you’ve been a tenant — and can reach up to 70% of the property’s market value (subject to a cap in your area). That discount can often act as your deposit, meaning you may not need to save one separately.
With the right advice, buying your home through Right to Buy can be life-changing. You’ll own the place you’ve called home for years, and you’ll do it with confidence, clarity, and support at every step.
Working together, you’ll benefit from:
- Access to lenders who understand Right to Buy mortgages
- Clear explanation of costs, discounts, and fees
- Help ensuring your new mortgage remains affordable long-term
- Personal, one-to-one advice from start to finish
Ready to get started?
If you’re thinking about buying your council or housing association home, let’s talk. I’ll help you check eligibility, explain your options clearly, and find the mortgage that makes ownership possible.
Call: 0203 859 3320
Email: contact@taylorjamesfs.co.uk
Please remember: your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
FAQs
It’s a mortgage specifically designed for council or housing association tenants buying their home under the government’s Right to Buy scheme.
In most cases, your Right to Buy discount can act as your deposit, although some lenders may still ask for a small cash contribution.
The discount depends on how long you’ve been a tenant and the property’s value. It can be as much as 70% of the market price, up to a set regional cap.
Possibly. Some lenders accept Right to Buy applications from clients with previous credit issues. I’ll help identify the right lenders for your situation.
You can, but if you sell within five years, you may need to repay some or all of your discount. I’ll explain the implications before you proceed.
Yes, once your mortgage is complete, you become the legal homeowner — but you’ll be responsible for maintenance and any service charges if it’s a flat.
FAQs
It’s a mortgage specifically designed for council or housing association tenants buying their home under the government’s Right to Buy scheme.
In most cases, your Right to Buy discount can act as your deposit, although some lenders may still ask for a small cash contribution.
The discount depends on how long you’ve been a tenant and the property’s value. It can be as much as 70% of the market price, up to a set regional cap.
Possibly. Some lenders accept Right to Buy applications from clients with previous credit issues. I’ll help identify the right lenders for your situation.
You can, but if you sell within five years, you may need to repay some or all of your discount. I’ll explain the implications before you proceed.
Yes, once your mortgage is complete, you become the legal homeowner — but you’ll be responsible for maintenance and any service charges if it’s a flat.