What is Right to Buy?

Full Definition

Right to Buy is a government scheme that gives eligible council and housing association tenants in England the legal right to purchase their rented home at a discount below its market value. To be eligible, you must have been a public sector tenant for a minimum of 3 years (this does not need to be continuous or with the same landlord). The maximum discount available in 2026/27 is £102,400 outside London and £136,400 within London, though discounts are also capped as a percentage of the property's value (50% for houses, rising by 1% per year of tenancy up to 70%; 50% for flats, rising by 2% per year up to 70%). The discount must be repaid (in part or in full, on a sliding scale) if you sell the property within 5 years of purchase. The scheme applies to England only; it has been abolished in Scotland and Wales, and has different rules in Northern Ireland. Housing associations that voluntarily participate or were required to join through preserved Right to Buy rules may also be included. Right to Buy can represent significant value for long-standing tenants, but buyers should assess whether they can afford ongoing maintenance, service charges (for flats), and mortgage costs, as these responsibilities shift entirely to the owner on completion.