Right to buy or acquire

Some secure tenants of local authorities have the Right to Buy (RTB) their homes at a discount. If we take over any properties where a tenant has the RTB at the time of transfer then the tenant brings this right with them, which is known as Preserved Right to Buy (PRTB).

The PRTB applies to rented properties for secure tenants from a non-charitable organisation. If you can answer ‘yes’ to the questions below then you may be able to purchase your home through this scheme:

• Was your property originally owned by a local authority and transferred to us or another organisation while you were a secure tenant?
• Do you have a Secure (not Assured) Tenancy?
• Is the property your only or principal home?
• You can apply to buy your home if you've had a public sector tenancy landlord for a minimum of 3 years (this can include other housing providers i.e. the council, armed services, NHS trusts, or other housing associations)

You will be unable to proceed with the purchase if any of the below apply to you:

• You have been bankrupt, have an IVA or debt order
• You have any outstanding possession orders
• Your property is particularly suitable for the elderly or disabled
• Your property is due for demolition

The Right to Acquire (RTA) applies to properties which we received funding for and were built after 1 April 1997.

To qualify for the RTA your situation will need to match the following.

• Your tenancy must be secure or assured.
• Your property must have been built or purchased on or after 1 April 1997.
• Your property must have been built using funding (known as a Social Housing Grant) provided by the housing corporation or local authority. This would need to be confirmed by ourselves.
• The property must be your only or principal home.
• You can apply to acquire your home if you've had a public sector tenancy landlord for a minimum of 3 years (this can include other housing providers i.e. the council, armed services, NHS or foundation trusts, or other housing associations)

You will be unable to proceed with the purchase if any of the below apply to you.

• You have been bankrupt, have an IVA or debt order
• You have any outstanding possession orders
• Your property is particularly suitable for the elderly or disabled
• Your property is due for demolition

The Right to Shared Ownership (RtSO) applies to properties which have received funding delivered under the Affordable Homes Programme 2021-2026.   

If you are eligible, you’ll be able to buy a share in your home from as little as 10% up to 75%.   

Once you own your home you’ll also be able to buy further shares from as little as 5% up to 100% (and from as little as 1% for the first 15 years).  You’ll also be able to claim back some repairs costs up to £500 per year, for the first ten years from when your home was built. 

This scheme does not offer any discount however if you are hoping for discount and want to own your home, we have further information on this webpage about Right to Acquire.

To qualify for the RtSO your situation will need to match the following :- 

• Your tenancy must be an assured tenancy 

• Your property must have been built using funding under the Affordable Homes Programme 2021-2026). This would need to be confirmed by ourselves. 

• The property must be your only or principal home and you must have lived in the property for a minimum of 1 years  

and 

You can apply if you've had a public sector tenancy landlord for a minimum of 3 years (including the 12 months or more you’ve lived in your current home and this can include other housing providers i.e. the council, armed services, NHS or foundation trusts, or other housing associations) 

• You must have cash funds or be able to raise a mortgage for the purchase of the initial share 

• Have a 5% deposit  

• Be in employment  

• Have a combined income of £80,000 or less  

• Has a good credit history, no recent defaults or history of rent arrears   

For further details please contact our Housing Advice Team on 0345 60 20 540