Some secure tenants of local authorities have the Right to Buy (RTB) their homes at a discount but this scheme is not currently open to housing association tenants.

We've created two information packs to give you a quick overview of Right to Buy and Right to Acquire. You can also take a look at the information below to understand if you might be eligible for RTB or RTA.

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 customer has the RTB at the time of transfer then the customer brings this right with them, which is known as Preserved Right to Buy (PRTB).

The PRTB applies to rented properties for secure customers 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

 

Do I have the Right to Buy?

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 customer has the RTB at the time of transfer then the customer brings this right with them, which is known as Preserved Right to Buy (PRTB).

The PRTB applies to rented properties for secure customers 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
Do I have the Right to Acquire?

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

 

Right to Buy agents

The Government has a dedicated agent to provide free and independent advice on Right to Buy.

Right to Buy Agents, Move with Us can help with questions about eligibility, filling out your application form, financial and legal advice and what to do if your application is delayed.

They can also send you information packs and application forms. They can be contacted on 0300 123 0913 or you can check your eligibility on their website. You can also email enquiry@righttobuyagent.org.uk.

If you think you are eligible and feel ready to apply for the Right to Buy your home, you need to fill out the Right to Buy form.

Can I buy my home – how much will it cost me?

You may be able to – your eligibility will depend on the type of tenancy that you have with us and whether you are eligible for the right to buy or right to acquire.

Your home will need to be valued. Any discount that you are eligible for would be applied to this value and you will be informed of the outstanding sum it will cost you to buy your home.

I want to buy my flat/house, could you please give me some advice on what I need to do?

You may be able to buy your home, but we would have to check your tenancy agreement and undertake other eligibility checks. If you’re eligible and you’d like to proceed you’ll need to complete the form on the government website.

It's important to note that:

  • If you've held your tenancy for less than 3 years you will not qualify
  • If you have tenancy breaches or court orders, you will not qualify. Examples are ASB, arrears, suspended possession.
  • If you've been bankrupt, have an IVA or debt order, you will not qualify
  • Further eligibility checks will be made later on in the process if you're accepted

For more information and advice, please contact us on 0345 60 20 540.

Can I buy with members of my family?

Yes, if they are joint tenants or the household member has been living in the property for a minimum of 12 months.

My flat is part of a house, can I buy it?

Yes, if your flat is self-contained and part of a house conversion and you meet the eligibility criteria.

If you live in a house in Multiple Occupation (HMO) you cannot.

Do I have the Right to Acquire (RTA) my home?

If we received grant funding for your home or it was built after 1997 and you meet the eligibility criteria you may be able to. To qualify for the RTA your circumstances 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) - we will be able to confirm this
  • The property must be your only and principle 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)

Do I have the 'Right to Buy' (RTB) my home?

If your home was transferred over to us and you had the Right to Buy at the time of transfer – this is known as the Preserved Right to Buy (PRTB)

To qualify for the RTB you will need to answer yes to the following:

  • Your property was originally owned by the local authority and transferred to Midland Heart or another organisation while you were a secure tenant.
  • You have a secure not an assured tenancy
  • The property must be your only and principle 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, NHS trusts, or other housing associations)

You will be unable to proceed with a purchase if any of the following applies.

  • You have been bankrupt, have an IVA or debt order
  • You have any outstanding possession orders

Your property is suitable for an elderly or disabled person

I want to purchase my home do you know the value of the property?

You will need to make an application. Part of the application process will include us sending out a RICS Valuer who will value the property.

I have made an application to purchase my home – will my repairs still get done?

Once we've received your form and confirmed that you have the RTA/RTB, we will only carry out emergency repairs and your annual safety checks - for example the gas safety check.