Right to Buy Calculator
Calculate your discount when purchasing your council home in the UK with our free, easy-to-use calculator
Calculate Your Right to Buy Discount
Your Right to Buy Discount
0% discount
Purchase Price After Discount
£0
This is the amount you would pay to purchase your council home after applying your Right to Buy discount.
How Your Discount Was Calculated
Next Steps
- Contact your landlord to request a Section 125 notice
- Get your property professionally valued
- Arrange a mortgage if needed
- Complete the purchase within the specified timeframe
What is Right to Buy?
Right to Buy is a government scheme that gives eligible council tenants in England the legal right to buy their council home at a discount. The scheme has helped over 2 million families become homeowners since 1980.
Key Benefits
- Substantial discounts off market value
- Security of homeownership
- Potential for property value growth
- Freedom to modify your home
- Ability to pass on property to family
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a secure council tenant
- Minimum 3 years as a public sector tenant
- Property must not be exempt
- Must be your main residence
Discount Rates Explained
Your discount depends on how long you’ve been a council tenant and your property type. The longer you’ve been a tenant, the higher your discount.
Houses
- 35% discount after 3 years
- Additional 1% for each extra year
- Maximum discount: 70% or £87,200 (whichever is lower)
Flats
- 50% discount after 3 years
- Additional 2% for each extra year
- Maximum discount: 70% or £87,200 (whichever is lower)
Note: Different rules apply in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
The Right to Buy Process
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Confirm you meet all eligibility criteria and your property is not exempt from Right to Buy.
Step 2: Apply
Complete form RTB1 and submit it to your landlord. They have 4 weeks to respond with form RTB2.
Step 3: Valuation
Your landlord arranges an independent valuation to determine the market value and your discount.
Step 4: Offer
Receive Section 125 notice with purchase price, discount amount, and conditions.
Step 5: Purchase
Accept the offer and complete the purchase. You typically have 8-12 weeks to complete.
Important Considerations
Mortgage Requirements
Most buyers need a mortgage. Your Right to Buy discount can count as your deposit, but you’ll still need to qualify for a mortgage on the remaining amount.
Staircasing Restrictions
If you sell within 5 years, you must first offer it back to the council or a registered social landlord. You may also need to repay some or all of your discount.
Leasehold vs Freehold
- Houses: Usually sold freehold
- Flats: Sold as leasehold (typically 125-year lease)
Service Charges
Leaseholders may face annual service charges for building maintenance and management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, no. You must be up to date with your rent and any other charges. Some councils may consider applications if arrears are minimal and you have a repayment plan in place.
Exempt properties include: homes built or acquired specifically for elderly people, properties in rural areas, homes due for demolition, and certain specialist accommodation.
Yes, joint tenants can apply together. The discount is calculated using the longest tenancy period of either tenant.
You can challenge the valuation by applying to the District Valuer within 3 months. This service is free and provides an independent assessment.
References
- HM Government. (2023). Right to Buy: Buying Your Council Home. GOV.UK. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/right-to-buy-buying-your-council-home
- Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. (2023). Right to Buy: Discounts. GOV.UK. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/right-to-buy-buying-your-council-home/discounts
- Homes and Communities Agency. (2023). Right to Buy: Guidance for Local Authorities. London: HCA Publications.
- Citizens Advice. (2023). Right to Buy Your Council Home. London: Citizens Advice Bureau.
- Shelter. (2023). Right to Buy Guide. London: Shelter Housing Charity.