What is Right to Buy?
Right to Buy allows most Council tenants to buy their council home at a discount. This applies to NPH customers because West Northamptonshire Council still owns the properties that NPH manage.
Who can apply?
To qualify, the property must be your main home and self-contained. You must also have held a secure or flexible tenancy with a public sector landlord (council, housing association or NHS trust) for at least 3 years, although these do not need to be continuous.
Use the eligibility checker on the Right to Buy website to find out if you can apply.
Right to Buy applications can be refused if:
- the tenant has outstanding possession orders
- the property type is suitable for elderly or disabled people
- tenant has legal problems with debt
- the tenancy is held in connection with your job
- tenant’s home is due to be demolished.
How much is the discount?
For any Right to Buy applications received from 21st November 2024, the new maximum discount is £24,000.00.
These changes were announced in the October 2024 Government budget.
The discount is based on:
- how long you’ve been a tenant with a public sector landlord
- the type of property you’re buying – a flat or house
- the value of your home
If you are making a joint application, the number of years is counted for the tenant who has held a public sector tenancy for the longest. You will usually have to repay some or all your discount if you sell your home within 5 years. You may get a smaller discount if you’ve used Right to Buy in the past.
No repairs or improvements will be carried out on any properties that have active Right to Buy applications, only emergency repairs that are considered a health and safety risk may still be carried out.
If you have any questions about the Right to Buy scheme, please contact the Right to Buy team on 01604 526997 or you can find more detailed information here.
For a Right to Buy guide please click here.
