The Right to Buy scheme allows eligible council tenants in England to purchase their home at a discount. It was introduced in 1980 and remains available, though with periodic changes to eligibility and discount levels.
Eligibility
You must have been a public sector tenant for at least 3 years (not necessarily continuously, and can include time with housing associations). The property must be your only or main home.
The discount
The discount depends on how long you've been a tenant and whether you're buying a house or flat. The maximum discount is £96,000 (£127,900 in London) as of 2024. Discounts have been significantly reduced in some areas — check current figures at gov.uk/right-to-buy-buying-your-council-home.
Clawback
If you sell within 5 years of buying, you must repay some or all of the discount on a sliding scale. This catches people who buy and immediately sell for profit.
This is general information. The scheme is managed by your local council. Right to Buy does not apply in Wales or Scotland (separate schemes exist).