At Niche Advice we have access to an array of lenders that offer a Right to Buy Mortgage . As a ‘whole of market’ Specialist Mortgage Broker we commonly use Mortgage Lenders that are not open to the general public. Now that you have been offerd to buy your council home you will need to get expert advice on which lenders are best suited based on your circumstances and property type. At Niche Advice we have helped many applicants fulfill the dream of buying their Council Property with a Right to Buy Mortgage.
No upfront Broker fees by us. You only pay once the deal completes.
If a family member is helping with your deposit, see how gifted equity works alongside your Right-to-Buy discount.
- 100% Discount can be used as Deposit fund the mortgage
- Up to 5 times joint income
- Right to But Mortgage for Flats and Houses
- Expert advice in regards to lender affordability rules
- Insight on what type of properties can get a Right to Buy Mortgage
- Joint applicants Right to Buy with a Family member e.g mother or father and son
Right to Buy mortgage — frequently asked questions
What is the Right to Buy scheme?
Right to Buy is a statutory scheme in England that allows eligible council and (in some cases) housing-association tenants to buy their rented home from the local authority or housing association at a discount. The scheme has been in operation since 1980 and is governed by the Housing Act 1985.
How long do I need to have been a tenant to qualify?
You generally need at least three years of public-sector tenancy to qualify, though those three years do not need to be consecutive or with the same landlord. Time spent in armed-forces accommodation can count. Your local authority confirms eligibility when you submit the RTB1 application form.
How does the Right to Buy discount work?
The discount is calculated as a percentage of your home’s market value, capped at a maximum amount that varies by region. For houses, the discount starts at 35% after three years’ tenancy and rises by 1% per additional year up to a regional cap. For flats, the discount starts higher (50%) and rises by 2% per additional year. The maximum percentage is currently 70%, subject to the regional cash cap.
Can I use the Right to Buy discount as my deposit?
Many UK lenders accept the Right to Buy discount as the deposit, which means some applicants can borrow at 100% loan-to-value of the discounted purchase price. Not all lenders offer this — the eligible lenders, criteria, and required documentation vary, and a specialist broker can identify the lender most likely to accept your specific circumstances.
Council tenants on settled or refugee status may also wish to read our refugee mortgage guidance.
Do I need to put down any cash deposit?
If your lender accepts the RTB discount as the full deposit, you may not need to add any cash deposit. However, you will still need funds to cover legal fees, lender fees, survey fees, and other transaction costs. Some lenders also prefer applicants to demonstrate a small cash contribution to improve affordability margins.
What happens if I sell my home within five years of buying it under Right to Buy?
If you sell within five years of completion, you must repay some or all of the discount to the local authority. The repayment tapers: 100% in year one, 80% in year two, 60% in year three, 40% in year four, and 20% in year five. From year six onwards, no repayment is required. This is the statutory clawback period and applies regardless of who buys the property from you.
Can I apply for a Right to Buy mortgage if I have adverse credit?
Yes, some specialist lenders consider Right to Buy applicants with a history of missed payments, CCJs, defaults, or IVAs. The lender’s criteria depend on how recent the issue is, how serious it was, and whether the debt has been settled. A specialist broker can match your credit profile against lenders most likely to consider it.
Can I apply jointly with a partner, family member, or friend?
Yes. A Right to Buy mortgage can usually be taken out jointly with a partner, spouse, parent, adult child, or other family member, depending on the lender. Some lenders also accept friends or non-family co-applicants. The named purchasers on the RTB1 form must match the named applicants on the mortgage.