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Appointed Representative of The Right Mortgage Network (FCA No. 1004260). Company No. 15189091. Registered in England and Wales.
Mortgages · Specialist
Right to Buy Mortgages
“You’ve made it your home. Now make it yours.”
Buying your council home can be one of the most affordable ways onto the ladder. Your discount can often act as your deposit, but not every lender is set up for it, and the rules are changing.
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Quick answer
Right to Buy lets eligible council tenants in England buy their home at a discount. A Right to Buy mortgage funds the rest, and many lenders accept the discount instead of a cash deposit. The main thing to know is that the scheme is changing, and there are deadlines once you receive your offer notice.
Typical deposit
Your discount can often count
How lenders assess you
Standard affordability checks
When to start
As soon as you apply to your landlord
Main thing to watch
Offer deadlines and rule changes
How a Right to Buy mortgage works
You apply to your landlord, who values the home and sends an offer showing the price and discount.
Many lenders let the discount stand in for a cash deposit, so you may not need savings. Affordability is checked as normal.
Some lenders are cautious about high rise flats and non standard construction, so the property type matters.
The rules are changing
Maximum discounts were cut in November 2024. The government has confirmed further reforms through the Social Housing Bill, including a longer qualifying period and smaller discounts.
Until the new law takes effect, the current rules apply. If you think you’re eligible, speak to us early.
Eligibility and what lenders assess
Who may qualify
Secure council tenants in England who meet the qualifying period.
Deposit and LTV
The discount often counts as your deposit.
Income and affordability
Standard checks on income and outgoings.
Credit history
Specialist lenders can help with past issues.
Property requirements
Flats, high rise blocks and non standard construction face tighter rules.
Common reasons for decline
Property type, or affordability on the full loan.
What happens from first call to completion
1
Review your circumstances
A proper conversation about your income, commitments, plans and timescales before anything else.
2
Check affordability and criteria
We check what lenders will realistically offer and whose criteria you fit, before any credit search.
3
Compare suitable options
We compare the market on total cost, not just the headline rate, and explain the trade offs.
4
Prepare and submit the application
We package your documents so the underwriter has what they need first time.
5
Manage valuation and underwriting
We chase the lender, valuer and solicitor and deal with any questions that come up.
6
Receive your offer and complete
Once the offer is issued we keep things moving through to completion day.
Costs, risks and when it may not be suitable
Being upfront about this is part of doing it properly.
Costs to budget for
- Product and arrangement fees
- Valuation and legal costs
- Early repayment charges if you leave a deal early
- The total cost of borrowing over the full term, not just the initial rate
- A longer term lowers monthly payments but increases the total interest you pay
Risks to weigh up
- You may need to repay some or all of the discount if you sell within the repayment period
- Your landlord may have the right of first refusal if you sell
- Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage
When it may not be suitable
- If you may need to move soon, discount repayment could make selling expensive
- Ex council flats can be harder to remortgage or sell later
What you will need
The exact list depends on your lender, but this is what to start gathering.
Photo ID and proof of address
Bank statements (usually 3 months)
Details of credit commitments
Section 125 offer notice
Payslips or accounts
Proof of tenancy
How MBNM helps
- Assess your circumstances properly, not just your salary
- Compare suitable lenders and products across the whole market
- Check criteria before an application goes anywhere near a lender
- Explain the total costs and trade offs in plain English
- Manage the application and chase the people who need chasing
- Support you all the way through to completion
What it costs
Your first chat is free. If we can help, we will explain any fees before you decide whether to proceed. There are no hidden fees, and we will not move forward until you have agreed them.
Right to Buy Mortgage FAQs
Can I buy with no deposit?
How long do I have once I receive my offer?
What if I sell later?
Are the rules changing?
Can family buy with me?
Is Right to Buy available in Scotland or Wales?
Thinking about buying your council home?
We’ll check your eligibility, the property type and which lenders will accept your discount.
Your first conversation is free and there's no obligation. If we can help, we'll explain any fees before you decide whether to go ahead.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.