Right to Buy

Contents:

• Overview of Right to Buy
• Property Exemptions
• Eligibility
• Discounts
• Things to Consider
• Delay Procedures
• How to Apply
• Useful Information 
• FAQs
• Buy Back Scheme

Overview of Right to Buy

If you have been a tenant with Broxtowe Borough Council or another social landlord for three years or more (this does not have to be in a row), you could qualify to buy under the Right to Buy scheme.

For more information, please download the

• Right to Buy Summary Booklet  (.pdf) (7,421KB) (Opens in a New Window)

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Property Exemptions

Certain types of property are exempt from Right to Buy:

• Dwellings that are particularly suitable for elderly people
• Certain dwellings for disabled people
• Dwellings for persons of pensionable age
• Properties that are scheduled for demolition

For more information,  please refer to the Government Guide  (Opens in a New Window) 

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Eligibility

To find out if you are eligible for Right to Buy, take the Government’s Right to Buy Eligibility Quiz (Opens in a New Window). Right to Buy is only eligible for secure tenants.

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Discounts

You can get a discount on the market value of your home when you buy it if you qualify for Right to Buy. 

The maximum discount you can get depends on:

• where you live
• whether you apply before or after 21 November 2024

The discount is based on:

• the type of property you’re buying - a flat or house
• the value of your home
• how long you’ve been a tenant with a public sector landlord

If you’re buying with someone else, you count the years of whoever’s been a public sector tenant the longest.

You’ll usually have to repay some or all your discount if you sell your home within 5 years.

You might get a smaller discount if you’ve used Right to Buy in the past.

Working out the discount

There are different discount levels for houses and flats.

Houses

You get a 35% discount if you’ve been a public sector tenant for between 3 and 5 years.

After 5 years, the discount goes up 1% for every extra year you’ve been a public sector tenant up to the maximum discount amount. 

Flats

You get a 50% discount if you’ve been a public sector tenant for between 3 and 5 years.

After 5 years, the discount goes up 2% for every extra year you’ve been a public sector tenant, up to the maximum discount amount.

Maximum discount amount

If you apply before 21 November 2024 

The maximum discount you can get is whichever is lower:

• 70% of the value of your property
• the maximum discount for your region

If you apply on or after 21 November 2024

The maximum discount you can get is whichever is lower:

• 70% of the value of your property
• the maximum discount for your region

If your landlord has spent money on your home

Your discount will be less if your landlord has spent money building or maintaining your home:

• in the last 10 years - if your landlord built or acquired your home before 2 April 2012
• in the last 15 years - if you’re buying your home through Preserved Right to Buy, or if your landlord acquired your home after 2 April 2012

You will not get any discount if your landlord has spent more money than your home is now worth

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Things to Consider

When you apply and your application is accepted, you should receive a letter from us within 8 weeks for a house (12 weeks for a flat) which will let you know how much you will need to pay the Council for your home.

If the price is right, you need to seriously consider the advantages and disadvantages of buying your home. For full guidance on the potential costs and benefits of home ownership, please consult our Advantages and Disadvantages of Right To Buy Guide (.pdf) (130KB) (Opens in a New Window).

View help and advice from the Government on Right To Buy (Opens in a New Window).

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Delay Procedures

If you put in a Right to Buy application and believe the Council is delaying its progress, you may be entitled to some compensation. This could be if you have:

• Sent in an application form more than 4 weeks ago and not yet had a response informing you that your application has been admitted or denied or
• Have received the RTB2 form saying you have been admitted the right to buy more than 8 weeks ago (if you are buying a house) 12 weeks ago (if you are buying a flat or marionette) but not yet received the formal offer letter or
• Have accepted the offer to purchase by returning the Notice of Intention form more than 4 weeks ago

For more advice on what to do if you feel there any unnecessary delays in the Right to Buy process please visit the governments Right to Buy website (Opens in a New Window).

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How to Apply

You can obtain an application form from the Council Offices Reception, or call the Right to Buy team for an information pack to be sent out to you.

Alternatively, you can download the application pack by using the links below and returning to

Right to Buy, Housing, Broxtowe Borough Council, Beeston Offices, Foster Avenue, Beeston, NG9 1AB:

• RTB1 Form (.pdf) (361KB) (Opens in a New Window) 
• Additional Information Form (.pdf) (425KB) (Opens in a New Window)
• Guide to Completing RTB1 Form (.pdf) (186KB) (Opens in a New Window)
• Right to Buy Checklist (.pdf) (119KB) (Opens in a New Window)
• Ethnic Monitoring Form (Optional) (.pdf) (288KB) (Opens in a New Window)

Alternatively, you can visit the Government’s Right to Buy website (Opens in a New Window) where you will find a copy of the Right to Buy application form.

Once your application and supporting documents have been received, we will advise you within 4 weeks if your application has been accepted (8 weeks if we have been your landlord for less than 3 years). If your application has been denied, we will send a written explanation.

If we agree to sell the property, we will send you an offer within 8 weeks of accepting the application if you are buying a freehold property or 12 weeks if you are buying a leasehold flat.

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Useful Information 

Here are some useful links and booklets around Right to Buy

• Stamp Duty Land Tax Calculator (Opens in a New Window)

You can call the Government's Right to Buy Agents for free advice on 0300 123 0913 or visit the Agent Service (Opens in a New Window) website page. 

For more information on buying a leasehold property visit www.lease-advice.org  (Opens in a New Window) or call The Leasehold Advisory on 020 7832 2500 for free advice on leasehold properties, including guidance on service charges and ground rent.

The Money Advice Service  (Opens in a New Window) offers free, impartial advice about money including buying a home and taking out a mortgage. You can visit their website or contact their team on 0800 138 7777

Need some more support or information contact Broxtowe Borough Council's Right to Buy team by emailing homeownership@broxtowe.gov.uk

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FAQ's

Follow the to the Governments FAQ page (Opens in a New Window). 

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Buy Back Scheme

For information on the Buy Back Scheme for all Broxtowe Borough residents. 

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