CouncilRight to buy
The ‘right to buy’ is a government run scheme that allows some tenants to purchase the property that they rent from the council.
Who is eligible?
Secure tenancies starting on or before 17th January 2005
If you have held a public sector tenancy for two years, you may be able to purchase the property that you live in through the right to buy.
Secure tenancies starting after 17th January 2005
If you have held a public sector tenancy for five years, you may be able to purchase the property that you live in through the right to buy.
Who cannot buy?
- Any tenant who has a service tenancy in connection with their job.
- Any sheltered housing tenant.
- Any tenant whose home has been adapted or is particularly suitable for use by the disabled
A full list of exceptions can be obtained from the Right to Buy section
What discount will I receive?
You could receive up to a maximum discount of £16,000 depending on the amount of time that you have been a secure tenant.
Help and advice
The Tower Hamlets home ownership service has produced a guide for secure tenants on the Right to Buy your home. It provides general advice on the steps involved in applying for the right to buy, the costs involved in buying and the responsibilities that come with owning your own home.
The booklet is intended as a guide and is not a substitute for professional advice. It is recommended that if you decide to exercise your Right to Buy you seek independent legal and financial advice about your individual circumstances. To view the guide please view the click here:
Thinking of Buying Your Home? Information for secure tenants about the Right to Buy (pdf 545k)
Further advice
More information about your right to buy is available on the Communities and Local Government website.
If you would like an application form for the Right to Buy your council property.
Download an application form (PDF 20k) or please contact the home ownership section to have a form posted to you.
Complete the form and post or hand it to your home ownership section. You should keep a copy of the form, and either use recorded delivery or deliver it by hand to us and request a receipt.
Within 28 working days we will write to you telling you whether or not you have the right to buy.
Further information
For further information on the above, or any other issues you may have concerning the Right to Buy scheme, please contact your home ownership section:
Right to Buy team
Homeownership Services
Mulberry Place
5th Floor
5 Clove Crescent
London
E14 2BG
Tel: 020 7364 7500
Email: homeownership@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Pid No: 151
