Our Expertise
Right to Buy
Right to Buy allows eligible council and some housing association tenants to purchase the home they live in, often at a discount to market value.
Overview
What is right to buy?
Under the Right to Buy scheme, eligible tenants can purchase their rented home from their landlord. A discount may be applied based on the length of tenancy and the type of property, subject to the rules in force at the time.
Many lenders will treat the discount as your deposit, which can mean a purchase is possible without significant savings. Not all lenders participate in the scheme, and those that do apply their own criteria.
Who might this be suitable for?
- Council tenants who have received a Right to Buy offer notice
- Eligible housing association tenants
- Tenants with limited savings but an established tenancy
- Households wanting to understand affordability before applying
How Help to Lend can help
- 01We explain how the discount interacts with lender deposit requirements.
- 02We identify lenders that accept Right to Buy purchases and will lend on your property type.
- 03We assess affordability against the purchase price rather than the market value.
- 04We coordinate with your solicitor and landlord's timescales through to completion.
Assessment
What may lenders and providers consider?
Eligibility
Qualifying rules depend on tenancy length, landlord type and property. Your landlord confirms eligibility.
Discount rules
Discount levels are set by government rules and can change. Your offer notice will state the figure.
Resale restrictions
Selling within a set period may require part or all of the discount to be repaid.
Property type
Some lenders restrict lending on certain flats, high-rise blocks or non-standard construction.
Criteria vary between providers and can change at any time. Nothing here confirms that a particular lender or insurer will accept an application.
The Process
How we work through it together.
- 01
Understand
We start with a conversation about your circumstances, plans and objectives.
- 02
Assess
We review your position, affordability and mortgage requirements in detail.
- 03
Recommend
We identify suitable mortgage and protection options and explain the reasoning.
- 04
Apply
We prepare and manage the application, liaising with the lender on your behalf.
- 05
Progress
We keep the case moving and keep you informed at every stage.
- 06
Complete
We support you through to completion and remain available afterwards.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Related
Related expertise
First Time Buyers
Guidance through your first purchase, from deposit to keys.
Shared Ownership
Buying a share of a property and paying rent on the remainder.
Adverse Credit
Advice for clients whose credit history needs a considered approach.
Protection
Cover considered as part of responsible mortgage planning.
Speak to an adviser about your circumstances.
We'll explain the options clearly and tell you what to prepare, with no obligation.
- 20+ Years of Advice
- Whole of Market Panel
- Support to Completion