A step-by-step guide to buying your home
If you’re eligible for the Right to Buy discount you could be on your way to owning your home. Here are six main steps you’ll need to follow. You can also find out more at www.communities.gov.uk/righttobuy
1 /Work out the costs and get advice
The costs of owning your home are very different from those of being a tenant. You’ll need to fully understand what these costs are going to be. You’re also going to need financial and legal advice. /2 /
Fill in an application form
Ask your landlord for an application form (RTB1) or download one from our Right to Buy website. Fill it in and send it to your landlord. /3 /
Wait for a reply
Your landlord usually has up to 4 weeks to reply, confirming whether or not you have the Right to Buy your home. /4 /
Receive an offer
Your landlord will then send you an offer notice (S125) within 8 weeks for a house and 12 weeks for a flat. This sets out the property value*, discount, the price you’ll pay, any structural problems they may know about, and any terms and conditions. Your landlord must process your application in a set time limit. If they don’t meet these timescales or delay without reason, you could get a reduction in the sale price. Search on GOV.UK for Right to Buy delays.*If you’re not happy with the valuation you can appeal. /
5 /
Survey, loans… and get advice
You have up to 12 weeks to accept your landlord’s offer. It’s now that you’ll need to get a survey, appoint a solicitor and arrange a mortgage or loan. /6 /