Helping you to buy a property under the Right to Buy scheme
At Nelsons, we understand that purchasing your council or housing association home through the Right to Buy scheme can be a significant and exciting step. Our experienced teams of conveyancing solicitors in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham are here to guide you through every stage of the process, ensuring a smooth and successful transaction.
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What is the Right to Buy scheme?
The Right to Buy scheme allows eligible council tenants and some housing association tenants in England to purchase their rented homes at a discounted price. This Government initiative aims to help more people get onto the property ladder and own their own homes.
Please note – The Right to Buy scheme is subject to specific eligibility criteria and may not be available in all areas. Our solicitors will provide up-to-date advice based on your individual circumstances and current legislation.
Buying a property through the Right to Buy scheme – Our process
As soon as you have received confirmation that you are eligible:
- Contact us to give us details of the house you want to buy.
- Get an instant, comprehensive conveyancing fee quote, which you can use to instruct us.
- Tell any other parties involved, including the Council or Housing Association, your mortgage broker/mortgage lender that we are the solicitors acting for you and give them our contact details.
We will send you:
- A quotation, together with our terms and conditions.
- An instruction form to complete with details about you, the seller and the transaction.
- We will need proof of your identity to comply with Money Laundering legislation, or you can permit us to undertake verification checks.
We will then:
- Request the draft contract and title documentation from the Local Authority or Housing Association. We will then advise you on the contract and property title.
- Carry out a Local Authority search, drainage and water search, environmental and flood search and, where necessary, a mining search. We will then advise you on the results of the searches.
- We will raise such enquiries as we consider necessary to clarify any discrepancies in connection to the property title. We will then advise you on any information provided by the sellers’ conveyancer in their replies to our enquiries.
- We will communicate with you, your sellers’ conveyancer and your mortgage provider, as necessary, to facilitate a smooth transaction to reach completion.
Meet the team
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Chris HuntingfordPartner & Solicitor
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Trevor ScottPartner & Licensed Conveyancer
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Russell HurstLegal Director & Licensed Conveyancer
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Jane BurtonLegal Director & New Build Team Manager
Our team of expert conveyancing solicitors
At Nelsons, we have one of the largest teams of conveyancing solicitors in the East Midlands, helping hundreds of families in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham buy properties under the Right to Buy scheme every year.
We practice the latest conveyancing methods to ensure your property purchase is a hassle-free experience, providing fast, efficient and value-for-money service to our clients using online search tools and other modern technology. Our team of experts are friendly and approachable and will be able to guide you along the process.
Why choose Nelsons for your Right to Buy property purchase?
Expertise – Our property team has extensive experience in Right to Buy transactions, ensuring you receive knowledgeable and reliable advice. We are also accredited by the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme and a member firm of the Conveyancing Association – an organisation proactively working to improve the conveyancing process and to formulate and implement best practices throughout the industry.- Personalised service – We understand that every purchase is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs.
- Clear communication – We’ll keep you informed throughout the process, explaining legal jargon in plain English.
- Competitive fees – We offer transparent, competitive pricing with no hidden costs.
- Efficiency – Our streamlined processes help complete your purchase as quickly as possible without compromising on quality.
Testimonials…
Taking the first step towards owning your council or housing association home is just a phone call or a few clicks away.
Fill in our short online form for a hassle-free conveyancing fee quote or call us on 0800 024 1976.
Make an enquiry
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Right to Buy Property Purchases FAQS
Below, we have answered some frequently asked questions concerning right to buy property purchases
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Who is eligible for the Right to Buy scheme?
To be eligible, you typically need to:
- Be a secure tenant of a council or housing association property
- Have lived in a public sector property for at least three years (doesn’t have to be continuous)
- Be using the property as your main home
- Not have any legal problems with debt
- Not have any outstanding possession orders
Note that eligibility rules can be complex, and it’s best to seek professional advice to confirm your status.
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How much discount can I get?
The discount depends on how long you’ve been a tenant and the type of property:
- For houses: 35% base discount + 1% for each year over 5 years, up to a maximum of 70%
- For flats: 50% base discount + 2% for each year over 5 years, up to a maximum of 70%
As of 2024, the maximum discount is £87,200 across England and £116,200 in London boroughs. These figures are updated annually in April.
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Can I apply if I was previously a council tenant but now rent from a housing association?
You may have a ‘Preserved Right to Buy’ if your home was transferred from a local council to another landlord, like a housing association, while you were living in it. You’ll need to meet the standard eligibility criteria.
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What if I can't afford to buy my home outright?
You might be able to buy your home under the Shared Ownership scheme, where you purchase a share of your home (between 25% and 75%) and pay rent on the remaining share.
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Can I sell my home after using Right to Buy?
Yes, but if you sell within the first five years, you’ll usually have to repay some or all of the discount. The amount depends on how soon you sell after buying.
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What costs should I consider beyond the purchase price?
Additional costs may include:
- Mortgage fees and interest
- Solicitors’ fees
- Survey costs
- Stamp Duty Land Tax (if applicable)
- Ongoing costs like maintenance, insurance, and service charges
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How long does the Right to Buy process take?
The process typically takes between three to six months, but it can vary depending on individual circumstances and the complexity of the case.
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What if my landlord doesn't respond to my Right to Buy application?
If your landlord doesn’t respond within the specified timeframes, you may be entitled to a reduction in the purchase price. It’s important to keep records of all correspondence and seek legal advice if delays occur.
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Can my application be denied?
Yes, your application can be denied if you don’t meet the eligibility criteria or if the property is exempt (e.g., sheltered housing or properties particularly suitable for elderly people).
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Do I need a solicitor for a Right to Buy purchase?
While not legally required, it’s highly recommended to use a solicitor experienced in Right to Buy transactions. They can guide you through the process, handle legal paperwork, and protect your interests.
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Can I appeal if my Right to Buy application is rejected?
Yes, you have the right to appeal if you believe your application was wrongly denied. The appeal process and deadlines will be outlined in your rejection notice.
Get in touch
Speak to us now on 0800 024 1976Email Us
