Right to Buy

The Right to Buy scheme allows most council tenants to buy their home at a discount.

Buying a home is often the biggest single investment most people will ever make. Therefore, there is a lot to think about around the costs associated with purchasing a property. It is advisable that you speak with a qualified mortgage broker or financial advisor to understand what you can afford before proceeding.

What is Right to Buy?

The Right to Buy scheme is a government policy in England that lets eligible council tenants purchase their home at a discounted price.

You can normally buy your council home if:

• it’s your only or main home
• it’s self-contained
• you’re a secure tenant
• you’ve had a public sector landlord (for example, a council or housing association) for three years – this does not need to be three years in a row.

Find out more about Right to Buy and buying your council home (opens in new tab)

How do I apply for the Right to Buy?

If you want to buy your council home, you will need to complete the RTB1 form, an insolvency form, an anti-money laundering form and supply the correct supporting documentation. You will need to provide photo ID in person at the council offices in order for it to be checked and verified.

Once you’ve submitted your application, we’ll review the application form and supporting documents and make a formal decision on whether you are eligible and qualify for the Right to Buy. We will also determine whether your home qualifies for the scheme.

Please note, once you have applied to buy your council home, we’ll only carry out repairs that we have a legal duty to do, like gas or water problems. In addition, no further improvements will be made to your home while your application is ongoing.

You must also supply:

• photo ID and proof of address
• supporting documentation if required

We will carry out various checks to ensure applications are legitimate. Please be aware that if you provide false or misleading information for the purposes of gaining the Right to Buy it may be regarded as a criminal offence and action could be taken against you.

Are some properties not sold under the Right to Buy?

Yes. There may be limitations on whether your home qualifies for the Right to Buy. Certain properties are exempt from the Right to Buy because of the type of property it is and where it is located.

Exclusions include:

• independent living schemes
• designated rural properties
• properties with a demolition order
• designated homes for older people.

Check with us if your property is eligible for the Right to Buy, by emailing homeownership@dover.gov.uk

Are there other options to the Right to Buy?

Yes. If buying your council home isn’t suitable for you, there are other alternative affordable options you could consider, such as:

• shared ownership: an affordable housing scheme that allows you to purchase a share as low as 10% in a property, making it more affordable for you to own your own home. In most cases you can purchase additional shares up to 100% ownership.

Find out more about shared ownership

• First Homes: an affordable housing scheme for first time buyers to purchase a property at a discounted rate of at least 30%, although the discount can be higher.

Find out more about the First Homes scheme

There might also be other schemes that you could be eligible for.

• Visit the Government's affordable home ownership website to find out what other schemes are available (opens in new tab)

Contact us

If you have any questions about the Right to Buy or the application process, get in touch.

• email: homeownership@dover.gov.uk

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