Right to Buy FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. Which property can I buy under the 'Right to Buy' scheme?
You may only apply to buy the property that you have the tenancy of.
Q. Can my partner or relative buy with me?
A non tenant may be able to buy with you as long as it is their only and principal home and they have lived in the home for more than 12 months.
Q. How long do I have to have lived in my home to qualify for the Right to Buy?
You must have had a minimum of two years secure tenancy in the home that you would like to buy.
Q Who cannot buy?
You do not have a right to buy if:
- If a court makes a possession order that says you must leave your home.
- You are an undischarged bankrupt, have a bankruptcy petition pending against you, or have made an arrangement with creditors (people you owe money to) and you still owe them money.
- You or the joint tenant do not occupy the property as your only and principal home.
Q. How long does it take to process my Right to Buy application?
Your application will be processed within one month. If the application is accepted, you will be given an offer within two months if you are applying to buy a house, or three months if you are applying to buy a flat.
Once an offer has been made you have 13 weeks to accept or reject the offer.
If you choose to accept the offer you have 12 months to complete the purchase of your house.
Q. How much discount will I get?
The amount of discount you will get depends on whether you are buying a house or a flat and on the length of time that you have been living in the home.
- If you are buying a house the discount starts at 32% after two years, rising 1% per year up to a maximum of 30 years(60%).
- If you are buying a flat the discount starts at 44% after two years, rising 2% per year up to a maximum of 15 years(70%).
In all cases the maximum amount of the discount is £26,000.
Q. Will the Council give me a mortgage?
No, the Council does not provide mortgage services.
Q. What happens to repairs on my Council house once I have bought it?
You will be responsible for carrying out all repairs to your house yourself. The only work that the Council will undertake is emergency work without which the property would not be habitable.
Q. How do I get more information?
You can get more information by completing our online form.
Click here to visit the Right to Buy section of the ODPM website.
Q. How do I apply?
To apply please contact The Right To Buy & Leaseholder Service by:
Telephone: 0161 770 1127
Or email: fcho.homeowners@oldham.gov.uk