Right to Buy

Thinking about buying your council home?

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 it is you can afford before proceeding.

What is Right to Buy?

The Right to Buy scheme allows most council tenants to buy their council home. You can check if you can buy your own council home on the Own you Own Home website.

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.

In addition if you have any queries regarding the Right to Buy process you can get friendly, impartial advice by contacting the Government’s Right to Buy Agent service.

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 Office in order for it to be checked and verified as authentic.

The details of how to complete the forms and what supporting documentation is required are detailed on ‘Tips on filling out your application form leaflet’. You are advised to read through this information before you make an application.

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.

Documents

• Application Form (RTB1)
• Insolvency declaration
• Anti-money laundering form
• Photo ID and address proof
• Supporting documentation if required

Fraud Prevention

The Council 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 there some properties that are 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:

• Sheltered housing
• Designated rural properties
• Properties with a demolition order
• Designated homes for older people

Please check with us if your property is eligible for the Right to Buy by contacting us on: homeownership@dover.gov.uk.

Are there other options to 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.
• 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.

The are also other schemes that you could be eligible for. You can find out more by visiting the Own your Own Home website.

Whatever the best option is for you, it is advisable that you speak with a qualified mortgage broker or financial advisor to understand what it is you can afford before proceeding.

Contact us

If you have any questions about the Right to Buy your council home, or the application process, please contact us by emailing: homeownership@dover.gov.uk.