Buying your council home

The Right to Buy scheme is a government-run programme that allows eligible council tenants to purchase their homes at a discount. While Rugby Borough Council
administers applications locally, the rules and process are set by the UK
Government.

Before you apply, it’s important to check whether you qualify and understand your
rights and responsibilities as a future homeowner.
For full details visit the Government’s official Right to Buy website:
https://www.gov.uk/right-to-buy-buying-your-council-home

Am I eligible?

You may be eligible to apply for Right to Buy if all the following apply:

You're a council tenant, or were a council tenant when your home was sold to your current landlord (e.g. during a stock transfer)
You've been a public sector tenant for at least three years (this can be with more than one landlord)
The property is your only or main home
You have no outstanding possession orders against you
You are not facing legal action due to unpaid debts
You do not live in sheltered accommodation, or a property specifically adapted for elderly or disabled people

How much discount could I get?

How much discount could I get?

The discount depends on how long you’ve been a public sector tenant and the type
of property you’re buying.

Buying a house

35% discount - if you've been a public sector tenant for three years. The discount remains at 35% until you have had a public sector tenancy for five years.
1% increase - after five years, the discount increases by 1% for every extra year you've been a public sector tenant, up to the maximum of 70% or the maximum discount cap (whichever lower).

Buying a flat

50% discount – if you've been a public sector tenant for three years. The discount remains at 50% until you have had a public sector tenancy for five years.
2% increase - after five years, the discount increases by 2% for every extra year you've been a public sector tenant, up to a maximum of 70% or the maximum discount cap (whichever lower).

See the current maximum discount cap on the Government’s website:
https://www.gov.uk/right-to-buy-buying-your-council-home/discounts

Can I afford it?

Can I afford it?

Buying a home is a long-term financial commitment. Most tenants will need a
mortgage or loan, and there are additional costs like legal fees, insurance, and
maintenance.

The Government has published a guide for tenants considering applying for a
mortgage to purchase a home under the Right to Buy

Download Right to Buy Mortgages - Know The Facts

What do I need before making an application?

Before contacting us to start the application process, you'll need to make sure you
have the following:

Photo ID, two forms of recent address proof, and a sample signature
Proof of address for the last year for family members included in the application
Documents showing your relationship with family members applying with you
Proof of previous council/public sector tenancies

Ready to apply?

Before applying, you must read the government’s guidance on the Right to Buy
process. This will help you understand whether you're eligible and what’s involved.

Please read the government guidance on Right to Buy.

View the Government guidance on Right to Buy (external link)

When you're ready to make your application,
1. Download and complete RTB1 Form from the Government’s website
2. Submit your completed RTB1 Form to housingservices@rugby.gov.uk or in
person at the Town Hall in Rugby.

Once we receive your application, we will contact you to arrange an interview and
confirm that you have all the required documents listed on the 'What do I need
before making an application?' page.

Buying your council home