Home ownership service - general information
How we provide this service
General information on right to buy is supported by Legal and Member Services, Member Services.
Common Questions
Q. Do I have a right to buy my council house?
A. Only if you have a minimum of 2 years as a public sector tenant. For new tenancies beginning on or after 18 January 2005 the qualifying period is a minimum of 5 years. You may not have a right to buy if the property is a bungalow or ground floor flat and you were 60 when you moved in.
Q. Only my name is on the rent card. Can my spouse exercise a right to buy?
A. Not in his/her own right. A spouse can, however, be a sharing member, which allows for both names to be included in the sale documentation.
Q. How much discount will I be allowed?
A. For a house : a minimum of 32% after 2 years tenancy, and an additional 1% for every additional year up to a maximum of 60% with a maximum allowance of £24,000.00
For a flat : a minimum of 44% after 2 years tenancy, and an additional 2% for every additional year up to a maximum of 70% with a maximum allowance of £24,000.00.
Q. How much would it cost me?
A. It costs nothing for you to obtain a purchase price from the Council. If you decide to purchase you will have to pay your own solicitors fees, survey fees and mortgage costs.
Q. How long will it take?
A. It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for the Council to provide a purchase price to you. After that it depends on your solicitor.
Q. What will I receive when I have purchased my house/flat?
A. If you have taken out a mortgage or loan before October 2003 to purchase your property, the Title Deeds will be kept by the lender until the loan is repaid. If you have purchased after that date, all details of land ownership are kept by the Land Registry and you only receive a copy of the information held on the property register.
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Contact Details
If you have any queries about the information provided above, or require further information, please contact Customer Services on 01775 761161 or email info@sholland.gov.uk.
Right to buy application
Right to buy discount
