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Right to Acquire next steps
You could be eligible to buy your home at a discount.
Right to Acquire: Your Next Steps
If you’re renting with Home Group, you may have the chance to purchase your home through the Right to Acquire (RTA) scheme. This government-backed scheme offers a discount of between £9,000 and £16,000, depending on where you live.
We know buying a home can feel like a big leap, but don’t worry, we’ll make it simple and stress-free. Here’s how to check your eligibility, apply, and take those steps toward becoming a homeowner.
Find out what the Right to Acquire discount is in your area.
Are you eligible?
You’re likely eligible if:
- You’re a housing association tenant with an assured tenancy.
- You’ve been a public sector tenant for at least three years.
- Your home was built or funded by a public sector landlord after 1997.
- You’ve lived in your current property for at least 12 months.
Important exclusions
Some homes aren’t eligible, such as:
- Sheltered housing or properties adapted for elderly or disabled residents.
- Tenants with rent arrears or an anti-social behaviour order.
We will confirm your eligibility, if you are unsure contact us.
Apply for Right to Acquire
Once you have read and understood the Right to Acquire process download this form, fill it out (on desktop or print it out), and send it back to us.
Your step-by-step guide on how to apply
Step one: Financial check
Start by speaking with a financial advisor or mortgage broker.
They’ll help you understand your current financial situation and what needs to change to make buying your home affordable.
Step two: Submit your Right to Acquire form
Once you’ve spoken to a financial advisor and understand the costs, complete the Right to Acquire form and send it to us with any requested documents.
Email it to us or post it to:
Tenant Sales, Home Group, One Strawberry Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4BX
Tip: if you are filling out this form online, you will need to download it to a desktop. Need a hand? Contact us, we’re here for you.
Step three: Receive application outcome
We will either approve or deny your application within four to eight weeks:
- Four weeks if Home Group has been your landlord for three plus years
- Eight weeks if we need confirmation from a previous landlord.
Step four: Property valuation survey
We’ll arrange a valuation to confirm your home’s market value.
A surveyor will usually arrange a date and time with you two to three weeks after approval. The outcome will be included in your offer notice.
This sets your purchase price and discount.
You’ll need to be present or allow access to your home.
Step five: Receive and review offer notice (RTA3)
Within 8 to 12 weeks of approval, you’ll receive your official offer. It includes:
- Property valuation
- Discount amount
- Terms of purchase
Take your time: Review everything carefully. You have 12 weeks to:
- Accept the offer
- Request a valuation review
- Cancel your application
Step six: Accept or request valuation adjustment
Let us know if you accept the terms, or if you’d like a district valuer to reassess (this may cause a delay).
Then instruct your chosen solicitor to begin the conveyancing process and complete the final steps to purchase. Your home is almost yours!
Frequently asked questions
Can you help me fill in the form?
Yes! We've provided guidance notes and a completed form as an example. Still stuck? Get in touch, we’re happy to help.
Is there a cost to apply?
No, applying is free. But if you accept our offer, you’ll need to cover costs like solicitor and survey fees.
Will I need a deposit?
Some lenders accept your discount as a deposit; others may ask for a contribution. Speak to a lender or mortgage broker for more information.
Can I buy with members of my family?
Yes! Up to three family members can join, even if they’re not tenants, providing they can evidence they have lived with you for the last 12 months (further conditions apply).
Can someone else buy my home for me?
They can gift you the money, but the property will be in your name (and any eligible applicants), not theirs.
My kitchen/bathroom is due to be replaced soon. Will that still happen?
No, while your application is active, we won’t carry out improvements or routine repairs, as this affects the property price.
Will you still carry out repairs?
Only emergency repairs, like fixing a toilet, a leak or securing the property. Any issues should be reported to us as usual.
I have made improvements to the property, will this increase the value?
Not necessarily. You can read about improvements on page 10 of the download.
What does redetermination mean?
If you disagree with our valuation, you can request a free valuation by the District Valuer (the specialist property arm of the Valuation Office Agency). Their new valuation is binding on you and us, even if the valuation is higher than the original valuation.
If my application is approved, how long before I’m a homeowner?
It varies from person to person, but here’s what to expect:
Once your application is approved, it usually takes 8 to 12 weeks for us to send you an official offer notice. From there, you’ll have 12 weeks to decide whether to accept, request a valuation review, or withdraw.
If you accept our offer, we’ll instruct our legal team to start the conveyancing process as soon as we have all the correct documents from you (and anyone assisting you with the purchase).
How long does conveyancing take?
Transactions can be as quick as 6 weeks, but the average is around 12 weeks. To keep things moving smoothly, make sure your solicitor is experienced in handling Right to Acquire transactions, which can make a big difference in avoiding delays.
Can I withdraw my application?
Yes, you can withdraw your application at any time up until the purchase is complete. Just give us a call or drop us an email to let us know.
Do I have to repay the discount if I buy the property and then sell it?
If you sell your home in the first 5 years, you’ll have to pay back some (or all) of the discount. This also applies if you are transferring ownership to somebody else.
If you sell in the first year, you’ll have to pay back all of the discount. But the amount you pay back depends on the value of your home when you sell it. So, if you received a 10% discount, you’ll have to pay back 10% of the sale price.
If you sell within the:
- 1st year – Repay 100% of the discount
- 2nd year – Repay 80%
- 3rd year – Repay 60%
- 4th year – Repay 40%
- 5th year – Repay 20%
For example: Through the Right to Acquire scheme,
John bought his £100,000 home for £90,000 (a 10% discount). He sold it for £120,000 after 18 months.
10% of £120,000 = £12,000. In year two, he repaid 80% = £9,600.