- Home
- Right to Buy next steps
Right to Buy next steps
You could be eligible to buy your home at a discount.
What happens next?
We think you may qualify to purchase your home through The Right to Buy (RTB) scheme. As you made an enquiry ahead of the deadline, you may be eligible to purchase your home at the *current discount level. But you’ll need to act fast to benefit….
Follow the steps below to confirm your eligibility, complete your application, and understand the process.
*The maximum discount you can get depends on:
- Where you live
- Whether you apply before, or after 21 November 2024
The discount is based on:
- The type of property you’re buying (a flat or house)
- The value of your home
- How long you’ve been a tenant with a public sector landlord
If you apply before 21 November 2024, the maximum discount you can get is whichever is lower:
- 70% of the value of your property
- The maximum discount for your region
| Region | Maximum discount |
| London boroughs | £136,400 |
| Rest of England | £102,400 |
If you apply on, or after the 21 November 2024 the maximum discount you can get is whichever is lower:
- 70% of the value of your property
- The maximum discount for your region (see below)
Maximum discounts by region on or after the 21 November 2024
| Region | Maximum discount | Exceptions |
| North East | £22,000 | |
| North West | £26,000 | |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £24,000 | |
| East Midlands | £24,000 | |
| West Midlands | £26,000 | |
| Eastern | £34,000 | £16,000 in the district of Watford |
| South East | £38,000 | £16,000 in the areas of Reading Borough and West Berkshire, Hart District, Oxford and Vale of the White Horse District, the boroughs of Tonbridge and Malling, Epsom and Ewell, and Reigate and Banstead |
| South West | £30,000 | |
| London | £16,000 | £38,000 in the boroughs of Barking and Dagenham and Havering |
Eligibility
It's likely you're eligible for Right to Buy if:
- You’re a secure tenant (or preserved Right to Buy tenant)
- The property is your main home and self-contained
- You’ve rented from a public sector landlord and or Home Group for at least three years
Important exclusions:
- Certain properties (e.g., sheltered housing, adapted homes, those tied to employment)
- Tenants with arrears or anti-social behaviour orders
We will confirm your eligibility, if you are unsure.
Apply for Right to Buy
Once you have read and understood the Right to Buy process download this form, fill it out (on desktop or print it out), and send it back to us.
Apply for Right to Buy
Step one: submit your RTB application (RTB1 form)
Complete and return the RTB1 form. You can email it to us, or post it to us at Home Group Tenant Sales, One Strawberry Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4BX.
Note: if you are filling out this form online, you will need to download it to a desktop.
Submit it along with the additional forms required before the 20th November 2024.
Contact us if you need any assistance.
Step two: financial check
You must next contact The Mortgage People (TMP). They will arrange a date to discuss your application. They will then provide you with the estimated value of your home, the possible discount, and carry out a financial assessment.
A financial assessment is a requirement of the application process, and the valuation inspection will not be carried out until your assessment with TMP has been confirmed.
You need to give TMP your unique property reference number. If you don't already have this, get in touch with us.
Step three: receive application response (RTB2 form)
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 confirmation from a previous landlord is required
If approved, be ready for the property valuation inspection.
Step four: property valuation inspection
A valuation inspection will be arranged to assess your property’s market value. You will need to be present for this, or allow access to your home.
Timing: Usually within two to three weeks of approval notification (RTB2)
Purpose: Determines the purchase price and discount calculation
Step five: receive and review offer notice (S125)
Receive S125 Notice: This document sets out the terms of purchase including the whether the sale will be freehold or leasehold, valuation and discount.
Review this carefully: understand the purchase price and discount terms.
Decide whether to accept the offer or request a valuation review/adjustment.
Step six: accept of request valuation adjustment
Accept, or request valuation adjustment. You need to respond within 12 weeks.
Let us know if you accept the terms or if you’d like a district valuer to reassess.
Then, instruct your chosen solicitor to commence conveyance and complete the final steps to purchase.
Frequently asked questions
Can you help me fill in the form?
You can use these guidance notes to help you. If you have any queries though, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Is there a cost to apply?
No, we do not charge you to apply. However there will be costs involved if you accept our offer. You can read about these in the download.
Can I apply if I'm in arrears?
No, if you are in arrears when we receive your application it will be denied. You are welcome to reapply once your arrears are cleared. You must also keep your rent account up to date throughout the Right to Buy process.
I receive benefits, can I still apply?
You can, but you need to make sure you can afford the costs of homeownership. Owning a home may affect your benefits, e.g. you won't be eligible for housing benefit.
Will I need a deposit?
Some lenders (bank/mortgage provider) will take the discount as a deposit, although some don't.
Can I buy with members of my family?
Yes! Up to three family members can share the Right to Buy, even if they are not a tenant. The property must have been their main home for the last year. This is unless they are your spouse, who may share the Right to Buy with you if the property is their main home! Someone living with you as your spouse/partner, but not in the eyes of the law, is seen as a family member.
Can someone else buy my home for me?
Someone else could provide the funding for the purchase. However they won't legally own the property; the property will be in the name of the eligible tenant(s) and other eligible applicants regardless of where the money comes from.
I'm due to have a new kitchen fitted soon, will this still happen?
We won't carry out improvement works or routine repairs whilst your Right to Buy application is active, as this will affect the price of the property.
Will you still carry out repairs?
We will only undertake emergency repairs whilst your Right to Buy application is active. This includes things like fixing the toilet, repairing a leaking roof or securing the property if necessary. Any issues should be reported to our customer service centre on 0345 141 4663 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 the value of the property stated in our offer, you are entitled to 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.
Can I withdraw my application?
You can withdraw your application at any time up until the purchase is complete. Just drop us an email to let us know. If you withdraw your application you are welcome to reapply at any point.
If my application is approved, how long before I'm a homeowner?
It's different for everyone. Depending on your situation, it can take between 6-8 weeks for us to send an offer notice. You then have 12 weeks to decide what you want to do. If you accept our odder, we will instruct our legal team to start the conveyancing process once we have all the correct documents from you or your family members or friends who are assisting you with the purchase. Transactions can take as little as 6 weeks, but the average is 12 weeks so please ensure your solicitor is experience in dealing with Right to By transaction to ensure a quick and smooth process for you
What happens if I buy the property then sell it? Will I have to repay the discount?
If you sell your home in the first five years, you'll have to pay back some or all f 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 got a 10% discount you'll have to pay back 10% of the same price.
If you sell after the first year, the amount you pay back reduces:
- 80% of the discount in the second year
- 60% of the discount in the third year
- 40% of the discount in the fourth year
- 20% of the discount in the fifth year
If you sell your home within 10 ears of buying it through the Right to Buy scheme, you must first offer it back to us.
If you live in a rural area any subsequent buyer may need a local connection. We'll let you know if this is the case.
Example: You bought your home worth £100,000 and got a 50% discount (£50,000). You sold your home after 10 months for £120,000. 50% of £120,000 is £60,000. As you're in the second year, you repay 80% of £60,000 (£48,000).