The Right to Buy scheme gives council tenants the opportunity to purchase their home at a discounted price. If you previously lived in a council property that was transferred to Community Housing while you were a tenant, you may have what's called a "Preserved Right to Buy." To be eligible, you need to have been a secure tenant of the Housing Authority at the time the property was transferred to Community Housing.
As a Social Housing tenant, you might be able to buy your home through the Right to Acquire scheme. This opportunity is available for homes that were either built or purchased by a housing association after 31 March 1997, or transferred from a council to a housing association after that date. To qualify, you'll need to have held a tenancy with qualifying landlords for at least three years.
There are some homes which may be exempt from the Right to Buy and Right to Acquire scheme.
When you purchase a house through either scheme, you'll become what's known as a freeholder. If your home is on an estate where we maintain some of the common areas, you will be liable to pay service charges to look after these areas.
When you purchase a flat or apartment through either scheme, you'll become what's known as a leaseholder. This is an important role that comes with specific responsibilities. As a leaseholder, you'll own the lease of your property and be responsible for your share of the property management costs. For those living in flats and apartments, this includes contributing to the maintenance of common areas and the building's structure. Community Housing will remain as the freeholder, which means we will continue to own the land the property is built on.
Your lease is more than just a document - it's a legal contract that creates a binding relationship between you and Community Housing. It carefully sets out your rights and responsibilities as a leaseholder and our rights and responsibilities as the freeholder. The lease details your responsibilities for payments and maintenance, along with all the terms and conditions of ownership. Because of its legal complexity, we strongly recommend seeking professional legal advice before signing your lease.
Visit the leaseholder page for more detailed information about leases, rights and responsibilities.
We understand that buying your home is a significant decision, and we're here to support you throughout the process. Our experienced Sales Team will work with you to check your eligibility for the schemes and guide you through each step of the purchase. We'll keep you informed of progress and ensure all legal documentation is completed within the set timescales. We also promise to consult with you about any changes that might affect your home, if applicable.
It's important to note that some properties may be exempt from these schemes. To find out more about your options or to start your journey toward home ownership, please get in touch with our Sales team via email at sales@communityhousing.co.uk or phone us on 01562 733035. Our team can check your eligibility, explain more about the buying process and help you get started with your application.
