Right to Buy
Buy your council home at a regional-cap discount — caps cut substantially on 21 November 2024.
- Who it's for
- Secure council tenants in England
- Status (April 2026)
- Live, accepting new applicants.
How it works
Long-standing council tenant scheme, significantly reformed by the Labour government. From 21 November 2024, maximum cash discounts reverted to pre-2012 regional caps of £16,000–£38,000 (previously £102,400 outside London / £136,400 in London). Caps are no longer indexed to inflation. Cost-floor protection period for recently built/acquired homes extended to 30 years.
Official source: https://www.gov.uk/right-to-buy-buying-your-council-home
Frequently asked
Should I still use Right to Buy after the 2024 changes?
For many tenants, the arithmetic is tighter than it was. The reduced discount caps mean less 'free equity', so the decision more closely resembles a standard owner-occupier purchase — income multiples, affordability, repairs. Model it properly: don't assume the old substantial discount still applies.
Where this sits in your planning
Schemes are one input to a buying decision, not the decision itself. Model the same purchase with and without the scheme on the affordability calculator — the total cash required and the monthly payment are usually the deciders, not the headline scheme benefit.