Right to buy

If you wish to exercise your Right to Buy, it is recommended that you seek independent legal and financial advice about your individual circumstances to help with the process of buying your home. The right to buy is aimed at secure tenants of Local Authorities and those of Local Secure Registered Social Landlord's.

For more information on this service please telephone the Right to Buy Team on  01827 709259 or e-mail righttobuy@tamworth.gov.uk

or visit the government information site  - www.communities.gov.uk/housing 

Buying packs containing an application form, useful information and Right to Buy booklet are available from Reception at the Council Offices, or by calling the Right to Buy team who will post to them to you.

or download the 'RTB1' form here: - www.direct.gov.uk/rtb1

What is Right To Buy?

The Right to Buy was introduced in 1980.  It means you can buy your council home at a discount to the full market value. Your discount is based on the number of years you have spent as a public sector tenant.

What discount am I eligible for?

This will depend on when your first tenancy began.

If your tenancy began before 18th January 2005 You must have been a public sector tenant for more than 2 years.  If you live in a house your discount will be between 32% and 60%, if you live in a flat it will be between 44% and 70%.

If your tenancy began on or after 18th January 2005 you must have been a public sector tenant for 5 or more years. If you live in a house your discount will be between 35% and 60%, if you live in a flat will be between 50% and 70%.

However, there is a maximum amount on discounts and at present this is £26,000 for the West Midlands region. Your discount may also be subject to a cost floor dependant on how much we have spent on your property in terms of maintenance and repair during the last 10-11 years before your application.

What is a leaseholder/freeholder?

If you buy a house it will usually be freehold, this means that you will be the outright owner. If you buy a flat you will be the leaseholder and will incur annual service charges for that property from the Council.

Can I resell my home after purchasing?

You may sell your home whenever you want, but if you sell within five years of buying it, you will have to repay a percentage of the market value of the property when it is resold, disregarding the value of improvements made by the owner of the property.

Who values my home if I want to buy?

We arrange for a high street estate agent to perform an independent valuation on the property.

Do I have to complete the purchase within a certain time?

No, you can take all the time you reasonably need to get a mortgage or legal advice, but you must inform us as soon as you are ready to go ahead with the sale. If you do not, your application may be withdrawn.