The Right to Acquire Scheme

Author: Christine Toner

If you are a council tenant you may be eligible to buy your council house. This is because councils give tenants a secure tenancy. If you rent a housing association house then you do not have the Right to Buy. This is because housing associations give an assured tenancy agreement. An assured tenancy offers security for a certain amount of time, for example you could have an assured tenancy for 12 months.

However just because you do not live in a council property it does not mean you are completely ruled out from the possibility of buying your house. The initiative which helps housing association tenants buy their property is called the Right to Acquire initiative.

What is the Right to Acquire?

The Right to Acquire initiative is very similar to the Right to Buy scheme. The only difference is it applies to housing association tenants as opposed to council tenants. It was developed in 1996 but was updated in the Housing Act 2004. It gives tenants the right to buy their property at a reduced cost.

Who is Eligible to Apply for the Right to Acquire Scheme?

The Right to acquire scheme is available to all housing association or social landlord tenants so long as the landlord is taking part in the scheme. For the property to qualify for the Right to Acquire scheme it must have been built or bought by the social landlord after April 1997 (it could have been bought from the local authority after April 2007 too.)

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Is the Right to Acquire Scheme Suitable for me?

The Housing Act 2004 states if you have been a tenant (i.e. lived in social housing) for at two years or more. This applied if you became a tenant before the 18th of January 2005. If you became a tenant in social housing after 18th January 2005 you are eligible for the Right to Acquire scheme only if you have been a tenant for five years or more.

However even if you do meet these criteria you will not be able to apply for the scheme if you have been declared bankrupt or if you landlord has filed a possession order against you.

What Discounts are Available?

The discounts on offer through the Right to Acquire scheme vary. The size of the discount depends on where you live and ranges from around £9000 to around £16000.

How to I Apply for the Right to Acquire Scheme?

If you are interested in applying for the Right to Acquire scheme first you need to ensure you are eligible and your property qualifies. Once you know this you need to inform your landlord of your interest in entering the scheme.

Your landlord will then contact you to tell you how much you can buy the property for. If you still want to go ahead you must tell your landlord this within twelve weeks of receiving the price. It is then important to get legal help to ensure you are kept up to date with everything that happens so hire a solicitor. Your solicitor will then help you take the next step.

134 questions

Ask Affordable Home Advice a Question

Mi 09/02/2024 at 1:10 am

I think it’s so unfair the law won’t change so all housing association houses can be brought. I’ve lived in this house for 7 years and don’t want to keep renting

David 13/04/2023 at 6:01 am

I live in a bungalow age 84. Currently I was told by council right to buy refused due to the property is suitable for elderly people but the property does not contain walk in shower. I was told the property was let before 1990 but few months ago I was told it was let after 1990 however the council retracted to say it was let before 1990. Any help? The council do not have paperwork to say it was let before 1990.

Iqce 26/08/2022 at 1:00 pm

I apply for
With Right to Buy you would have needed to have been living in the current property before 1989 and a secure tenant. My tenancy commenced with us on the 15.09.2014 and you have an assured tenancy agreement.

With Right to Acquire the property would have to have been built/brought using government funding on/after 01st April 1997.
My property was 01.04.1996. So I haven't right to buy and aquire.

Iqce 26/08/2022 at 12:49 pm

I apply for
With Right to Buy you would have needed to have been living in the current property before 1989 and a secure tenant. Your tenancy commenced with us on the 15.09.2014 and you have an assured tenancy agreement.

With Right to Acquire the property would have to have been built/brought using government funding on/after 01st April 1997.
Your property was 01.04.1996. So I haven't right to buy and aquire.

Jack’s 07/10/2021 at 12:12 am

Iv been told I can’t buy my
Home due to living in a rural but my next door neighbour has bought hers and that’s because she had her tenancy before 2005.
One rule
For one one rule for another it’s unfair.
I don’t know who to turn to for help.

Galaxy 04/09/2021 at 1:43 pm

I have lived in a property for 15 years I have applied to the housing association for the right to acquire and they said you tenants is temporary you don’t have the right to acquire. Surely I don’t understand it how can someone have a temporary lease for 15 years

Kiki 18/07/2021 at 3:35 pm

I have lived in my housing association property now for 24 years, I have tried on numerous occasions to try and buy my property, they keep saying you only have an assured tenancy but maybe have a right too acquire, which is a lie. It’s very frustrating, I have put thousands into improving my property for nothing… it’s a damn disgrace they can do this

Ly 16/07/2021 at 8:31 pm

Please sign the voluntary right to buy petition on Twitter
No more pilots they promised everyone

Nicky 11/07/2021 at 9:11 pm

Please help I want to buy my home which I have lived in for 25years but because it was bought in 1996 and not 1997 they are saying no . Please help I am disabled and don't want to move away

Dor67 05/07/2021 at 2:33 pm

When are the government going to sort out this fiasco of allowing people to buy their housing association homes. It is my home and I want to buy it like a lot of people. I just keep going round in circles and nobody makes a decision. Why is it taking so long its been going on for a couple of years now. Boris sort it out!!

Shel 24/06/2021 at 3:09 pm

I applied for right to acquire I applied in august last year they said I have the right to acquire and they sent estate agent to value the place. I’m still waiting I emailed and chased them up all they say is that they’ll be in touch. What can I do?

Begum 25/01/2021 at 12:23 am

We can’t even buy our house because of 1997act. This 1997 regulations should need to be change. This is very unfair.

YOYO 30/11/2020 at 5:55 pm

I have lived in my property (in Liverpool) since 1990. and was offered to buy it in the 'right to buy scheme' but I wasn't in a position then... I am now but the housing association says right to acquire only but as the right to acquire only came in for tennants in after 1997 I don't qualify. I want to fight this as my neighbour across the road who has lived there for (much) less and with same housing was allowed to buy his. Can you advise on where I can take reputable legal advise to appeal against this?

Thanks

Perola 22/10/2020 at 7:47 pm

I been under Veridian housing association since 2004. Now the property is under Optivo does anyone know if they offer the right to acquire?

don 30/09/2020 at 9:06 pm

I have been a housing association tenant for 11 years, i think it is absolutely ridiculous that we are not able to get right to buy. The housing association offer us a pittance when my neighbours paid next to nothing. I would happily purchase my property with right to buy.
It is not fair at all, its so frustrating.

Jas 25/08/2020 at 8:08 pm

Right To Acquire needs reviewing as the discount that is showing was last updated in 2013, after 7 years lots have changed in our housing market, to make sure it’s fair we should have same discount as preserved right to buy / right buy scheme that council tenants have, don’t discriminate us due to being housing association tenants, I have lived in my current property for 20 years, in that time my rent has covered what my housing association paid when they purchased this property, now all they are collecting is profit which is not as they claim to be charitable organisation.

Paula 09/08/2020 at 8:04 pm

30 years ive lived in my housinhg association tet under 1997 rule cant buy it this is so unfair 30 years ive paid off this house and its my home

Rag 14/07/2020 at 2:28 am

Are there any answers to the questions regarding the 1997 rule?

K2017 29/06/2020 at 8:25 pm

Hi,

Is this a monitored website? I posted on here a few weeks ago but I haven’t had a response to my query.

Thanks

Steve 26/06/2020 at 8:41 pm

Hi, my question is like many others on this site; living in HA property for 27 years me and my wife wish to have the right to acquire. Is it going to be likely a change in 1997 rule or should we drop our hopes?

Ally 21/06/2020 at 1:42 pm

Hi I have been in my HA home for 26 years and am hanging on for voluntary right to buy
Do you think this will happen this year. If I swap will I lose my accumulated years.
Many thanks

K2017 09/06/2020 at 10:02 pm

Hi,

I am interested in purchasing the house which I have been living in for 27 years, however due to the 1997 rule, I have been advised this is not possible. As someone has questioned above, what is the likelihood of an amendment to the legislation to permit me to purchase property.

kk 26/05/2020 at 3:07 pm

I dont understand how it's fair to have such massive discounts through the right to buy scheme ( council houses) and right to aquire is based on area and not even close to the council discounts. I've lived in my housing association house for 11 years. if it was council id have had a huge discount and been able to buy it by now. it's about time they made all housing association tenants have the option and at the same discount rates as council.

Rey 16/05/2020 at 4:26 pm

We want right to acquire our home which we have been in since 1990. But the 1997 rules doesn't satisfy the requirements. Why are we being penalised for that?

Sam 26/04/2020 at 5:14 am

Hiya I’ve been living in my housing Association home for 19 years am I eligible to buy it under right to buy or right to squire
If I’m eligible to buy on right to squire scheme how much discount do I get CAR

Nava 13/04/2020 at 11:35 am

Hi there
I am currently living in a housing association, I wonder if I can buy the flat and after that rent it out and mortgage another property privately?
Many thanks

Jade 28/02/2020 at 9:25 am

We do not have the right to acquire because of the 1997 rule, is this likely to change as we love our house, location ect and are holding out just in case! We can not exchange to a council property as there are none in our area.

Jules 15/02/2020 at 3:08 pm

I have lived in my house for nearly 25 years and am desperate to buy it. I have been told this is not possible due the the 1997 rule. Is this ever likely to change?

Tatam 04/02/2020 at 10:19 am

I have applied for right to acquire our rented house from the Housing Association and I till now they have not given us an offer. What should I do to speed up this.

Richado 17/01/2020 at 4:35 pm

I have be living in a housing association for 18years I am currently looking into the right to acquire for our property from L&Q . up to now they have said our property could be not eligible. due to the 1997 rule... What can I do to be eligible. Also is there any plan for the voluntary right to buy Programme to be reinstate in London again

Merissa 11/01/2020 at 3:15 pm

Do we know if the Housing Act will change to allow tenants of Housing Association properties to buy their which were bought before 31 March 1997.
My property was brought by my Housing Association in August 1996, when I called to find out about buying they said none of their properties can be purchased as they were all purchased before March 1997.

Alfonso 11/01/2020 at 2:20 pm

I am currently looking into the right to acquire for our property from ISHA. up to now they have said our property could be eligible. However now they are saying weren't eligible due to the 1997 rule... we have now been told our house will be sold to another housing association who is managing the properties basic maintenance and rent. What can be done to stop the other housing association purchase the property because if they do we would never be able to buy our home.

Mona 08/01/2020 at 6:13 pm

My housing association always said that I don't qualify to buy this property but they hae sent me an email that I am eligible for 'right to aquire'. Is this mean that now I can apply for, to buy this property.
Do I have to give my bank details now because I don't know wheather I can afford to buy or they agreed to sell the property.
In their form I have give my bank details. I thought you only this details when you apply for a mortgage.
Please advise me what to do.

Vir 06/01/2020 at 12:01 pm

Last year I had been offered Voluntary right to buy pilot scheme of the flat which i was renting and living since 2008 from a Housing Association. I had to withdraw my application from the scheme as I could not be able to secure finance. Now I amvin a position to secure finance but Housing Association said that I can be only able to apply for Right to acquire. Is there any way I can apply for Voluntary Right to buy instead of Right to acquire.

ste 06/12/2019 at 10:27 am

right to acquire exempt from right to acquire rural area
yet the have sold house to next door less then 2yrs agar

Keith 07/11/2019 at 4:56 pm

After being told for 3 years that I can apply for a right to acquire, I'm now being told I can't, on the designated rural area in the North East act/legislation.

Is there any way around this?

Lnm_86 05/11/2019 at 3:43 pm

I have been a housing association tenant for 11 years, 9 of these were with one association and 2 years with another (Still with the latter). I have the right to acquire my property because it was built with a social housing grant after 1997 but my current association have said that I need to be a tenant with them for 3 years before I am eligible. I have checked GOV.uk and Shelter and they both state you need to be a “public sector tenant” for at least three years but it doesn’t state if those three years have to be with the same housing association. Anyone else been in the same situation or advice? Another 10 months isn’t long to wait but another 10 months rent when it could be going towards paying off a mortgage is pretty frustrating.

Tim 01/11/2019 at 3:48 pm

Hi there,

Thank you for giving us a chance to ask questions with regards to affordable housing.
I want to buy a house with the right to acquire skim which is fine the housing offered to sell, however, I am somehow confused for instance :

1 Can I rent out the house straight away after I purchased?

2 My parents' pension and housing benefit are paying for the rent at the moment. So after I buy the house dose that continues to be the same, basically Can I have my parents living there and housing benefit to pay the rent to me? Or do they have to move out elsewhere?

3 To sell the property am I restricted in any shape or form ( Timing)?

Many thanks

Tim

Sunjam 31/10/2019 at 6:32 pm

I have lived in this property for almost 11yrs now. I have notified my landlord of my interest to buy the property under Preserved RIght to Buy. Landlord just responded saying they are denying me.this right because I was never a Council.tenant. What other rights do I have to buy this house please

Vgtha 06/10/2019 at 11:03 pm

Hi my house new2010 l living 9years I am Right to Acquire scheme how much discount totally please telling

Soni 11/09/2019 at 12:00 am

I inherit a property, Will this disqualify me from the right to aqcuire scheme?

Kezzah01 22/08/2019 at 12:38 pm

i am currently looking into the right to acquire for our property from guinness partnership. up to now they have said our property COULD be eligible. with regards to the 1997 rule... when was this rule introduced? There are approx 8 properties that have already been bought on our street from the housing association, so i'm assuming if the right to acquire havent changed much since they were introduced, i should be eligible?

Pecks 28/07/2019 at 2:52 pm

I would like to buy home but its unclear the housing association built or bought thing its stillcouncil in my eyes just a limited company lie scheme

Tazz 26/07/2019 at 7:43 pm

While under raglan I was told I could buy my flat but I was at risk of being made redundant so I didn’t go for buying my flat now I’m in a better position and want to buy my flat but now under stonewater same people just different name I have now been told I can’t by it buy my agreement was still under raglan how can this change now I been in my place 14 years I even had a valuation done on my place and told how much discount I’d get now I been told no houses in my town are up to buy when two flats in my block are already been bought how can this be changed without notice ?

Nic 25/04/2019 at 5:02 pm

We was told 2 years ago we had the right to acquire with paper work from our HA 2 years later all checks was done and we don't have right to acquire they made a mistake

Aj 20/03/2019 at 8:27 pm

This right to acquire that blocks people from purchasing your home with the March 1997 rule is a big monopoly game. I see it as a scam where greedy housing association does not give the public the chance to be a home owner. Check my situation, my grandad came in the property when council was the landlord, while we were staying in the same address since 1975, the council transferred us to housing association in 1983. Grandad passed away in 1986 and the tenancy came under my dad. Apparently, somewhere along the line we lost our Preserve Right to Buy and right aquire blocks us with the 1997 rule?!?! I'm fighting to get my right with the solicitors. They are bunch of scumbags, and I'm glad I voted Brexit because those who invested in the housing market are so worried they will lose so much money in the shares market.

Sue 10/03/2019 at 9:40 am

Hi I have recently joined Homeswapper I live i a council property and have been a council tennant for over 20 yrs. I would love to buy the home I am i live i at the moment but the area is not really somewhere thats particularly desirable if i decided to buy and then re-sell. I have been contacted by 3 or 4 people on Homeswapper who are in housing assosciation properties...that are interested in swapping with me , however i am unsure about moving from council property to housing association. Under the right to buy scheme I would get up to a 50% discount...my question is...can i carry that forward to a housing association home? If i moved into a housing association property and then decided to move again...back to local authority property would my 50% discount be void then?...Thank you any info greatly appreciated

Andy 11/01/2019 at 3:12 pm

I have been renting a housing association property for 13 years but cannot buy through right to buy as the house was built before 1997. Why is this ruling been made? Why because the house was built in 1985 can I not buy it? This doesn't make any sense to me.

Nelsonscolumn 29/12/2018 at 2:50 am

Only one response to all these questions which is pretty shocking considering the website is labeled ‘Advice’.

Anyway, same here. I moved on and had ‘right to acquire’ on my tenancy. Applied to acquire to br told the property wasn’t elegible!!
I since applied for immediate rent on a new build. Guess what? Nothing heard and denial of having seen me apply.
I have over 20yrs of public sector rent payments and it would seem it counts for diddly squat in reality!!!!

Indigou 16/11/2018 at 9:22 pm

Hi I did apply for right to acquire but have bee denial beacons my house has been build before 1997.
Your property must either have been:
built or bought by a housing association after 31 March 1997 (and funded through a social housing grant provided by the Housing Corporation or local council)
transferred from a local council to a housing association after 31 March 1997. My question are build or bought 1997 ??????

Nickname 16/10/2018 at 8:32 am

I moved into my Partners rented accommodation in July .
He lost out ,on the "Right to Buy"scheme .
At the time it was sufficient ,however ,as I have no longer a Property on owning now .
Is it possible for myself ,to go down the route of "Right to Aquire" his property for both of us .

K1 11/09/2018 at 11:46 am

I have been living in my housing association house for 3 years and I called the housing association to see if i could buy my house on right to buy or right to acquire and was told although the housing association do offer right to acquire to its tenants they will not offer it to me as they said the house i am in was not built with social funding. Is this rule likely to change or is there any other ways I can buy my house.
Also the discounted price between 9,000 and 16,000 is that per year or is that maxium.

Thanks for your help

Davtho 23/08/2018 at 8:52 pm

Hi, i am currently in the process of right to aquire my council flat, i meet all the requirements, however if for any reason i am not able to secure a mortgage for such reasons as nkt having enough deposit and the right to aquire falls through, do you know if this will effect my tenancy at all?, any advice greatley appreciated.

Nina Thomas-Jaji 02/07/2018 at 8:00 am

Hello, I am thinking of using the right to acquire scheme to purchase my one bedroom flat, I have been here 10 years. I am aware that I can not sell with in the first 5 years otherwise I have to pay back a percentage of the loaned deposit. However would I be able to let the flat out instead? Or would that require me still to pay back the deposit loaned?

AffordableHomeAdvice Editor 05/06/2018 at 2:40 pm

As specified in the article, there are pre-requisites to being able to purchase your house. They are listed in full which

Sobey 05/06/2018 at 3:26 am

I have been in my housing association home for 11 years but they won’t let me buy it . It’s really unfair because most of the street do own thier property please can you help

Lil 26/05/2018 at 9:31 am

My HA says I need to be living in the property for 5 years before I have the right to aquire. Before this I was living in a different HA property for 8years should they take this into consideration for me to have the right to aquire or does it have to be their property I have lived in for 5years?
Thanks

Spark 25/05/2018 at 3:24 pm

I own 25 % of a flat a pay rent on the rest from paragon housing association.
Would i be eligable for the right to aquire discount.

Mab 15/05/2018 at 12:22 pm

Hi I have been in my house for over 20 years recently I applied for right to acquire as my landlord is a housing association who purchased local authority housing stock
I have been informed that I neither have the right to acquire or the right to buy
No right to buy as I signed my tenancy with housing association although my time spent on the list was with local council
No right to acquire as the housing stock was purchased from the local authority before 1996 right to acquire cane in to force
This would mean that 80% of the local housing stock is not available to own

Midds 08/04/2018 at 9:14 pm

I have rented my housing assosiation home since 1995 can i aquire my home with a right to buy/aquire

Rhi.rhi. 08/04/2018 at 11:05 am

Hi, I would like to buy the home I've been in for the last ten years under the right to acquire scheme. I am currently saving in a help to buy isa account, would I get the government bonus if I were to buy this property? Or is the bonus only for a new home?

AffordableHomeAdvice Editor 23/03/2018 at 11:13 am

In order to get the equity from your house you would have to remortgage for the full amount (if eligible). Is your son ready to take on a part share of the mortgage to help? You would really have to seek professional financial advice here as it is a tricky situation with a few pitfalls to watch out for i.e if your son cannot pay or defaults, then the onus would be on you to meet the payments.

Dee 22/03/2018 at 4:06 pm

I have a existing Mortgage and want to sell my house. I have over £50,000 equity in my home. I need to have that amount as retirement fund.
My son needs a home; but is not ready to mortgage yet. Is there any way I can remortgage my home with him paying the mortgage with the option of me signing over the house to him when he is ready?

Becky 15/02/2018 at 12:51 pm

I am with Asra housing association and was given valuation of 204 thousand and after 3 months they said it’s 234 thousand as Waac trying to find a solicitor and now it’s bed. 3 months they have given me deadline of 1st March and are chasing . I asked to do a desktop valuation they refused and have suggested can ask district valuer but then the price can go up or decrease or remain same . It’s my first time and don’t know what to do as the market is slow and does anyone know do I have to pay district valuer or the housing association pay . I am confused can someone help me. I delayed as there was an announcement that the government was going up match the discount with council . Can someone guide me on this issue it’s a one bedroom flat

Tas 13/02/2018 at 3:53 pm

Hi i have lived in my housing association house since 1998.

I have been told that i do not have right to acquire because the house is grant funded.
Does anyone else have experience if this?

Ema 06/02/2018 at 3:46 pm

We have the right to accuire but trying to find a mortgage to do this has been a nightmare we are having to put a hold on this again ???????? they offer of a mortgage on right to buy is out there but not on right to accuire

Maz 29/01/2018 at 3:50 pm

Me and brother lived all our lives he has the right to buy i don't can I make a joint claim to keep me safe so he does not just kick me out thanks

Chelsea 04/01/2018 at 6:46 pm

I applied twice for the right to acquire the housing association house that I've lived in for the last 12 years with my husband and 2 children. Everything went well and we were eligible but we had to pull out the first time as my husband was made redundant. We decided to apply again November 2017 and were told we were eligible and they came and priced the house, after a few weeks the housing association rang and said sorry we can no longer buy the property because the value was too cheap... I don't understand this as it was cheaper the first time we applied it was just us that had to pull out. Something about this doesn't seem right to me and wondered if this was correct?

AffordableHomeAdvice Editor 12/12/2017 at 2:42 pm

We can offer no more information than the gov.uk link here can tell you. Or what you have already been told through your housing association. You can contact the Government's Right to Buy Agent service via the link.

LadyG 12/12/2017 at 5:15 am

I also put in my application in January 2015 but was informed that l will have to pay the repairs that were being carried out that's why I suspended till they complete all the repairs. But I've been informed that my property is not eligible to buy because it was built in 1981. I would like to know of that application form I sent to the housing association in 2015 is still valid.

LadyG 12/12/2017 at 4:56 am

I've been a housing association tenant since 2000 but I've been informed that my property is not eligible to buy because it was built in 1981. I requested to be transferred to a property that I could buy but I was declined by my landlord.
I would like to know what right have I got with the housing association because I am desperate to buy a property.

AffordableHomeAdvice Editor 05/12/2017 at 9:19 am

You can see whether you may be eligible which

Matmo 02/12/2017 at 8:56 pm

I been an housing Association house tended since 2007 do I have right to acquire???

Tray13 29/10/2017 at 8:51 pm

Hi I've been told by my housing trust that I can purchase the property under the right to acquire, not right to buy scheme.
I moved in 2004. Previous to that I was with another housing association for 2 years and before that, a council tenant with a different council for previous 2 years.
Is this information correct?

cris 15/10/2017 at 8:57 am

hi , i am planning to buy the house i am renting from housing association thought right to acquire but been told that they will sell but without any discount , does the housing association has the right to refuse the discount? thanks

Naz 11/10/2017 at 11:57 pm

Hello
I am urgently looking for an answer, please can someone help.

I am planning to purchase my housing association property under the right to acquire scheme.

But Will I be able to rent it out in due course.

Have asked the housing association they are taking too long.

Lisa 29/09/2017 at 3:47 pm

Hi we have got the right to aquire,however it's my partner who will be getting the mortgage but as he's not on the tenancy but classed as a family member buying we're finding it difficult to get the mortgage soley in his name?

Dnah 22/09/2017 at 5:46 pm

I am a shared owner of 25% of my apartment through a Housing association.
Can I use the right to acquire ?

Nettz 17/09/2017 at 10:31 am

Our property has been valued at 135k we get 10k discount.
Under RTA, is the 10k count towards our deposit?

Bobby 10/08/2017 at 1:51 pm

Hi was told that my house which is a housing associations does not fall under the right to acquire scheme - I am aware I do not qualify due to my house was non funded by goverment grant or local authority . I have my doubts about this information . Can you confirm that this info is accurate and where can i find proof that my property was government or local authority funded housing associations. -.if it is, is there anything that can be done - is there someone I can write to challenge the houding assoiciation decision because i have been living in the.property for over 8 years.Thank you.

Cerysellen 09/08/2017 at 3:23 pm

We are currently looking at buying our housing association house. As far as I can tell we may only be entitled to the right to aquire and not the the right to buy as it is housing association. My question is if you use the right to aquire can you do it on a shared ownership basis or can it only be done on the full price of the house, minus the discount that you are entitled to?

Naz 02/06/2017 at 11:06 pm

Hi,
I've been doing a lot of research on RTA and there's a lot of conflicting information on the web. I've been a housing association tenant for 5 years and would like to purchase my property under the RTA scheme. The issue is, my property is valued just under 300k and I am a single tenant on an average 28k salary. I can afford a 10% deposit. Would I get a mortgage for the rest or am I punching above my weight? And lastly, can the maximum discount of 16k from the RTA scheme be put towards my deposit aswell?
Sorry for rambling on I feel quite deflated having waited for the RTB to extend but never materialised.
Thank you

SD 26/05/2017 at 2:12 pm

Hi - I am aware I do not qualify due to my house being pre- 1997 (which makes utterly no sense at all!) ... But is there anything that can be done - is there someone I can write to?
I have contacted the housing association even offering the market rate and they still will not allow us to buy.
Also - is this a criteria that could be changed (the date issue) with the potential government reforms? Or am i holding out for something that is never going to happen?

AffordableHomeAdvice Editor 18/05/2017 at 12:35 pm

It means an undischarged bankruptcy.

Suzie1time 17/05/2017 at 8:28 pm

Hi,
Your info says that you don't qualify for the scheme if you've been bankrupt. However, I've been advised that as long as it's been over 6 years since it was discharged and therefore no longer on your credit file, you do qualify. Which information is correct. Or do you mean you don't qualify if you're currently bankrupt. Thanks

AffordableHomeAdvice Editor 09/05/2017 at 11:27 am

If he has the finances to cover another mortgage and the mortgage company allows this, then yes.

Jamie 08/05/2017 at 10:44 am

Hi,

Can you please help me answer this quick question - if my brother (who is a tenant) wants to buy with me, will he be able to if he has another property/mortgage?

Maz 10/04/2017 at 7:31 am

I have been a tenant for 17years with midland heart, I really want to purchase my property is my only option to wait for RtB... or are there any other schemes even if it isn't this property.

Jo 07/04/2017 at 10:59 am

Hi, can anyone help me please...
I have lived in my housing association house for nearly 11 years, they have refused my application for the RTA because my properly is in a rural area.
Has anyone else experienced this & what should I do next?
Many thanks for taking the time to read my comment.
I will look forward to your replies.

Susan 18/03/2017 at 11:56 am

Hi, I have been a Peabody tenant since 2004. In 2014 I was in the process of buying a property that was not my Peabody resident however Peabody had agreed that on completion the £16k discount that I would have received had I purchased my Peabody residence would be paid to me - a scheme that was called Open Market Social Homebuy. The scene meant that I would not be restricted to buying the property I live in which is good because i currently live in a 1 bed flat and would like a 2 bed. Unfortunately I had to pull out of the sale. When the possible extension of right to buy to HA was announced I contacted Peabody who said that as a response the Government stopped funding this scheme and now my only option was to buy my own property or wait until the HA get right to buy which they said will not be earlier than April 2018, if even then. I really want to buy a property, especially now that fixed rates are lower so I am ok not waiting for the government to sort themselves out with this (possible) extension. However, I don't see why the government would stop funding the option to use the right to acquire deposit on a non HA property - the way I see it, it can only help them as they wouldn't loose a HA property. Do you know whether it is possible to apply directly to DCLG or one of its bodies/agencies to get this grant?

Mr T 02/03/2017 at 3:17 pm

Is there a difference in the discount offered to RTB compared to RTA?

The reason I ask is that I qualify for RTA but was wondering whether I would do better waiting for RTB to be extended to HA tenants? I know the Bill is currently progressing through Parliament and will hopefully come into law sometime in 2017/18?

If RTB offers a larger discount it would obviously make purchasing my HA flat more affordable.

debbie 01/03/2017 at 11:00 pm

hi.
im thinking of buying my housing association house. ive been a tenant for 14 years in my own name, before that it was my family home where I grew up with my mam, does that time count towards my discount?

george 12/02/2017 at 1:21 pm

is there a maximum amount on what you earn in order to qualify to right to acquire?

AffordableHomeAdvice Editor 17/01/2017 at 12:39 pm

I can only direct you to the gov.uk site here. You may wish to contact your housing association and ask for an explanation in writing regarding why you are not allowed the right to acquire.

Terry 16/01/2017 at 7:08 pm

Hello, please please help or try and explain this for me...

I am trying to buy my housing association home for which I have been a tenant for almost 7years. However when I have contacted them they asked me to speak with a lady who looks after the scheme. She explained I was not eligible as the property "became available"??? Before 1997 in 1993.

However my brother who lives 10 doors down is eligible even living in a similar property with the same association.

I contacted the association again who believe all properties in the area were acquired in 2003 including my own.

I am at a loss to understand why mine is different to my brothers and both the association and the lady who deals with the scheme are not very helpful at all in explained matters.

Any advice would be greatly received.

Kind regards

Terry

Joker 14/01/2017 at 7:26 am

Don't know where to start here, it's a joke. Been living in my property since 2008 housing association Peabody was in the process of buying my home with a discount of £16,000 I pulled out last minute due to discount didn't make sense to the price of the house I was living in. On a scheme called ( social home buy,) which no longer exists. I spoke to them the other day about buying again which their response was I'm not eligible at this stage still waiting for the government to set something in place in stone. My property is built before 1997, not new build, maybe there will be changes in April, joke joke joke. I am assured tenant. Would love to have some security in my life work very hard. Pay my taxes.

AffordableHomeAdvice Editor 13/01/2017 at 9:54 am

You would have to ask these questions directly to the housing association as we do not have this information.

Flora 12/01/2017 at 12:03 am

HI

I am looking to buy my housing association property where I have lived for over 10 years. the discount I should receive on my property would that be deducted from the equity loan scheme? Also would I have to pay a deposit even since it is housing association property?

rocky 11/01/2017 at 11:41 pm

can you please help me , I am in the process of buying my council house, do I need a homebuyer's report?

Pc 23/12/2016 at 3:33 pm

Hello
Can i rent my property out under the right to aquire scheme.
Thank you.
Pc.

Mark Rushton 05/11/2016 at 9:30 am

Hi, my housing association have refused me the right to acquire because my house falls under a rural housing act 1997, has any one else had this and can I take this further?

jade 20/09/2016 at 5:13 pm

I have received a valuation from my housing association under the right to acquire scheme. I have also received a £9000 discount. Can this £9000 be used as a mortgage discount?

Amanda 17/09/2016 at 8:12 pm

Hi there I just wanted to know if the right to acquire can be transfered to buy somewhere else privately or can I only use the £16,000 to buy where I am?
Someone told me that my housing associations would give me the £16,000 to buy somewhere else so they could also re let my property!

Milly 29/06/2016 at 10:11 pm

Why are housing association tenants being treated so unfairly? What is £16,000 discount on a London property? I have been in my home for 15 years and would very much like to buy, but simply cannot afford to given the miserly discount being offered.
The government said it wanted housing associations tenants to have the same discounts offered to council tenants, but this has not happened. We are being denied the rights offered to other social housing tenants.

AffordableHomeAdvice Editor 07/06/2016 at 12:16 pm

It is because amendments passed in the House of Lords excluded tenants of charitable housing associations from the Housing Acts in order to safeguard the right of those charitable organisations to hold their assets in perpetuity.

Pitstop 06/06/2016 at 3:28 pm

I, also, would like to know why houses built before 1997 are not in the right to acquire scheme. I have been in my property since 1992 when newly built and was very keen to acquire my property when the government introduced to Housing Associations - so disappointed when my property wasn't eligible.

Chris 24/05/2016 at 3:26 pm

Hi,

what is the reason that houses built/bought by the housing associations pre 1997 cannot be acquired?

Many thanks.

Retlaw 01/05/2016 at 7:10 am

I have lived in a housing association flat in London for8 years under an assured tenancy. i have enquirer about right to buy but gave been told I do not qualify under this tenancy. Is this correct please? I am a key worker working for nhs so thus seems very unfair. Look forward to your reply.

AffordableHomeAdvice Editor 22/04/2016 at 12:36 pm

The council still has a right to sell the house if it of an unusual construction, it's just not all mortgage companies will lend on this. Mortgage companies will refuse to lend for all sorts of reasons, so it is unlikely you will get a refund on the survey. But you may want to approach the council and inform it of this.

Gela 21/04/2016 at 5:43 pm

Ive just had my mortgage refused i was buying it under the right to buy been told the property is cavity wall insulated and it should not off been as it is timber framed with brick outlay should the council off know this before i laid out my money now lost ?

tambill 12/04/2016 at 1:22 pm

good afternoon I was a council tenant for years from 1992 to 2010 then from 2010 to 2013 housing association then swapped back to a council property as wanted the right to buy but the council transferred to housing association now I'm being told my only discount will be 16,000 surely they can't write off the previous 2o years social council housing ! when I swapped in 2o13 I did not realise there had been a stock transfer council to housing association so assured tenancy I am sure I should have received a secure tenancy as the lady I swapped with was a secure tenant ??

lainey 11/03/2016 at 3:33 am

My tenancy started forty one years ago with my local council, I have moved house five times keeping the same tenancy agreement, in that time. Over the years the houses now belong to a different landlord that took them over from the council. My tenancy still stands with the full discount. I am in the prose's of a house exchange to a house with the same landlord, but there house as an assured tenancy. Should I be able to take my tenancy with me when I exchange houses. Or will I have to leave my tenancy that as the full discount , and except the tenancy of the person I exchange houses with. Hope to get your reply. Thank you ..

AffordableHomeAdvice Editor 04/02/2016 at 2:22 pm

You can see the differences via whichI hope this answers your question.

Floraa 03/02/2016 at 9:07 pm

Hi, I want to enquire if the new discount scheme for Housing Association Right to Buy (£103,900 london area) will also apply to Right to Acquire scheme?

Flora 03/02/2016 at 9:00 pm

Hi, i just want to ask if Right to Acquire (£16,000 london area) have the same discount as Right to Buy (£103,900 london area) under new government scheme?

AffordableHomeAdvice Editor 05/11/2015 at 12:37 pm

I'm afraid your solicitor would be the best person to advise you on this matter and whether the Housing Association can legally request more money.

Dee dee 04/11/2015 at 5:35 pm

I agreed to buy my home under the right to aquire just under 12 months ago got a solicitor did the searches it is cash buy but due to the housing association solicitors taking there time to answer my solicitor about the home and the seRches I have still not bought it yet as Monday we should have got the deeds the housing are asking for more money now can they do this even we agreed a price nearly 12 months ago I have it on official paper telling me what I have to pay so why are they asking for more money not due to me due to there solicitor not getting all thr required paper work my solicitor asked for please any body who can give me advice my solicitor has sent them emails but they are not responding thank you

Sooz 19/09/2015 at 2:13 am

Hi, it says you can't purchase if you've been declared bankrupt. Can you apply after 6 years from bankruptcy when it's removed from your credit file. Also will mortgage companies take the discount as the deposit as they do with right to buy?
Thanks

Miss B 15/08/2015 at 2:13 pm

Please can you advise re previous statement. Thanks.

Miss B 15/08/2015 at 2:10 pm

We currently have a an assured tenancy with protected rights. The property was initial owned by the city council and is now owned by a local HA the property we initially lived in was a flat, the tenancy of that property commenced in 1995/6 we we're rehoused to a house in 2008, but kept our status re the tenancy. My understanding is we may be entitled to a full discount of 75%. But the HA is quoting £16k which is incorrect. As they are basing this on the wrong tenancy agreement. Incidentally we made sure we were given the correct tenancy agreement in 2008, which is more beneficial to us.

Miss B 15/08/2015 at 1:59 pm

It seems to be a recurring theme re the lack of response to enquiries. When we mention protected rights and the fact that our home was bought from the council by the association and we wish to speak to a person that deals with this they are conveniently out of the office. Will get back to us. Still not happened our request is now going to be put in writing, emailed, hand delivered and posted by signed for post!

AffordableHomeAdvice Editor 12/08/2015 at 12:56 pm

Please see gov.uk link ' right to Acquire: buying your housing association home', link here for more information.

olive 10/08/2015 at 10:30 am

Hi
Could someone please tell me if the right to acquire discount has now been extended to housing associations. The Tory party announced in their manifesto in May this year has it become law
Thanks

loopy loo 05/08/2015 at 9:43 am

Thank you so much ,I will most definitely keep my eyes peeled.

AffordableHomeAdvice Editor 03/08/2015 at 1:57 pm

@loopy loo - Currently, under the Right to Acquire system, the tenant must have lived in the house for five years and the housing association must have built or bought the home since 1997 or a council must have transferred it to the housing association since 1997. However, the Conservative Government is looking fo a relaxation of these laws as it aims to extend the scheme, therefore it's a case of keeping an eye out in the coming months to see whether this may benefit you.

loopy loo 31/07/2015 at 8:57 pm

Hi we have been in our housing association house since 1992 and after enquiring several times if we can buy we have been told we can't due the fact the property was built prior to 1997 is there any way at all that this ruling will change it seems so sad after living here for twenty odd years that we can't own it thanking you

Vick 25/11/2014 at 11:20 pm

I've been a council tennant for nearly 12yrs, and have RTB. If I wanted 2 swap with someone who has RTA, would I lose the discount I would get from the council if I wanted to buy my property

mitchie 05/08/2014 at 10:04 am

Hi there i tried finding out when my H/A bought my property to see if i qualify under right to acquire scheme i checked with land registry which shows my H/A Orbit south bought it in 2007 but i couldn't find history previous to that??The H/A are not very helpful so i want to do my own research first so i can get a good case!.How do i get previous history before 2007,as not sure if was a privately owned house prior to that as i live on private road and my neighbours are all homeowners this house was never built as council or H/A property which is why i want to buy it.

Mo 01/08/2014 at 12:00 am

I live in a city west council flat London my flat is not shelters but supported I was never told this when I took the flat on , iv been 6 years now and would love to buy do I stand a chance I do feel my rights have been overlooked by not being informed of the flats policy's

ang 06/07/2014 at 7:04 pm

Would I be able to buy my coucil house after exchangeing to a better area close to my work olace

neenz 02/07/2014 at 9:52 pm

I have lived in my home (housing association, built 2004) for 10 years with an assured non shorthold tenancy. I think I can enter the right to acquire scheme but not sure? I am a midwife so could I also be considered as a key worker? I have emailed housing association for 2nd time but no reply to my query is there anyone else who I should contact?

Doug 04/06/2014 at 11:42 am

Your house or flat must have been built after march 1997, as yours was built before this you'll have to contact your housing association directly as they may be able to offer you an alternative right to buy scheme.

- 04/06/2014 at 7:41 am

If the flat I have been a tennant since 1985, does not qualify me to purchase the property under the "Right to Acquire", does it mean that we are losers with no right to any offers? Sorry , I forgot to mention, that the flat is owned by London Quadrent Housing Association. Please advise.

Pretty P 27/02/2013 at 5:05 pm

Excellent information am well please. I have been trying all morning to get this I formation from an housing association officer who as failed to even return my call.

Many thanks again
Pretty P

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