The maximum discounts were cut sharply on 21 November 2024. If you applied before that date, the older and much higher maximums still apply to you.
Quick facts
- After
- 3 years as a public sector tenant
- Houses
- 35% to start
- Flats
- 50% to start
- Regional maximum
- £16,000 to £38,000
- Sell within 5 years
- Repay some or all of the discount
Who can apply
You can apply to buy your council home if you’ve had a public sector landlord (for example, a council, housing association or NHS trust) for 3 years - it does not have to be 3 years in a row.
You can make a joint application with your partner or up to 3 family members who have lived with you for the past 12 months.
How much discount
There are different discount levels for houses and flats.
For a house, you get a 35% discount if you’ve been a public sector tenant for between 3 and 5 years. After 5 years, the discount goes up 1% for every extra year you’ve been a public sector tenant up to the maximum discount amount.
For a flat, you get a 50% discount if you’ve been a public sector tenant for between 3 and 5 years. After 5 years, the discount goes up 2% for every extra year you’ve been a public sector tenant, up to the maximum discount amount.
The maximum discount for your region
The maximum discount you can get is whichever is lower: 70% of the value of your property, or the maximum discount for your region.
| Region | Maximum |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| South East | £38,000 |
| South West | £30,000 |
| London | £16,000 |
A few areas have their own figure, for example £16,000 in Watford and parts of the South East, and £38,000 in Barking and Dagenham and Havering.
If you applied before 21 November 2024, the maximum is 70% of the value, or £136,400 in a London borough and £102,400 outside London, whichever is lower.
If you sell soon after
You’ll usually have to repay some or all your discount if you sell your home within 5 years.
Housing association tenants
Housing association tenants may be able to buy their home through the Right to Acquire, which gives a smaller, fixed discount. Ask your housing association whether your home qualifies.
Common questions
How long do I need to be a council tenant for Right to Buy?
3 years with a public sector landlord. It does not have to be 3 years in a row.
What is the Right to Buy discount in London?
Up to £16,000 for applications from 21 November 2024, except £38,000 in Barking and Dagenham and Havering.
Do I have to pay the discount back?
Usually some or all of it, if you sell within 5 years.
Can housing association tenants buy?
Some can, through the Right to Acquire.