Council Houses: Your Right to Buy

Mo 07/07/2021 at 2:35 pm

My brother and I bought my mums council flat some years ago to save here paying rent when she retired. She is now 91 and in a care home….will the money from the sale have to go into bank to pay fees…..we have a deed of trust.

Pat 20/06/2021 at 6:57 pm

My mum wants to buy my council house for me, I've got debts from over the years,will I have to pay all my debts first before buying

Rabbit 13/06/2021 at 6:56 pm

My mam has recently passed away and was the only name on the rent book after my dad died in 2001,,I've lived in the family house for 44 years,,I'm now 45,,,,can I still live here and pay the rent or buy the house?

Jen 16/05/2021 at 7:36 pm

Iv would like to buy my house Iv lived in for 12 years it’s countcil house my son said he would give me the money from money his dad left him when he died is that aloud it will be in my name only. Can you help me find out please

John 24/03/2021 at 11:36 am

Hi
I qualify for a right to buy my council
House. My problem is that I’ve never earned enough to get a mortgage, until now !
Problem is that I’ve been left a flat as inheritance and under the new rules you’re not allowed to have a council house if you own another property.
Will I still qualify for my right to buy if I have been willed another property ?

sweetheart 16 19/02/2021 at 2:05 pm

hello my husband passed last year I am the tennant now we lived here 49years lm
Thinking of buy ing council house with RTB WILL I still be able to get the discount as I lived here as well thankyou

steve 19/11/2020 at 7:50 pm

My Father had RTB so I bought his first floor flat in 2003 and had a Deed of Trust (with myself as tenant in common and Beneficiary owner) drawn up saying he could stay as long as he wished or was able to, he just had to pay the bills and we paid any maintenance bills.
He is now 80 and losing his sight so I have purchased a BTL bungalow for him to get used to before it gets any worse, the flat is no longer suitable.
The Deed says if he can end the Trust by signing the flat over to me, which he would like to do. However, I have just read on the HM Gov site that if an arrangement to transfer a lease is made within 5 years of the original purchase then some or any discount may have to be repaid.
Would that apply in this case?

moments 10/10/2020 at 11:11 am

hi my mum is 80 in a 3 bed council house, my son who is 40 has lived with her for 20 years , can he buy the property , he isnt on the tenncy agrrement

moments 10/10/2020 at 11:09 am

hi my mum is 80, and my son who is 40 has lived with her all his life, can my son buy the house its council, he isnt on the tennancy

Jax 28/06/2020 at 6:15 pm

I’ve been a social landlord tenant for 24 years.
Over that time I’ve had 3 properties.
I originally had a right to buy but when I moved last time the new Housing trust said I only had the right to acquire after they had told me I would have right to buy.
They then told me the property I was in I couldn’t buy so they moved and paid for my move to a new property with a letter stating I had Right to acquire. I am confused as I was told that my right to buy stayed with me and as I’ve been a social tenant for over 20 years I could request a RTB with a discount...
I pay my rent and have been a tenant with my HT for 6.5 years the property I live in is built in 1950s and we have invested huge sums of money as we were also informed that this wouldn’t play a part in valuation.
Can someone please advise me of my rights and if I can buy or acquire???

C 24/02/2020 at 7:06 pm

Hi, My mum has lived in her council house for 10 years, I still live with her (son) I’ve lived there since she moved in . She is now looking to apply for a bungalow due to her health of getting up and down the stairs,but the bungalow is only a one bedroom . Am I able to buy our house under the RTB? Am I able to have my own name on the mortgage or will my mum have to be on the mortgage aswell ? Please can you give me some more information on this . Thankyou

Wellsy 18/02/2020 at 4:05 pm

I gifted the money for my Mum to buy her RTB maisonette, In her will she has named me as the beneficiary of the maisonette on her passing (as I effectively paid for it). We are 3 years in to the term of RTB now but what happens if she passes before the 5 year term? Will I inherit with no issues or will I face issues regarding the original discount applied?

Steven101 04/02/2020 at 7:23 pm

Hi my wife had right to buy her old but we did a mutual exchange & also it was a different housing association we where told any discount we follow from her old house and also we would have to right to buy/ aquire but now we not so sure if this is true, any help please

Sal 03/02/2020 at 11:45 am

Can my son buy my council house with out me being on the Morgage, but the house in my name only

Giz 05/11/2019 at 4:28 pm

My mum lived in a council property for over 50 years and sadly she passed away last year and I took over the tenancy if I wanted to buy would I still get the discount off the property

debs 25/10/2019 at 7:21 pm

Please please can you help. I’m entitled to RTB. Sadly the council are messing me around with the amount of discount I an entitled to. My x husband bought our council house. Nit me just him I am not in mortgage I have nothing to do with the property. They are taking all that discount off me. I’m a mess it’s as if they don’t want me to buy my flat. In 5 weeks they gave sent me two different offers of disc. Both are nit tight. To put it bluntly they are trying to rip me off. Plcoukdvyiu helo. I’m desperate

Tracy 22/07/2019 at 3:44 pm

I have a right to buy mortgage with my husband. As we have split up and he is no longer in the property I am looking into removing him from the deeds I have already been accepted for the mortgage on my own
Do i have to pay back any of the discount even though I am not selling and I am still living in the property?

kmk81 12/06/2019 at 8:40 pm

I'm looking at buying my council house. iv have been hear 5 years and have 3 years on another council property. if I was to buy it cash would I be able to extend it straight away or would I have to wait?

Kezza 04/05/2019 at 12:49 pm

I have lived in council property for 7 years plus need help and support to right to buy my son works and moved in in jan if I and my son brought he would inherit the house also how much discount would I likely get and I do have legal rights I need help applying RTB1 form thank you

Shiff 31/10/2018 at 2:35 pm

My grandmother is 80 and has been in her house for over 35 years. It’s now a housing association property. I’m not currently living with her but would like to know if it’s possjble for me to buy her house, in either joint or her name. I would be covering all payments. Is this possible?

Mr Ben 04/05/2018 at 4:19 pm

Hi I'm in the process of looking at buying my property but I'm unsure what discount I will get . My wife as been a council tenant for 26 years not in the property we are looking at buying . She lived in a house for 20 years but now in a flat . So how does the discount get worked out ? Do they discount at the rate of the flat we are in ? Which makes it 70% discount or the house she lived in which would give 56%? Any advice would be very much appreciated .

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 10/04/2018 at 11:45 am

Your name cannot be usually be inlcuded on the title deeds if you do not live in the RTB property. Some (but not many) mortgage lenders might consider offering a joint mortgage with the deeds in one name only; you would have to do some research to find out.

Kelster20189 09/04/2018 at 1:00 pm

Hi my mom has been given the right to buy and the valuation is coming through,
i would like to have a joint mortgage with my mother but i do not live there and my
name is not on the rent book, can this be done.

Loulou 21/03/2018 at 4:18 pm

I have been a tenant for 23 years. My son wishes to buy my house. Will he get the discount that we have accrued? Also I now get full housing benefit, so will this continue after purchase and be paid to my son?

Kcoh91 18/12/2017 at 12:13 pm

My mum has been a tenant for Years and qualifies for the full discount for RTB. Me and my partner moved in with her last May to try to buy a property but wondering if we can buy hers? Or if she transferred the tenancy to me after 12 months of living with her would I get the full discount or will it start again?

Enquiry 22/11/2017 at 1:22 pm

I have been a secure council tenant for over 5 years. I have some legal debt issues and understand that I cannot apply for a RTB. My partner has been living with me for over 5 years and last July we got married and added his name to the Tenancy Agreement. Does he need to wait 3 years to make a sole application for a RTB?

Lou 20/11/2017 at 8:49 pm

I have inherited a flat that my aunt bought under the right to buy scheme 2 years ago. She has lived in the flat for 10 years in total. Am I able to sell the flat at its full market value or do I have to return a percentage of the value as my aunt lived in the flat for only 2 years after she purchased it?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 17/11/2017 at 10:22 am

One of the questions asked when you apply to buy is: "Is the property you main and only home" - this suggests that some local authorties/housing associations will not allow RTB if you already own another property. Mortgage providers are not always willing to lend on two properties either, so you'd need to look into that.

sam 16/11/2017 at 1:01 am

Hi am I entitled to buy my flat I live in but i also have a House on mortgage I have lived in this flat for 8 years. thanks

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 03/11/2017 at 10:02 am

You will need to ask your council's housing officer about this.

Shontelley 02/11/2017 at 12:32 am

I currently live with my half sister in a council property that was transferred to her when her mum died. (We have the same dad)
I have lived with her for over 10 years now but was not on the tenancy. she is considering moving in with her partner but says she will transfer the tenancy to me. I wanted to know is it possible for her to transfer the tenancy to me and if so will the right to buy be voided ?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 27/09/2017 at 2:36 pm

Did you ever receive a grant for any adaptations or improvements such as disabled facilities grant, are there any CCJs, non payment of council tax etc (don't forget parts of Wales charge an extra 50% council tax for second homes) which could have resulted in a charging order? It may be to do with the discount but the easiest way to find out is to check with the Land Registry. Your council's right to buy officer will be able to explain any discount repayment to you.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 27/09/2017 at 12:25 pm

The RTB would usually transfer with you as long as you transfer to another council and you are a secured tenant in both cases. Check with the RTB officer at your proposed new council location.

Ticketyboo 25/09/2017 at 8:31 pm

Hi, I bought my council house in Wales using the right to buy back in April 2007 (over 10yrs ago). I am now in process of looking at a further advance from mortgage lender. They have said I need a letter of postponement from local authority of the second charge on property . I can only think this is/was the clauses of paying back some % over 5 yrs if you sold within that time?. I have contacted council and they are requesting a valuation of property and asking how much I'm borrowing! I questioned this and was told this is so they can

"ensure that there is sufficient equity left in the property amounting to more than 30% - which is what the Council's Charge equates to".

Can you tell me if this is right and what it means considering it's been over 10yrs? My understanding was the house would now be all mine yet this makes me feel I am bound to them somehow. Added with this the discount I got did not equate to 30% of property value so am feeling perplexed and frustrated!!
Can you shed any light?

Thanks

lisab454 25/09/2017 at 4:15 pm

Hello,
I'm just wondering if I swap my council home for another in a different part of the country by mutual exchange, will I still be eligible for the RTB discount that I built up during my time in the first location?
Thanks in advance.

Rita Wilson 19/09/2017 at 12:12 pm

My mother wants to buy her council house but has been told she will have to have her original tenancy agreement ( from 1959's)
Do you know where she can obtain a copy? A housing trust has run the estate for the past 18 years.
Thank you.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 18/09/2017 at 11:58 am

You should seek advice from your council's right to buy officer, or similar professional for individual advice like this. You should also investigate the lettings policy of the council in the area where your nan wants to move to. Some things to note:
The title deeds will have to be in your Nan's name
A mortgage provider might only lend to the person whose name is on the title deeds
If the house is sold within five years, the discount has to be repaid and landlord might have to be given the first right of refusal
When she makes an application for council housing in a new area, the fact that she is home owner make affect her "priority" status on the waiting list

Dylan 15/09/2017 at 5:53 pm

Hi,

I'm going to try and cut the back stories as much as possible, in short my Nan who is now retired currently lives in a council house and has been a tennant there for over 20 years. She has told me many times that I should look at buying the property using her discount because she has thrown away so much money paying the rent (only recently retired) amounting to more then the property's value.

My parents recently moved out 100 miles away and my Nan is looking at applying for a new tennature local to them to be with her young grandson. She and I wanted to know if it would be possible for me to use her right to buy on the current property she is in (I understand she would need to be on the documents but can release her share in 3-5 years or put me in the will) and if she would still be eligible to be on the councils waiting list for a property closer to her family.

I understand that it's a more complicated question but what I'm trying to ask is would the council rehouse a 68 year old if she was recently on mortgage documents (not necessarily owning any percentage).

Please don't just take a guess at this one, I'm after someone that knows what they are talking about. Take into account she has basically already paid for the house twice over and just wants to be with her family but not throw away her right to buy after spending so many years amassing it.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 06/09/2017 at 12:44 pm

The easiest way to find out would be to speak to the housing officer really as we're not sure what your council's specific rental/letting policies are.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 06/09/2017 at 12:42 pm

You just have! :-)

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 06/09/2017 at 11:47 am

If the property belonged to you sister in law, your husband would not have any entitlement to any of the proceeds from the house sale.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 05/09/2017 at 12:53 pm

The title deeds will be normally be in the name of the person in possession of the "right to buy" . Many mortgage lenders will only lend or consider the income of, the person/persons whose name(s) will be on the title deeds. You should investigate this separately with your housing associations RTB officer and a mortgage provider.

Tony flamingo 04/09/2017 at 6:12 pm

Hi just a question if anyone can help.

Last year I purchased our council property under the right to buy with my parents.

My current partner who I started dating shortly after is now pregnant and currently living in a council property her self.

I would love for her to give up her place and move in with myself but there's not enough room as she has a little one already and obviously my parents live and own half the property too.

She wants me to move in with her due to this reason but obviously because I purchased a council property I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be allowed to move in with her.

Am I right in thinking this, any friendly advice would be great full.

Thanks in advance

Jay 04/09/2017 at 12:49 pm

Around 1973, my then future mother in law moved into a Local Authority house along with my future husband and his sister. In 1987 my now sister in law used my mother in law's Right to Buy the house for around £15,000. I estimate the actual market value of the house at that time to have been around £35,000. In 2001 we sadly lost my husband's mum. My sister in law sold the house, I think, for around £50,000.

My question is please, was my husband entitled to any monies from the equity built up in the house from 1973 to 1987, or even 2001 when my mother in law died? Thank you.

Monr0e 03/09/2017 at 6:36 pm

Ive recently married but never lived with my partner he is a hone owner I am a housing association tenant ive been given to go ahead to buy but can my husband apply for the mortgage or have his earnings takien.into consideration despite never haing lived at the property?

Paul 30/08/2017 at 10:48 am

Reply to jaydan. The way around not being in property for 12 months is to pay 12 months rent which will be added to overall price. Thats how i sorted it. Hope that helps

Deero 29/08/2017 at 4:56 pm

I was a council tenant for four and half years then moved by mutual exchange to a housing association and I am an association tenant for twenty one years and now again moving by mutual exchange to a council property. Can I buy the council property under right to buy discount. If so how many discount ami likely to get?.

Jaydan 24/08/2017 at 6:30 pm

I have been in council tenant for 20 years myself on rent . Myself and partner put in to buy house but have been declined duo to him not being on rent or living at property for 12 months. Is there a way around this please.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 09/08/2017 at 2:39 pm

The person with the right to buy has to have their name on the title deeds.

JP 08/08/2017 at 4:56 pm

My good friend wants me to buy his council flat which he would have discount on. I have started researching this but have not seen if friends can buy it and whose name would be on the deeds, if it is possible that I can buy it?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 07/08/2017 at 2:14 pm

In some areas the discount does not have to be repaid if the property is transferred to a relative on death. You/your in laws should contact your council's Right to Buy officer for advice.

ABC123 04/08/2017 at 11:43 am

We are looking to fund my in laws purchase of their council house to provide them greater security in old age. They will then leave this to us in their will. If they die, are there any repercussions regarding us inheriting it and selling it on or letting it out if it's within a certain timeframe?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 04/08/2017 at 10:28 am

This depends on the type of tenancy you held and your Housing Association's policy on the type of tenancies offered to successors. Ask to see the policy on this as there are variations since the introduction of the flexible tenancy etc

rocky 01/08/2017 at 3:48 pm

So basically my mum died and I succeeded to her tenancy which she's had for at least 40 years (making her a secure tenant) Was council and then housing association. I have requested my right to buy twice and have sought legal advice and still the housing association are stating the right to buy was lost on my mothers death. Is this correct?

Karen 09/07/2017 at 1:51 pm

If i had lived in my council house longer than my husband and earned the right to buy then we bought the house together on a joint mortgage,would he be entitled to a 50/50 split if we divorced or would the discount belong to me?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 20/06/2017 at 10:32 am

As the father is the tenant, but your partner has lived there (with the tenant) for more than 12 months, they may be able to buy the property jointly, so the father's name will need to be on the deeds. Check with your council's right to buy officer.

Ellie1878 18/06/2017 at 9:01 am

Hi me and my partner live with my partners dad in his council house. He's the only listed tenant so could we still buy the house having my partner lived here all his life (27 years). Dad wants nothing to do with buy or mortgage but is happy for us to proceed

johnny 08/06/2017 at 6:47 pm

mother lived with dad for 43 years in council house dad was tenent he died last year mum took over as tenent if mum bought house does 43 years she lived with dad count when getting discount

Tez 31/05/2017 at 6:09 pm

Hi,

I bought 25% of an equity share property in 1982 which was built by the local council (within Greater London). I know that equity share type schemes are very different these days, but my question is if I want to now buy the rest of the property am I entitled to a discount on the 75% share and, if so, what percentage of discount might I get? My original lease did mention a right to buy at a discount, but I don't know if this is still valid?

many thanks.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 30/05/2017 at 12:39 pm

You need to know the type of house and the area in which you are living to calculate this. Try the government's right to buy calculator here

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 19/05/2017 at 2:31 pm

There is nothing illegal about this that we are aware of.

Marjory 19/05/2017 at 12:32 am

My sister bought my dads house but made it appear that he bought it to get the discount. She then charged him the same rent as he had paid the council till he died. My Dad had then left the property to her in his will which she then promptly sold and made a tidy proffit. It was done through a solicitor but i cannot believe it was legal.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 17/05/2017 at 12:22 pm

Speak to the Council's right to buy officer. You can give the money to your partner's mother but if you need a mortgage, the lender might want the property to be in your name, which could present a difficulty.

Thekiz 16/05/2017 at 10:21 am

Me and my partner live with her mum in council house she has done most of her life, we would like to buy the place for us to all live in, is it possible for me and my partner to do so?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 06/04/2017 at 12:14 pm

Some councils will let you purchase the freehold but you usually have to owned the property for a few years before they'll allow this. Contact them for more information.

Dooks 05/04/2017 at 9:11 am

I purchased my council house last year however I have not had the paperwork through yet , I have since realised it is leasehold not freehold ? Can this be altered? I have just received a letter saying work to be carried out on the property ? Do I get it done or not ?

Easy 13/03/2017 at 10:13 pm

We have been living in our home that we have bought from the association for just over 5 years and can we sell without offering our property back to the association without legal problems?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 10/03/2017 at 11:13 am

It's probably worth checking, but in general, people do exercise their RTB and then let their property out without repercussions.

Hel123 09/03/2017 at 7:20 am

I bought my house in May 2012 under Right to Acquire from a housing association.
I now want to let it out, I have received permission from my Mortgage company but they also need a letter from me stating that the housing association agrees to this.
No where in the booklet which I received from my solicitor mentions letting the property out. Could the housing association say no and refuse to give me the agreement.
Thanks

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 22/02/2017 at 11:06 am

Was your name on the tenancy? How long have you lived there? We don't have enough information to advise you on this, but your council's housing department will be able to help. If you have been living there for some time, there's a possibility you could take over the tenancy and perhaps submit a right to buy application in the future.

Bash67 19/02/2017 at 1:24 am

Can someone help me,my uncle is in hospital awaiting to be moved to a care home.
He was the tenant, i was his career.
Is there any way i could purchase the property instead of handing it back to the council.

shanti 05/02/2017 at 2:52 pm

Hello me and my partner do not live together as her has his own house and i have mine i looking into buying my council house the only thing is im self employed and i dont think i would me able to get a mortgage as ive been told they dont like to offer people who are self imployed
me and my partner were talking and with him having a good paying job and having his own house i would stand a better chance of getting a mortgage together but im not sure if we will be able to do that with him not living in the house.

Alex 02/02/2017 at 3:22 pm

Hi, my mum has been living in her council/housing association home for just under 20 years after bringing me and my 3 sisters up on her own, she went back to work around 10 years ago but has no savings and only a very small pension and I am worried about how she will manage in retirement. She is currently 55 and earns c.£20k p.a. Whilst I am by no means rich, I am in a position to co-sign a mortgage with her and make the majority of the contribution (although I do not live with her and am not on the tenancy). Could you please advise if I would be able to take out a joint mortgage with my mother on the basis that she would be the sole applicant on the application form to the housing association. Also she currently owes around £6k in unsecured debt. I appreciate any advice you can give me :)

janiejane 26/01/2017 at 1:14 pm

I have inherited some money but not enough to buy my council house, can I buy an investment property where I can afford and let this out. Would the council evict me from my house, along with my daughter who lives with me and both work locally?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 24/01/2017 at 12:57 pm

Contact your lender about this. Some will not allow you to remortgage within the first few years. You only need to repay some of the discount to the council if you sell the property.

Sarah 22/01/2017 at 9:26 pm

My mum bought her property as a leaseholder through right to buy with me (her daughter) two years ago. Mum passed away recently so i would like to know what to do next, who do i notify and what happens to the lease?

Nik 22/01/2017 at 10:31 am

Hello,
I brought my council property in 2013 so I about the enter the 5 year where we have to pay some money back to the council however we are in desperate need of a kitchen and I was wondering how i would stand on getting some Equity out of the property to help fund it with regards to the council?

Spiderlegs 20/01/2017 at 8:28 pm

I have lived in a council house since 1974. The tenancy was in my husband's name, We separated in 1993 and the tenancy was transferred to me before we divorced. Do I qualify for only the discount from my own tenancy or the discount from my husband's tenancy as well?

John 18/01/2017 at 9:04 pm

I have had a tenancy for 5 years and my partners moved in with me. We are looking to add her name on the tenancy and Become joint tenants and buy the property. If I add her name and we come joint tenants do I lose my right to buy because I am creating a new tenancy.

Naomi 28/12/2016 at 5:42 pm

If we paid for extension, and/or, loft conversion on our council house, would we end up paying for that again if we bought the house? Would the council value the property as it stood there and then, or would the council give us a price for the original size of the home before we extended it?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 14/12/2016 at 11:55 am

Your discount will usually transfer with you if you move to another council property.

spurs505 13/12/2016 at 3:07 pm

We have been council tenants for a number of years and have accrued a fairly large discount. We have ruled out buying the flat where we live as it is only one bedroom, and due to my shift work we need a minimum of two bedrooms. If we were to find someone in a two bedroom house willing to swap locations with us, would our accrued discount move with us, or would it reset to zero?

notsurethiswasagoodi 08/12/2016 at 10:50 pm

My sister and I have given our brother (early 60s), who lives with our dad (mid 80's) the money to buy their council house (family had been in it for over 40 years). This was so that my brother would not have to move when our Dad dies and was based on the understanding that my brother would leave the house to his nieces in his will. We have now been advised that should my brother have to go into care, the council would require the sale of the house to cover costs. Is there anything we can do to draw up a loan agreement with interest which would safeguard against this. My brother would also be happy to sign the house over after 5 years, but we have been told that the council would regard this as a deprivation of assets even for years after. Is there any way we can make sure the house goes to the children?

Janey 07/12/2016 at 11:34 pm

I was refused right to buy as it is an ovet 50 bungalow. Can i ask council to move me so i can use my right ti buy. I had 14 years in previous council property and downsized but did not know i could not buy it

Stearny 07/12/2016 at 10:53 pm

My partner has brought her house on the right to buy scheme and I want to go on the deeds, can this be done when using the right to by on the property there is no mortgage on the property???

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 06/12/2016 at 10:39 am

No, she would not be able to do this. If you are a tenant of the housing trust, you will be able to claim your own Right to Buy. You could ask whether the years you lived with your mother at a council property as an adult can count towards a discount, but we're not sure whether they will.

Longlegs 04/12/2016 at 12:36 pm

I live in a council house with my son but I only on tenancy agreement e wants to buy the house but my name got to be on the mortgage can I move out once we got the mortgage and my son stay their has I want to move so where alse

sky 03/12/2016 at 7:39 pm

I was originally a council tenant. I was transferred to housing association in 1992. The housing association say they don't do right to buy. The differences in discounts (council and housing association) are so different. Can you tell me if I have any options to buy or not. Thanks

Sufalu 03/12/2016 at 9:23 am

My mum has been a council tenant for over 40 years in different properties a few years ago she moved again then the house has been adapted in fact just a downstairs shower and toilet was added, and has been told she no longer has the right to buy. As she can no longer buy that house could she give me her daughter her years of renting as I am a tenant of the same housing trust to buy my home?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 29/11/2016 at 12:27 pm

You can share your Right to Buy with a partner, provided they have been living with you for at least 12 months. The title deeds will be in the both names.

sue 28/11/2016 at 2:42 pm

i will have maximum discount if I was to buy my house but I would not be able to get a mortgage, my partner who does not live with me wants to move in and buy our house, are we able to do this?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 23/11/2016 at 2:44 pm

Your father's name would have to be included on the deeds.

monkfish 23/11/2016 at 12:11 pm

Hi. I am currently living with my father as a member of household. We have made a joint application for a right to buy which has been accepted.
Is it possible to purchase solely in my name. Or would my father have to be included on the deeds?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 22/11/2016 at 12:58 pm

You will probably still have the right to buy. Check with your own council's right to buy officer for clarification.

sarah68 21/11/2016 at 10:14 pm

Hello
Please help, ive had my council house for 20 years on my own with my children and my house had RTB.
I got married 3 years ago and my Husband moved in and we informed the council.
My husband owns hes other house before living with me and hes mum lives there.
We are ready now to start our RTB but we are worried as my Husband has hes other house.
Will we be still be able to buy ours under RTB ? I did read somewhere if its your main home ?
Or will there ask me to give up my house to move to hes ?
Regards Sarah

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 18/11/2016 at 11:55 am

Yes she will be able to claim the discount as a named person/family member living there.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 18/11/2016 at 10:39 am

If the other son feels he has a right to a share in the estate he can contest a Will.

Jimbo 17/11/2016 at 2:11 pm

My Mother and Father lived in the same council house for over forty years and the tenancy was always in my Fathers name. He died recently and my Mothers name is now on the tenancy agreement.

My question is, will the forty years of discount that my Fathers tenancy accrued be transfered to my Mother or will it be back to square one?

BUBBY 17/11/2016 at 4:18 am

I have just found out my partner who has lived in my house for over 30 year has bought his mums council house and received the tenancy discount it is still in his mums name but will go to my husband when she dies but he has a brother who knows nothing about it can he contest her will
Thankyou
Bubmcm

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 09/11/2016 at 12:09 pm

As long as his name is going to be on the title deeds it should not affect your own right to buy.

Sarah 08/11/2016 at 2:38 pm

I qualify to discount on my council property. My new partner bought his previous house with his ex wife from the council also through her discount. Will this affect my claim?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 03/11/2016 at 2:29 pm

The discount would apply to the person who held the tenancy for the requisite amount of time (i.e you) and even if your boyfriend joined you in the tenancy, the RTB would be in both names. Note a right to buy offer is not made to tenants who are in rent arrears. A mortgage lender would consider both of your credit records when deciding whether to offer a loan.

Me 03/11/2016 at 12:12 pm

I have been a council tenant for 20 years and sadly after falling on hard times I now have a possession order on my home and i have had to apply for a DRO.
My boyfriend and I are discussing him moving in with me and we are under the understanding that after 12 month's can apply for right to buy but we are wondering if the discount I would have qualified for would be usable by him or would he be on minimum discount?

Many thanks.
Me.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 02/11/2016 at 2:38 pm

The valuations are usually based on the current market value. We don't know whether any council have a policy with new build properties. Maybe contact your local councillor or MP for more information.

Nc 02/11/2016 at 2:09 pm

Had the right to buy accepted house was priced at 170.000 discount was 56.000 but when we did the calculation should have had 78.000 pounds off the price but because the house is only 6 years old they want the money what it cost them to build witch is 113.000 so we should of had it for 91.000 but they won't let us so we are struggling to get a mortgage for a reasonable price are they in there right to do this thanks

Kennedy 23/10/2016 at 6:21 pm

I currently own a house with my ex paertner however my new partner lives in a council property and he would like to buy it under the right to buy scheme financed by myself. If I give him the money to purchase the house and we get married will my name go on the deeds to the property? We are getting quite old now so should anything happen to one of us would the house automatically go to the other without the need for any of the discount being paid back? I don't currently live at the council property only he does.

chico 13/10/2016 at 7:47 pm

hi i had a right to buy accepted ... cant get morgage as its not clad with masony outer leaf .. wood construction its in a block of four terreced with no dividing brick walls

chico 13/10/2016 at 7:43 pm

had a right to but excepted . cant get a morgage on the property as its not clad with a masonry leaf . what can i do

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 13/10/2016 at 12:10 pm

There are no age restrictions on right to buy. If you stepson's father fulfils the relevant criteria (eg. length of tenancy, no rent arrears, not living in an adpated/retirement property etc) then he will have the right to buy. He can only buy the property in his name so even if the stepsons finance the purchase their names cannot be on the deeds. A mortgage lender will not always be willing to lend to someone who will not be the deed holder.

dumbo 12/10/2016 at 12:58 pm

my stepson's father is too old yo buy his council house. Can my two stepsons get a morgage to buy the property with their father even if only one lives there at the moment.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 10/10/2016 at 2:29 pm

No if you give her the money to buy the property there will no longer be a tenancy, she will own it. If you want to do this you should be sure your aunt will leave you the property in her Will when she dies.

Tink 09/10/2016 at 9:57 am

My auntie is 90 she brought me up in the house we later went on to look after my nan whom had lived there all her life bringing up 8 children when my nan passed away i moved out I've never been on the rent book as I was a minor at that point the house has been home to my family for over 60 years I'm in process of a divorce and I want to buy the house to keep.it in the family with equoty ftom my property can I give my aunt the money to buy and when she passes away i take over the tenancy ?

Moppy 06/10/2016 at 6:57 pm

My girlfriend is entitled to maximum discount on her council property, can I buy the property jointly with her even though I don't live with her?

Nic 30/09/2016 at 8:36 pm

Hi i have lived in my council house for 15 years my partner moved in a few years later would we both still be able to buy it even though his name is not on the rent book ? Will i lose all my discount ? If i added him to book would discount have to start all over again ?
Thank you

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 30/09/2016 at 11:26 am

If you are eligible for the discount (e.g you fulfil the relevant criteria), the discount applies whether you pay cash or have a mortgage.

jean 29/09/2016 at 11:02 am

do I get discount even if I pay cash for my council property when I but it?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 27/09/2016 at 10:25 am

No, you cannot have your name added to the tenancy if you are not living in the property.

Lou 25/09/2016 at 10:50 am

My mum who is 76 has lived in her council house for nearly 40 years.My partner and I currently live abroad but use her address for mail etc. and stay with her when we come over to the UK.Obviously she's not going to live forever and I would like to keep the house on when she does eventually go,would I be able to put my name on the rent card?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 23/09/2016 at 10:03 am

If you are joint tenants both names will have to go on the deeds. The fact your husband already has a home may affect this. Speak to your own Right to Buy officer.

Nikkib 23/09/2016 at 5:19 am

I have been a council Tennant since 1991 although 10 years ago I was moved in to a disabled adapted property I can't buy this house but still have the right to buy was told if i decide to buy they would offer an alternative house i can buy can i use the discount to buy another home that's not with my council/ha Tia x

Sue 22/09/2016 at 7:53 am

Hi, I want to buy my 3bed council house, i live there with my husband. My son and step son. My husband already owns a 3bed property in another area that is rented. Can i still buy my council house on my own as a first time buyer ?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 21/09/2016 at 12:39 pm

Not sure what your question is but if you put in an application to buy bear in mind that the property deeds will be in both your's and your mother's names. You would need to discuss with a mortgage lender in terms of what deposit you'd need and whether you'd be accepted.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 20/09/2016 at 2:18 pm

No not always. You should contact both your council and housing association to establish any right to buy. Bear in mind also, that houses that have been adapted because of a disability do not always have the right to buy.

Zaky 19/09/2016 at 4:50 pm

My mother lives in a council house. I live with her. I am 24 and earn about £21k, with no other outgoings. Property worth £250k. We have been there for 6 years, so I assume discount of 36%. What would be the best way round buying this property?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 19/09/2016 at 11:14 am

Your mother can make a joint application to buy with you (as a family member who is lived with her for at least 12 months as long it's your main home). Both your names will be on the deeds of the property but your mother can "sell" her part of the property to you after 5 years without having to repay any discount. Note that your mother will not be re-housed by the council so we're guessing you intend that she continues to live with you.

Ana 19/09/2016 at 8:19 am

I live on council flat for 6 years with my two kids(boy and girl).I been offered housing association house with adaptation due to my disability. The house got 2 bedroom. But next year my daughter turns 10 and she will need her own bedroom. I have question, do i lose my 6 years if move there? Or the council and HA follow years together?

Ronnie 17/09/2016 at 8:57 am

I live with my mother, I have a a 3 year old son and I'm with his mum. My son and my girlfriend live with her parents and Im still with my mum and have been for over 20 years in the same council house. My mum is the tennant. Can I buy this property or even take over the rent as we have tried everything to get our own home and cannot be a family until we are together. Can someone please give us some advive . Thanks.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 15/09/2016 at 11:44 am

If your father is the tenant yes his name needs to be on the deeds. Ask various mortgage lenders and you'll find that many of them will not offer a mortgage to anyone other than the deed holder.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 14/09/2016 at 12:57 pm

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 by 1% for every extra year you’ve been a public sector tenant, up to a maximum of 70% –or £77,900 across England (it's higher in London).

Ross 14/09/2016 at 10:49 am

I'm currently going though the right to buy process. I would like to know if my dad is the tenant and I am buy the house though his discount. Does he go on the deeds to the house?
Also would he have to go on the mortgage?
Thanks Ross

ev 12/09/2016 at 8:16 pm

Is there a special discount on right to buy for pple who have rented the same council house for 50 years or more . Who have paid full rent?
If not there should be as we have paid for house two, three, four msybe 5 times over.

Joanie 10/09/2016 at 1:45 pm

I am wanting to buy my sisters house on the RTH am I allowed to do this ,what do I need to show the house is mine ,also my sister is on benefit and gets her rent paid could I charge rent ,I know I cannot sell for 5 years ,do I have to buy in my sisters name or can I buy in my own name

Pol 02/09/2016 at 1:55 pm

My sister and myself have inherited my mums house, she bought it 3 years ago on the right to buy. Would we have to pay back the discount if we sold now it was manchester city council

gill 25/08/2016 at 5:39 pm

if i move to another house with the same council will i still be able to buy

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 17/08/2016 at 10:00 am

No, the Right to Buy is not normally available to anyone in rent arrears.

ta-u 16/08/2016 at 8:08 am

I am living with my mom in a council house which is still on my grandfathers name the rent is behind and my mom wants to buy the house will she be able to buy the house with the rent that is behind.

Shahrouz 05/08/2016 at 9:39 am

Hi . I want buy my council flat , I need to get a mortgage , thanks

Olliebeaker 22/07/2016 at 6:51 pm

I've been with council and HA for 34years in all,at the moment I've am HA,for 16years I asked bout the right to buy ,and am not aloud to right to buy ,as the year these houses were built ther not selling,if I exchange to council house would I still get the discount for right to buy,I'm married but it's only my name on house ,would I have to put my husband name on it to for right to buy etc etc

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 18/07/2016 at 12:00 pm

If you sell it within the 5 years you will have to pay the discount back (and some councils will demand first refusal - so they can buy it back). After 5 years you can sell without losing the discount.

Smiggy 16/07/2016 at 1:44 pm

Hi My sister & I are in the process of buying our Mums council house for her, what we are trying to find out is If we inherit Mums house within the first five years we have been told by the Council that if we sell the house within the 5 years restriction period we would have to pay some of the discount back but we could rent the house for the remaining years, could you let me know if we have got this right and we would be able to rent it then sell it when the five years is up.

Thanks

Lynn

Mango 14/07/2016 at 4:45 pm

Hi my partner has been a council tenant for 20 and the tenancy is in her name and is a stay at home mum I am the bread winner of the family so it would be me that can obtain a mortgage so the question I want ask is is possible for me to buy it even though it's her tenancy

Von 14/07/2016 at 7:48 am

Hi , my mum and dad have lived in their council house for 32 years . My brother and I are looking to help them buy property . If they then own their own home ( Scotland ) does it disqualify them from being given sheltered accommodation or nursing home provision should that time come ?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 13/07/2016 at 9:46 am

We don't know what reasons you have been given for this, so can't really comment. Were you the tenant? Named on the tenancy agreement?

Ad 12/07/2016 at 9:06 am

I've lived in my council house for 23 years with my mum who has moved out recently ,we applied for the right to buy but because she's moved out we can't buy it anymore and now they want me and my 2 little kids out next month with no where to go .is this right ?

none 11/07/2016 at 10:22 pm

I want to take my sons name of my deeds .I'm not giving any money to him .he was only on because we we're gonna buy together on the right to buy scheme but paid cash but I had to keep his name on because I only had certain amount of time before it ran out before they stopped the discont scheme

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 06/07/2016 at 12:05 pm

Perhaps because you moved from sheltered accommodation they assumed you would not want to exercise your right to buy etc. Unfortunately this is often the case with the right to buy...if anything has been modified to suit a disabled person, then the RTB can be removed. You could try your local MP or councillor? Or consider an exchange to a home that does offer the right to buy.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 05/07/2016 at 2:22 pm

Previous council tenancies usually apply towards a right to buy.

Julie 05/07/2016 at 1:57 pm

I moved into my council house in 2005 from sheltered acomodation. The previous occupant had had a downstairs shower and toilet fitted into the property. I have now come to wanting to purchase the house after living in the house for a number of years and spending a large amount renevating it to a lovable standard(due to the councils lack of willingness to fix anything). My council have rejected my application advising that the house is converted for disabled (there is not stepfree access, no widened doors and stairs to the bedrooms!) if this was the case should they not have advise this when I moved in? Where can I go for support to get this decision overturned?

Astra22 04/07/2016 at 5:31 pm

I was a council tenant 10 years ago for around 10 years. I then privately rented and have now moved back in to a council house. Do I have to wait 3 years to buy it or do the years I had before count towards the 3 years I need to be a tenant?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 27/06/2016 at 11:28 am

No sorry it's not clear. Are you saying that you have been told you have been told you do not have the right to buy?

Mle16 24/06/2016 at 2:27 pm

Hi, when my dad died in 2009, I was able to take on the tenancy but right of succession etc. The house was originally a council house and then transferred to housing association. So I have the original tenancy. The housing association are saying I only have the right to acquire because I got the tenancy in 2009! But I thought because the tenancy is an original council agreement then I would be eligible for the preserved right to buy? Hope that makes sense!

Kenny 31/05/2016 at 12:32 pm

I want to buy my partners council house. However i am not on the deeds but my pertner is. She is on benifits i am not tho can we buy our council

Dee 22/05/2016 at 12:03 pm

I've moved into a council flat on the 12th floor and just read up, that you cant get a mortage for properties at my level, is there any way around this ??

Man with Hat 21/05/2016 at 9:53 am

I moved in to a council house with my partner who was already living there as a council tenant in April 1991 and we were married in October 1992. We lived together happily until she sadly passed away in January 2007. Unfortunately my name was never on the Rent Book until 2007. I now have a new partner and we live together in a different council property with a different council. I have put a RTB application in and this has been acknowledged. I am not anticipating any issues with the period 2007 onwards but I am anxious about the period 1991-2007. It would be really useful to know my legal position ahead of the council making me an offer. Can anyone help?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 18/05/2016 at 12:36 pm

Please ask your "Right to Buy" officer for details. Note that Flintshire County Council has applied to the Welsh Government to suspend the Right to Buy council dwellings in the county.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 18/05/2016 at 12:18 pm

A lender will usually lend to the person/people whose name(s) will be on the title deeds. You should try various lenders as they do not all take this approach.

charlie 16/05/2016 at 1:08 pm

Is their a cap on the amount of discount you can have in wales "Flintshire"

MS 16/05/2016 at 9:40 am

Hi there, I have lived with my grandmother for the past 10 years, My grandmother has lived in the property for 50 years and is the sole tenant on the tenancy agreement. I am looking to buy the property but having difficulty obtaining correct advice, I have been advised by the housing association that I have the right to buy it jointly with my grandmother but she is 83 so no mortgage lender will be able to offer her a mortgage. Is there any way around this?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 13/05/2016 at 11:21 am

Are you a secure tenant? What do you mean by "I am renting it to the trust"?

charlie 12/05/2016 at 8:08 pm

Is their a cap on the amount of discount in wales???

wena 12/05/2016 at 9:10 am

i live in my council house/accomodatio house as iam renting it to the trust i worked i was been here since sep 2005..do iam have the right to buy it?

johnny 10/05/2016 at 7:17 pm

hi i have had a council house for 10 years but stupidly gave it up to move in with my now ex. since we split i have been private renting but should be moving into a council property soon , if i do move in will be entitled to the buy it as i had 10 previous years in a council house?

Foxfìre 05/05/2016 at 8:45 pm

I'm not allowed to buy my council house as I moved in 2005 after it changed from council to housing associations so I can't have the right to buy or aquire does any1 know if they will change it so I can I've been under housing association for 11 years now I've the money etc but let up in when

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 22/04/2016 at 12:23 pm

Have you applied for a mortgage?

Lan 21/04/2016 at 12:58 pm

I have got the right to buy my council house and I received a very good offer but unfortunately Ive got no cash to buy it at all is there any help for this situation

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 20/04/2016 at 2:17 pm

If you exercise your right to buy you have to remember that you will then become responsible for all the costs of maintenance, routine repairs, major repairs any home improvements. You will no longer be eligibile for any improvement schemes that a council implements on its housing stock in your neighbourhood, such as double glazing, new roofs etc. It's also likely that you will have the burden of a mortgage including any stamp duty, solicitors fees etc. You probably won't be eligibile for the same levels of housing benefit and if you fall behind on your mortgage payments, the lender might not be as lenient as your council would be if you fell into rent arrears.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 20/04/2016 at 2:08 pm

No he would not normally be allowed to remain in the property and should apply for a suitable property for himself. You right to buy goes with you if you transfer to another council/housing association property. Note however, that the right to buy is not always available on houses that have been adapted for the disabled etc.

J <3 19/04/2016 at 4:11 am

"If family members are urging you to buy your home please think very carefully about the implications before agreeing to apply."

I've just read the above on another website, can someone explain what are the possible implications?

J <3 19/04/2016 at 4:02 am

I am an assured tenant with the right to buy. I also have my partner (now ex) and children now on my tenancy. I've applied to for a bigger home as I have a child with a disability but have not included my ex.
Is he able to continue to reside at the current property? What will happen to my right to buy?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 15/04/2016 at 2:34 pm

Check with your housing association. In general both tenants' names will need to be included on the deeds.

Sienna 13/04/2016 at 5:36 pm

Need help we want to buy are housing association home myself and son. As i have ccj bad credit can my son buy in his name only he is on tenantcy with me

Kev 10/04/2016 at 2:57 am

I been secure tenant since august 2012 after my mother pass away and I been same address three bedroom since 1974 so currently I am on esa (support group) and pip .I earn around 1,038 monthly plus housing benefit. ..will I egiable application ? I believe valve house worth 89,000 cos council nevet been repair but just painted outside every 5 yrs!..just need to know I am allow to continue benefit and probably never sell house until I am very old

bso 05/04/2016 at 7:48 pm

Hi,

We are currently looking for home swapper. I wonder if we are moving (exchange) to the other county, do I have to start an introductory tenancy again? I know that if I want to buy, they will count my years in previous house, but then they said there is a possibility I need to wait till I am a secure tenancy.
It confused me.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 05/04/2016 at 2:08 pm

The tenancy length will be from when you first move in (i.e the date of tenancy agreement).

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 05/04/2016 at 11:32 am

You'd have to look at house prices - try a site like right move, the ex council properties will usually be described as such. This will give you an idea of the market value which is what the pre-discount price is based on.

robby77 04/04/2016 at 10:07 pm

My mother in law has lived in her council house for over 30 years

If we re mortgage our house and gave her the money to buy it can she then sign it back over to us .This surely cant be seen as a way to dodge care fees as she could never afford to buy the house anyway
Can anyone help me with the legal ranglings to this ???

Thanks in advance

Usbdongle 02/04/2016 at 8:31 pm

I'd like to know when right to buy begins, I know it has been changed to 3 years...so would this three years be from when you signed the tenancy agreement or when you become a secure tenant?

yrellim 02/04/2016 at 2:49 pm

I have been a social housing tenant for 27 years. I am desperate to own mown home. I currently live in The West Midlands and the property I have is valued at £90000 and I would pay £27000. Not bad at all except my daughter and I are originally from London and after 11 years away I want to return and she has just finished Uni and has a job there but is sharing a house with about 10 people!!

So my question is are their any affordable areas for council housing with the RTB in London, by affordable I mean after a discount of £103k the remainder is £50k to £150k at a push but best case for us would be to pay up to £100k. If so what are the specific areas or how do we go about finding out, what organisations can we ask, websites to go to ect ect, what would we ask if we did a freedom of information request. Thanks in advance

thumper 24/03/2016 at 7:24 pm

sorry is there a particular reason you have not answered my query posted some weeks early you are meant to be impartial and i have voiced a genuine concern if my rtb was based on market value that was 100k more than any other property within same period that freedom of information have confirmed for completed sales of that same month/s year do I have recourse to take council to court or expose this in the press or take to a higher level

False Hope 21/03/2016 at 9:43 pm

thumper, with you on this one, applied for the right to buy our rabbit hutch which is selling for around 800k on the open market, but council property cannot be sold on the open market and therefore not sure how they value like this. The government have a website stating RTB price with discount for our type of property to be 265k!!!!!! Going to use your freedom of info and get the same for our council. Surely the government website should not be allowed to display false information misleading people ?

Mark 16/03/2016 at 7:02 pm

Hi, could you help please I am helping my mother to buy her council house. We are loaning the money for her to buy the house and whenever the time comes we will inherit the property. The I understand the 5 and 10 year rule, not a problem. But the sellers are stating that the property can only be sold to a person whom has lived the this small town for at least three years. I don't have a problem with that either but what if there is no one in this small town who can or wants to buy the house. A time limit of perhaps 6 months or a year after which it could be sold on the open market would be fair but how can they say for ever surely this is wrong. Could you please advise.

Thanks

al 14/03/2016 at 5:31 pm

hi , i have lived in my council house for 30 years , my wifes nephew lives with us can he buy my council house with me ?

Jayjay 12/03/2016 at 9:57 pm

Do the council perform credit checks before accepting a right to buy? As I read you shouldn't have outstanding debt, I have a 5 year old CCJ will they see this or will it effect my application?

I been left money buy my granddad and can afford to buy my council house outright just want to know if a CCJ will effect this or not?

Thank you

thumper 09/03/2016 at 2:45 pm

Em I have question I have RTB flat in London and have been tenant of this 1 bedroom for 7 years. I need clarity .... even with discount of nigh 104 K it is still 273k. Yet freedom of information on this council sales (actual with discount applied and records up to and including 2015) there is not ONE property that t has sold above 230K? Am I missing something in calculation or have council made a mistake with my valuation ?

SummerSun 07/03/2016 at 11:43 am

Same Question as Raindrop Granted the Right to Buy with Father (he is the Secure Tenant) but I Qualify as well as I live there & plan to stay.
He is 80 & think I will Struggle to get a Joint Mortgage because of his age can I get one on my Own for the Property?

Raindrop 05/03/2016 at 8:30 pm

Hi, I have been granted R2B with my parents but I am struggling to get a mortgage with their names on as they are 65 - any tips? Is there a legal doc we can sign so the mortgage can be just in my name?

Thanks

lori 05/03/2016 at 1:45 am

I have applied to buy my council home but have a partner living with me who has previously benefitted from the modernised right to buy discount. I , however have not yet received my discount ( I have been a tenant for 10 years). Would I be able to still receive my discount if I applied to buy on my own? The council informs me that I wouldn't be entitled to my discount and all because my partner has had his discount and is in my house!

H 04/03/2016 at 7:42 pm

I am a secure tenant and have been for 15 years. I have a few catalogue debts that i am paying off monthly. I want to buy my home for cash can i still buy it even if i have a few debts. I m not bankrupt or anything like that.

Shel 02/03/2016 at 5:40 pm

Hi can my husband buy my council house in his name only as I have bad credit so have been advised not to put my name on it he is not on the tenancy yet as they are saying it will change my tenancy do not know what to do if he can't buy it on his own can I pass the house down to him

KN 02/03/2016 at 3:39 pm

My mother has the right to buy her property but she went through bankruptcy 4 years ago. She has a chronic illness and will be on disability benefits for the rest of her life so has a stable income but will the bankruptcy make her exempt from buying?

Thank you

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 02/03/2016 at 2:42 pm

Your mother most probably have to give you the money to buy the property. This means she may not be able to get a mortgate as her name would not be on the title deeds after the purchase. Speak to your council's Right to Buy Officer. You will be given a valuation/price for your house and details of the discount to which you would be entitled etc.

pip 01/03/2016 at 3:44 pm

I have been successful for a joint RTB with my father. If we are able to buy the property outright would I be able to remove my father's name off the deeds and not lose any discounts from the RTB. I want to do this so that I can get a remortgage to renovate the property to accommodate my parents' elderly needs. My father is 79 years old so would not qualify for a mortgage.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 29/02/2016 at 12:10 pm

Your father's name would need to be on the application as well. You can purchase the house jointl. If the property has been adapted for your father's disabilities, there may be restrictions on the right to buy...check with your Right to Buy Officer.

Dodger 29/02/2016 at 10:44 am

Hi, wondering if any one can help me my mother in law wants to buy mine and my partners property which we have lived in for over 26 years, but it belongs to the council. Me and my partner are on benefits but mother in law wishes to purchase the property out right so there is no mortage, she wishes to buy for reasons as having a stable roof over heads and our offsprings future. Hope you can help.
Many thanks

skyman 26/02/2016 at 11:56 am

Hi, I live with my father few years and been contributing towards the rent and my father is the Tenancy Holder, he is a disabled person age 56 years old.

I have been told that, up to 3 members of the family been living in the property can apply to buy.
I'm considering to purchase the house on my dad behalf, as im living there, is this possible or does my dad name needs be in the application too since he is the Tenancy holder?

Thank you for your advice.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 24/02/2016 at 2:21 pm

You cannot have the tenancy changed into you name only. You can buy the house jointly with your mother.

ellenmay 23/02/2016 at 6:27 pm

Hi me and my mum have lived in a council house for 16 years obviously when this started I was a child I now wish to buy the council house am I liable to do so and also can I have the tenancy changed into my name for the sole purpose of my name being the lead solo on the mortgage ???

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 22/02/2016 at 2:03 pm

What kind of tax? Not something we're aware of.

Meme 20/02/2016 at 1:41 pm

My grandma is 78 and has lived in her council house for 30+ years I and wanting to buy the house for her so she has no rent to pay anymore is this possible?

CB 19/02/2016 at 5:04 pm

Hello

Someone I know has gifted her mum the money in order for her to buy her council house through the right to buy scheme, she has now been told she will need to pay tax on this money she is gifting her mum. Is this correct?

Doesn't seem like a good gift if you have to pay the council to give it to them!?

Thanks
Courtney

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 18/02/2016 at 10:41 am

What do you mean he has never paid rent? Is he in arrears? Are you consider purchasing it on his behalf? Are you a joint tenant? Sorry the situation is not really clear from your comment.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 16/02/2016 at 1:47 pm

Here is some information about how to complain and who to complain to

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 16/02/2016 at 11:36 am

In general you can share the Right to Buy with up to three other family members, as long as they have lived in the property for twelve months before you apply to buy. We're not sure if this applies to unmarried partners so you will need to check with your Right to Buy officer.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 16/02/2016 at 11:24 am

Whilst morally, some will say it should, this will not make a difference to your discount which is based on your tenancy years.

richy83 16/02/2016 at 11:01 am

My wife has lived at her property for 16 years and is looking to buy the house how much discount would she get if she decided to buy thanks

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 16/02/2016 at 10:44 am

This is unlikely. What kind of flat are you living in at the moment/have you just given up? Would you not be able to find a private rent flat?

Builder75 15/02/2016 at 11:57 am

Would I be entitled to a discount (under the occupiers name )on a property I've never lived in, rent has never been paid on the property due to ill

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 15/02/2016 at 11:05 am

Sorry it's not clear who paid for the property or whose benefits from the trust etc? Your best advice is to seek advice from an independent solicitor who will be able to liaise with your mother's.

Builder75 15/02/2016 at 10:34 am

I'm interested in purchasing my father in laws house but he has never paid rent, would I be entitled to the discount or not? Anybody help??

Costa189 15/02/2016 at 3:09 am

My dad is seriously ill
I need to care for him however I'm willing to give up my 2bed flat in order to move in with him
The council has advised when he dies which is before 12 months I will not be able to take over the tentancy I will then be asked to leave
Is there any way around taking Over the tenancy as I will be made homeless

Gubbard 14/02/2016 at 10:52 am

Been with housing association,for 25 years and they won't let me buy my house first reason
Was population too low in village second reason not selling in rural areas every time I contact them it's something different , I live in a row of 20 houses and they have all been sold apart from 3 of them mine one end a friend the other end and one in the middle right to buy or acquire no no no is all I get please help

Confused 13/02/2016 at 2:13 pm

I have been a tenant for almost 23 years, can I have a preserved right to buy with my partner of 5 years even if his name is not on the tenancy

jacqui 13/02/2016 at 11:54 am

We have the right to buy our home on a assured tenancy as we where renting from the council when the housing association took over, we have a substantial inheritance, will it make a difference to our discount if we buy out write with no mortgage. ?

Anmol 12/02/2016 at 10:14 am

Hi, I bought my mums council flat on her name as my tenancy was 2 month short for 12 months time to be jointly. She is on income support and living for so 13 year and so got good discount offer. We didn't had interest before. she said why don't you guys buy I'll gift it don't worry abt name on deed. After evaluation and price she changed and said to buy n share the discount with other children so we made deed of trust and bought it on her name. We don't have any problem she can live there whole life but now my brother is interested and said to her tht he will pay back cash sum on her behalf and want it. I feel cheated don't know our rights. Even if it's legal but morally? Mum said it's her house and she will pay us back the money we spend in buying. We get n paid to solicitor everything but he said he won't advise us as he is mums solicitor. so confused didn't inform us any rights in case of dispute. Our intention was not to sell the property but to keep it for our future security living mortgage free. Plz advise where we stand.thanks

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 11/02/2016 at 11:59 am

A tenant can share the right to buy with up to 3 family members who've lived with them for the past 12 months. You don't have to be on the tenancy agreement but it must be your main home.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 11/02/2016 at 11:59 am

The tenant can share the right to buy with up to 3 family members who've lived with them for the past 12 months. You don't have to be on the tenancy agreement but it must be your main home.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 10/02/2016 at 12:57 pm

If you have the joint right to buy, both your names will have to go on the title deeds, so you will need to speak with a mortgage lender to see what the options are for a mortgage in your name only.

pip88 09/02/2016 at 12:57 pm

Do I have to be a tenant to be able to buy my house even if my gran is the lead tenant and if am on as a joint purchaser

pip88 08/02/2016 at 8:06 pm

Me and my gran has the right to buy but she's 84 can I get a mortage just myself even so I want to use her discount

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 03/02/2016 at 10:16 am

We don't know all the facts about the lengths of your tenancies and so on, it's therefore difficult to comment. The valuations are usually undertaken by independent valuers, so must reflect the market value.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 02/02/2016 at 10:33 am

The discount sometimes reflects other factors such as the type of property etc. You can use this Right-to-buy Calculator to find out more.

Jamoum 01/02/2016 at 3:21 pm

My council offered my neighbors to buy their three bed houses £55000 before any discount and offered me my two bed flat ground floor for £60000 which I disputed and referred to independent valuer and who agreed with the council and didn't take my comments into account about next door three bed house for £55000 cheaper than my two bed flat even though they have the conditions can you please help.

jumi 31/01/2016 at 10:17 am

I have lived in my property for 16years this march 2016. How much discount will
l get if l decide to buy it.

Daz 30/01/2016 at 1:58 pm

My HA sold the house to me under RTB. They delayed the sale by losing the original application, so was invited to re-apply. This too went astray in the postal service, so a 3rd application was sent. The sale went through swiftly as no mortgage was involved, but I did make known that completion would have been earlier if local office of HA had not lost first application.
A RTB8? was submitted to reclaim rent paid whilst delay period was in force, almost 1 year later. This was rejected as inadmissible. Can I enforce the HA to repay overpayment of rent due to delay?

jerry 28/01/2016 at 3:30 pm

hi,I was living with Josh 77 year .for 15 years.he was for fo 4 weeks in the hospital then was moved to care home.He ask me if I want to join him to buy the flat.Does he still got right to buy.?He was living there for 22 years.thank you

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 28/01/2016 at 2:14 pm

Sometimes a joint right to buy may be extended to other family members living at the property - your council's Right to Buy Officer will be able to advise you. If you do not have the right to buy, you should checkthe rules on tenancy succession with your council's housing department.

Coles 27/01/2016 at 3:50 pm

I have lived with my nan for 10 years, we are in a council property which she has lived in for 50+ she isn't getting any younger. I work full time, electrol reg since being here, she claims pension cred and they are aware I am here. Can I buy this property? If not can they kick me out after this time?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 27/01/2016 at 11:48 am

Your daughter can gift you the money to purchase the home. If she wants to take a mortgage however, she will need to bear in mind that many lenders will only lend to the person whose name is on the title deeds. If your home has been adapted for disabled use in any way, the right-to-buy might not be available.

Cags 25/01/2016 at 10:00 pm

I have been in my HA house for 20yrs I'm disabled , my daughter old like to buy my council house for me so I can feel secure she doesn't live with me , can this be done ?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 20/01/2016 at 2:12 pm

It's very unlikely you will be given the right to buy in these circumstances but your council's right to buy officer will give you any advice/information you need.

Manda 19/01/2016 at 9:03 pm

My mam and dad moved into a council house for over 20 year with me and my dad has recently moved out my mam is considering moving out with my dad as my mam has problems getting around the house and my dad has a bungalow.if my mam moves out can I get this house as I have lived here all my life with them ? And what also happens about discounts ?

georgie 18/01/2016 at 11:52 pm

Aged 68 can I buy my council house of 25 years tenancy in Scotland. I will not be able to get a mortgage.

maccy 18/01/2016 at 12:37 pm

My grandma has lived in her council house for 46 years, my partner and I want to buy it for her in her final years and so the house stays in the family as we've all grown up there. Is there any way the right to buy scheme could help with this?

Dougie 15/01/2016 at 2:04 pm

I have lived with my partner at a council property since 2007. I did a house exchange, and then moved in together. I took on the tenancy just for myself.

We now want to use the Right To buy option, and my partner needs to be on the tenancy to do this. The council we are applying through though requires details of partners addresses going back to 2005/2006, which he doesn't have, as he was in a bedsit, and details of property he owned and proof that he didn't receive any of the equity when his property was sold in about 2003 after divorce. What are our options, as the council have just told me that partner must provide bank statements and payroll details, which are no longer held.

This is even though partner has been on the council tax register at this property and everything since 2007. Really don't know what to do and any advice would be really useful, as I do see that different councils say they require different information.

Mj 15/01/2016 at 12:49 pm

I want to buy my council house and my partner is selling his house, can he pay for my house and then move in with me?

Bodger 14/01/2016 at 9:11 pm

My dad wants to buy his 3 bed council house. He lives there on his own and won't get a mortgage due to his age (63). Would I be able to help with this even though I don't live there?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 14/01/2016 at 10:44 am

You could try speaking with the Right to Buy Officer who will let you know whether you can purchase the property. The only solution on remaining in the property as tenants might be that you can stay for as long as your mother is returning at weekends.

Ck 13/01/2016 at 8:11 pm

I have 6 years tenancy but live in a flat that was adapted for wheelchair use. I want to buy but everything I have read says the council doesn't have to sell disabled properties.
? How can this happen? Surely I have as much right as next door neighbour to be able to buy my property regardless of my disability ? Is this legal?

Drew 13/01/2016 at 1:36 am

I currently live in my mothers council property and have done since I was a child, the property I am currently living in we have both been here for over 12 years and my younger brother has been here for 3. My mother has recently been put into full time care in a disability home, the house has been adapted for her while she was still able to function safely in the home environment but we do have her back home for weekends and holidays etc as she has dementia and takes comfort in knowing she can come home for extended visits, this helps with her unfortunate progressive illness. I have recently over the last couple of years spent a great deal of my own money re-decorating the house to a high standard which includes flooring etc, as I was a child when my mother took on the tenancy I was never included on the tenancy with her although this is my only residence and that of my younger brother who moved back in to help me care for her. The council have stated that they will not allow both myself and my brother to remain in the house as it is a 4 bed and has been adapted (which is still used for mother's visits) I wanted to enquire as to whether my brother could buy the property on behalf of my mother so that we can remain as a family unit and also continue with the extended visits where mom comes home. I am unsure if this is possible as he can get a mortgage to the value but I do not know how this will affect both the fees in which are paid for her being in a specialist home aswell as whether the council will allow this (Dudley MBC) as to loose the family home would have a detrimental effect on my mothers mental health state aswell as my own as I suffer with both anxiety, depression and a personality disorder as a result of a breakdown about 18 months ago.

If anyone has any ideas as to whether this is even possible and how I would go about challenging the council's decision I would be most grateful.

wend 11/01/2016 at 12:18 pm

I've lived in my council him for 8 years. I've got twins who share a bedroom but council wont move me because I've got rent arrears. So was thinking about buying the council house an making an extra bedroom. Need to know can I buy the house with rent arrears.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 06/01/2016 at 12:21 pm

I. In general if you have made improvements, these are not allowed to put the price up.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 06/01/2016 at 11:01 am

As you are named on the tenancy you will be included in the right to buy. Your mother's name may have to be included on the deeds (check with your right to buy officer) which may affect a mortgage application.

doofus 05/01/2016 at 11:05 pm

Hiya, my wife and I have been council tenants for 5 years in the same property (east sussex) and the parking is so bad I really want to drop the kerb and have a driveway, but we want to purchase the property and my partner is worrying it will up the value when we come to have it valued, is this the case or do they recognise we installed the driveway and wouldn't have to pay for it twice, and they deduct the value of having a driveway and we can buy the house on the market value of a house in the same area with no driveway. Thanks D

Iftee 05/01/2016 at 2:13 pm

Hi
I am living with my mum nearly 12 years, she is main tenant, my name in the tenancy document. As we want to RTB for this house, my mum can't get mortgage can I get mortgage and buy this house and get discount. Thank you.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 05/01/2016 at 11:04 am

Your council will have a right-to-buy officer. The procedure is as follows:
1. You complete a Right to Buy application form (RTB1 notice) and send it to your council's housing department.
2. The council then has 4 weeks in which to say yes or not (unless you've been a tenant for less than 3 years in which case it will be 8 weeks).
3. If answer is no, you must be given a reason why.
4. If the answer is yes, they’ll send you an offer. (This will be based on the market value of your property at the time and any discounts applicable).

Roders 04/01/2016 at 11:14 pm

Hello I need some advice of possible. My nan is getting on for 90 she can get full discount on her 3 bedroom house on RTB scheme she cannot get a morage cause of her age I can't get a mortgage and buy it cause I ain't on the tenancy. So if my nan had the full funds to buy the property would she be able to do so. And if she owned property would she have to pay full council take and would she still get her entitlement of being a pensioner. So if she could purchase it and somethink happened to her would the house be handed down to me or how would she go about getting me put on the deeds ??

Fan 02/01/2016 at 2:49 pm

I want to purchase my council home do the council already know the value of the property and how do we find out

Unhappychappy 28/12/2015 at 9:09 am

Hi myself and my partner bought my council house with my tenancy discount, after he just moved in, but he wasn't a council tenant before so had no discount. We are splitting up. He is violent and having another affair. and he wants me to sell the house and give him half. Do I give him half less my discount which is what I got from being a tenant. Thank you in advance

Gem 16/12/2015 at 1:07 pm

I am thinking of buying my Mum's council house for her. She has been in the house for 16 and has been a council tennent now for 36. She is now registered disabled, would she still be able to claim the same benefits as she does now if I did this?

toni 12/12/2015 at 10:50 am

hi we have had a nightmare doing RTB we made joint application couldnt get mortgage in both names due to my bad credit and my partner not being on tenecy we have managed to put my partners name on tenancy now so we are hoping as his name on tenancy they will change paperwork in just his name so just he can get a mortgage to buy property we are keeping everything crossed any advice ?

Jade_x 11/12/2015 at 1:01 pm

Hi,
In the process of buying our council home,my partners name will be on the mortgage but the council tenancy in my name at the moment.
What would happen if we were to split up and he kept the house,would I be entitled to another council property?
Many thanks

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 11/12/2015 at 12:38 pm

This should not affect the right to buy. The legislation is aimed at new tenancies only and is supposedly aimed at ensuring social housing is only offered to those who need it most. Tenants who are still in need of council housing will in most cases have their tenancies renewed at the twow/five year period.

Jen 10/12/2015 at 5:33 pm

On the news today (10.12.2015) I saw that the Tories have brought in a new legislation which stops council tenants having the right to live in the property for life (only 2 - 5 year leases which will be reviewed after the term has expired). Will this effect the right to buy from the local council after 5 years?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 08/12/2015 at 2:42 pm

Not easily. If the deeds are in someone else's name they can choose what they do with it. It might be worth asking a solicitor to draw up an agreement that the money is re-paid for you via sale of the property in the event of death or similar.

Mark 08/12/2015 at 11:01 am

Hi, I intend to buy my friends house using RTB.

Question is even though the property will be in his name, if something went wrong would I be able to claim the property if I show proof of giving him the money for it?

Reason being he could die and his family may try to claim the property

thank you

mark 03/12/2015 at 11:18 am

We have had our right to buy refused refused twice, first time due to bad debts which i cleared. the second refusal came this morning stating that my partner signed a new tennancy agreement in 2007.
Firstly my wife has been a council tennent since 1988 same council, same house since feb 14 1991. Is there anyway we can dispute the refusal ?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 02/12/2015 at 11:06 am

You can "give" her the money but her name will be on the deeds as the owner. Not many mortgage companies will lend to a person whose name will not be on the title details, so you would need to discuss the mortgage options with a lender. If your nan sells/transfers the property to you before five years, part of the discount will have to be repaid to the council. Your nan should speak to the council's right to buy officer for more information.

Yck410 30/11/2015 at 7:42 pm

Hi
My nan has been a council tenant for over 25 years, I am thinking of buying her house for her, so I know her name has to be on the mortgage, how long can I wait until I can take her name off and it just be in mine ?
Thank you in advance

chris phillips 24/11/2015 at 9:31 pm

My girlfriend has lived in the council house for over 8 years, and I moved in 12 months ago. We want to buy the house but the council won't sell the house to both of us because she is only on the tenant. We have registered with HM revenue to say that we are living together and we have registered with the council to update the council tax too for when I moved in. But because my girlfriend only has the right to buy, they won't sell to both of us, thus me not being able to be put on the deeds to the house. 1.... can they do this? and 2... does that mean that we can't get a joint mortgage together?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 24/11/2015 at 9:43 am

You can usually add the name of a partner, spouse or family member if they have lived with you for the past 12 months.

oksanelee 23/11/2015 at 6:19 pm

Hi, Me and my husband lived in a council maisonette property for the last six years.I applied for the RTB. My flat is a Leca plan construction built and has been really hard to find a lender for the mortgage even credit score was passed. I am so upset for not having opportunity to use RTB. Is it anything else I can do? Thank you

Tom 22/11/2015 at 9:57 pm

I am a housing association tenant and have been for over 8 years. My girlfriend moved in a year ago and now we want to apply for right to buy and get a mortgage together, will there be a discrepancy on discount if she is put on the tenancy agreement or will the discount be valued against my time in the property? Obviously this is a joint venture that me and my girlfriend are looking forward to but we are unsure whether we can do this together n the discount not be affected ?

yee 19/11/2015 at 6:39 pm

my sister and partner purchased my moms council house 2 years ago, her partner recently died, all three names are on the mortgage. my sister inlaw informed me that the 5 year clause sell period no longer applies, is this correct?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 16/11/2015 at 10:45 am

Sorry as we do not really know the details we can't really help. It may be that you might have to seek legal action if you want to get the flat at the price originally proposed. You might want to question the valuation as even in London, a price increase of 50% seems a bit unrealistic in 18 months.

Bambi 13/11/2015 at 7:56 am

Hi
I live in a re-development area in london and was forced to move from my flat of 16 years as the council were demolishing my home along with the homes in the area and transferred into a new build within the new development. Shortly after moving I applied to purchase my one bedroom flat through the right to buy and began the process. As we reached the end of this process and had my mortgage in place the council called to say that I didn't have a right to buy and consequently ended the process with no real reason as to why!?? I spent the next 18 months with housing ombudsman and the like trying to get to the bottom of this and eventually the council decided that I do have a right to buy so I started the process again. The problem now is that my flat is apparently worth 50% more than it was first time around and now I can't afford to buy!!?? Please advise!!

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 05/11/2015 at 2:25 pm

Check with your right to buy officer. The Right to Buy normally comes with length of tenancy as a council tenant. The right to buy often doesn't include retirement properties etc.

K 05/11/2015 at 1:55 pm

It has been suggested to my mother that she has no right to buy her council property as she was over 60 when they moved in and had been private tenants before. This seems like age discrimination to me. Can you advise please?

Bettynev 01/11/2015 at 9:37 pm

Hello . We have lived in our housing association home for the last 12 years and there is no RTB or RTA. Is there any time schedule when the new law comes to life as we r desperate to buy it but cannot afford without discount

Jj 31/10/2015 at 10:46 am

I bought a council flat in 1991. I met my wife and we got married in 1996. She was not on the RTB for my flat. It was all in my name.

We're now in a council house and wish to RTB in my wife names only. I've signed to say I'm not wanting to buy.

However on the form it states that I must put down discount I've had before even though I'm not on the current RTB application.

Surely they can't deduct my discount which I had years before we got married as I don't want to RTB on this application.

It will be just in my wife's name and she will be funding the purchase.

Any urgent help would be appreciated.

cool 27/10/2015 at 2:35 pm

I am 60, years old, receiving ESA benefit.

Willl my ESA ,
be suspended if I apply for Right to Buy, my son lives with me and would apply for the Mortgage, as I am too old and have poor credit score.

Also, could my son pay for the house with cash ?

thanks

Stuart Oconnor 19/10/2015 at 12:47 pm

Ive been given the right to buy but cant of my 50 percent discount because. of wot they say is cost floor instead. its 7.35 % i dont think the 1 bed. flat is worth wot they say i dont believe. they've. spent wot they say how. can i appeal against. the reduction they've. offered

Bob 12/10/2015 at 7:02 pm

I bought one bedroom flat from council. Owned it two and half years but can I gift the deeds to my parents without paying my discount back

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 12/10/2015 at 2:13 pm

Check with your council's letting officer. It's likely that as you are already a tenant, once you're married, you can simply add her name to the tenancy. As regards the right to buy however, one of the conditions is that the property is your only home, so you should do some further investigations before proceeding.

thumper 11/10/2015 at 6:02 pm

I am a council tenant with secure tenancy and RTB option on a small 1 bedroom flat. I met a woman two years after moving in and we are getting married next year (after my g/f has completed her divorce).
She will come and live with me and this will be certainly my principle and only home.
Her marital home is in process of being sold and she is taking no equity and handing over all proceeds to her x so he can purchase outright so as to provide family home for their teenage children.

My question is council legally obliged grant joint tenancy ? so that I can buy my flat ( as we would need to combine income/salary to afford purchase.)

She also owns( and I might add this was acquired whilst married) a buy to let property which is let out. She is keen to retain her BTL property as this income assists with her children's current university costs, and would rather not sell this .

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 08/10/2015 at 12:57 pm

Your application will often be refused on the basis of bad debt or bankruptcy. You would have to find your own mortgage as councils do not offer these.

ljvg74 08/10/2015 at 12:30 pm

Hi there

I have been living in my flat for 14 years and i qualify for the RTB scheme, however i have a bad credit history due to previous failed relationships. Do the council offer mortgages and would i be considered for this

Lainyk 02/10/2015 at 1:00 pm

Hi, I am the tenancy holder of my council house and would like to buy it soon, if I can't get a mortgage on my wages alone, would the council allow my husband to apply for the house as a joint application. I never put him on the tenancy but has been here much longer than 12 months?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 02/10/2015 at 10:44 am

The right to buy only applies to the tenant or jointly with someone who shares your tenancy. You could therefore request to add your husband to the tenancy and wait to make an RTB application at a later date. A lender will usually only give a mortgage to the person/people whose name will be on the deeds so it's unlikely that a mortgage would be given if that were not to be the case. The debts may go against you in any application for a mortgage or a right to buy application. If you husband has the means to purchase a house, there is nothing to prevent him applying for a mortgage on an alternative property for sale on the market. That would release your property back to the council for someone else who cannot afford a mortgage.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 30/09/2015 at 2:32 pm

No in general you need to have been a council tenant for 3 years. Check with your right to buy officer to see whether any of the years when you were residing with your father (before he purchased his council property) would count.

Hyde x 29/09/2015 at 11:09 pm

Please reply .

I was in a very bad relationship for many years witch I finally got away from I was left in so much debt because of him ,I am almost out of all of these debts and have worked so hard to turn my life around ,I'm now working and have been for almost a year and half now .
I still have a few but not much left .
I am now married to an amazing guy who has no issues with credit he is a fantastic creditor he would have no issue being able to buy this house .
Could somebody spend the time to let me know if he could buy our home without me or would there ever be a possibility I could be on the paper work .
I have been a tenant for 17 years and now I'm finally settled and married all I'm hoping for is a second chance and finally building a nice home and future for me and my husband and our kids .
Any help would b very appreciated please .

G 29/09/2015 at 10:02 pm

Hi really confused recently moved into a council house, I have lived in the borough for the last 35 years.i lived with my father before who lives in a x council house which he now owns. and I have been paying council tax for 10 years at that property. My query is, is it possible to buy my current council flat before 3 years? Am I regarded as a public sector tenant? Because scared that 3 years down the line even with the discount I will not be able to afford the property with flat prices going the way they are. Anyway really appreciate any feedback.

Arby 23/09/2015 at 3:42 pm

I am loaning my father the money for him to buy his council house under RTB. That loan will appear as a charge on the house and I anticipate being left the house in his will.

I have no intention of selling the house when dad dies but what would the position be on the discount?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 23/09/2015 at 2:19 pm

You will have a shared right to buy as you've been living with your parents at the property. The right to buy will be a joint one however, so you would need to consult with your lender to establish what the options are for the mortgage.

Star 21/09/2015 at 6:28 pm

I live with in my mum and dads council house but not on the tenancy agreement am I still able to buy it without them on the mortgage ??? In my sole name as I have lived in it all my life?

mpd 18/09/2015 at 12:59 pm

Hi my cousin bought his council house 15 months ago he died in april probabe has now been granted so im his next of kin will I have to pay the discount back to gentoo when I sell the house

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 18/09/2015 at 11:50 am

A council house tenant can make a joint application with up to 3 family members who’ve lived with them for the past 12 months. You would have to speak with a mortgage lender/adviser about the credit aspect.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 18/09/2015 at 10:40 am

Check with your right to buy officer. Your daughter may be able to purchase the property jointly with you but the partner who does not live there will not be eligible. A mortgage company may offer a mortgage but will usually only do so if the mortgagees names will both be on the deeds.

Jonny carter 16/09/2015 at 5:15 pm

Hi i am considering moving into my dads council house too share tenancy too buy it as he is entitled to maximum discount.
How long would i need to be living with him to make a joint application? Also i would have no problem being accepted for a mortgage but not with my father as he has very bad credit, is it possible for just me of to get the mortgage but my father be on the deeds aswell?

Jacks 16/09/2015 at 4:58 pm

Hi my mom would like to buy her council house but is not in a position too get a mortgage, what are the chances of me (her son) being able to get a mortgage for the property but the deeds be in her name.
Also she is on industrial injury benefits and cant work will she loose those benefits if she applys to buy.

gillesgang 16/09/2015 at 2:44 pm

Hi,i have a council maisonette and live with my daughter.we have been here ten years and she has 2 children living with us.We have rtb.Next year my daughter and her partner,who does not live here, will be marrying and i have suggested that they buy this property together.Will they be able to buy and raise a mortgage in joint names and will the council discount still apply.My daughter and i have a small business and income,but her partner earns substantially more and she could not afford the property without him.I would not be on the mortgage as i have property overseas and will retire there shortly...thank you.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 16/09/2015 at 2:20 pm

You should ask your right to buy officer about this. If you install the disabled facilties at your own expense, then you may retain the right to buy.

kim 15/09/2015 at 3:47 pm

hi I have been living in my council house for two years, I live with my daughter who has a progressive bone diseases which will only get worse as she gets older. Is it true that if the house is adapted in anyway for a disability I cannot buy the house? She doesn't need anything major atm but more than likely will do in the future
Thanks

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 15/09/2015 at 12:18 pm

You will still need to obtain a mortgage for the remaining half. If your friend wants to lend you the money, you should draw up and agreement witnessed by two impartial observers - it would be advisable to get legal help with this.

Ashypaula 14/09/2015 at 4:19 pm

I can buy my house but I can't get a mortgage can A friend lend me £45000 half of the mortgage and if so is there anything legal I can put in place that after 5 years I will pay him back with interest

Smurf 12/09/2015 at 4:32 pm

Hi , my sister and I would like to purchase a right to buy house for my mum.I understand that it has to be in her name for 10 years before she can sell it but what happens to the property in she dies within that period.Does it go back to the landlord or next of kin. The property would be bought outright.

paro 11/09/2015 at 3:01 pm

I moved into a brand new council house 3 years ago from a previous council house and I am now in a position to buy. I had the house valued at £110K and the council have told me that my discount is £45,100 (41%) but because the house cost them £115K they can only sell it me at market value £110K. I wouldn't have moved there in the first place if I had known this, is there anything I can do? If I had £110K to spend I wouldn't live in the area I am in. My rent is £500pcm and my mortgage would have been £350pcm over 15 years. I am well over 40 and running out of time. I spent £6K on new floors and decoration when I moved in and I feel cheated and at a dead end,

dazz 03/09/2015 at 10:54 am

be aware if you are on benefits and apply for the right to buy your benefits will be suspended straight away with no warning letters . they don't tell you this

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 02/09/2015 at 2:06 pm

It may be worth talking to the council or a to mortgage provider, but most lenders will be wary of offering a mortgage to someone whose name will not be on the deeds of the property.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 02/09/2015 at 12:15 pm

If they want to give you the money for the house, there is nothing to prevent them doing so. If they plan to obtain a mortgage to do so however, it's unlikely that any lender would offer them one (a) if the deeds of the home would not be in their names and (b) while they are still renting another property.

stewstevie 30/08/2015 at 11:18 pm

Hi, the mother of my child is looking to buy her council house, she has been a council tenant for 12 years. Is it possible for myself to help her buy the council house, I am not a council tenant and never have been, I am not related to the council tenant in any way but I would like to help her buy the house. Is there any possible way I can come in on the mortgage with her or would she have to go it alone?

dj 30/08/2015 at 9:02 am

one of my children want to buy my council house for me but they are currently renting from the local council do they have to move in with me after they buy it or can they stay where there are in there property that they rent from the local council ?

sandy 28/08/2015 at 9:34 pm

Hi there I sent an email on 26 th aug no one has replied back I would appreciate it if someone could reply back many thanks

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 28/08/2015 at 1:57 pm

If you transfer it within the first 10 yeas, the discount would be triggered.

Lammie 27/08/2015 at 9:40 pm

Our right to buy house is going to be passed down to our daughter. Its currently in the will but is there a way to transfer ownership to her while we are here to make sure everything goes smoothly? If we did transfer ownership would that trigger the discount? X

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 27/08/2015 at 12:57 pm

If you are confident that you have sufficient knowledge about conveyancing etc yourself, then there is nothing prevent you from doing this without a solicitor.

sandy 26/08/2015 at 7:10 pm

Hi there ive put in right to buy had survey in past so roughly know how much the house is at value for..im not working due to a incident unfortunately had to stop working five years ago.ive got most of the mony tobuy house I need 15.000 for rest.if I got a mortgage for that amount to buy to let would you know if council would help me with that as my fruend said they do and ive checked there website no luck.wil apreciate a reply back thank you just me buying property not joint

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 26/08/2015 at 11:36 am

If you manage to get a move to another council house your right to buy discount generally goes with you.

Karl 25/08/2015 at 2:27 pm

Hello, I put in my 'Right to Buy' my council flat and have received my Landlords offer notice,which I am satisfied with, and since I am in the position of paying in cash for the property I want to go ahead. My question is do I really need to go through a solicitor to now continue or can I proceed without one?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 25/08/2015 at 10:24 am

Is there a record of your living at the property at all - and for how long? If so you should be able to buy it jointly. Check with your right to buy officer.

Emma 24/08/2015 at 10:39 am

I have been in my coucil house for five years I now would like to buy but not the house I'm in. Could I still get my discount or does it have to be the coucil house? Is there another scheme that could help me ?

jimbob 22/08/2015 at 10:16 am

Me and my wife would like to buy our council house jointly, but i am not on the tenancy agreement, would we still get the full discount entitlement as we moved into the house together and got married the very next month? thanks

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 21/08/2015 at 2:09 pm

You may be able to obtain the Right to Buy jointly if your wife has lived with you for the past 12 months. Some transfers are exempt from the requirement to repay the discount (such as transfers between family members) so you may find that you can add your wife's name to the deeds without having to repay.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 21/08/2015 at 10:25 am

Sometimes a CCJ will affect your application - it will certainly have an impact on any mortgage application, but do not let this deter you from trying as all aspects will be looked at. As for your living with your parents it depends on the age you were and whether there is a record of you on the tenancy.

poppy 20/08/2015 at 1:17 pm

My husband is buying our council house, I am NOT on the RTB. Once it is all completed will he be eligible to add my name to the deeds or would we have to pay back the discount??

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 20/08/2015 at 11:50 am

The mortgage lender will only give a mortgage to the person who will be named on the deeds. The Right to Buy will only extend to your mother if she's the sole tenant so they deeds cannot be in your name. Is there some reason why you're not allowed to be on the tenancy agreement with your mother?

Dg 20/08/2015 at 6:50 am

Hi, my wife and I want to buy our council house but have a couple of questions firstly;

1) my wife has a ccj from an old catalogue, that's she's paying off. Would we still be eligible?

2) I lived with my parents in a council house for 18 years - would this count towards my application and/or discount?

Thanks in advance.

riicckkaayyy 19/08/2015 at 2:44 pm

Myself & my partner live with my mother in a council house. But we aren't on the rent book and they won't allow my mother to add us onto it. But we really want to buy the property.. due to my mother's age were assuming she won't be approved the full mortgage so are we able to get the mortgage for her? Or won't the council allow this? I'd really appreciate some feedback.

smit17c 11/08/2015 at 2:32 pm

We have gave my nana the money to buy her home and started the process however my nana is very ill and may not be around until the end what happens then can we still continue to buy it or not

KL 09/08/2015 at 5:25 pm

I am lending my Mum the money to buy her council house (as it seems are a few people on here) I wanted to check that if she dies within the 5 yr period where she has to have it in her name. Can the money I've lent her be paid back to me from the house and the rest of the house be willed to me? Or would it have to be sold and I just get the money back I've lent her?
Are there any pitfalls or catches I need to know about?
Thanks.

daveboy 08/08/2015 at 12:26 pm

if my new partner is buying her own house and her grown up sons are living at her house.can she buy my council house if she sells her house also i am the only named tenant but i have a bad credit history and i am on esa
is there a way to do this

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 29/07/2015 at 11:28 am

@Caroline Steel. Is this a council property? If so, contact your housing department and ask them. Usually another member of the family (who was living in the property for at least 12 months can succeed the tenancy. If you have already had the tenancy passed on to you (for example from a spouse or parent who died) you cannot pass it to someone else when you die as only one succession is allowed by law.

Caroline Steel 28/07/2015 at 12:50 am

if i die my 2 daughters stay with me 18 n24 both on the registor for votes but i am the tennant been for ive been on the housing for 32 years but on benefits what would happen would they get to stay or have would they have to leave the house thanks cas

kagey 26/07/2015 at 5:24 pm

Need advise, my mother has lived in her council flat for over 30 yrs she would like to buy it under the right to buy scheme. At present she is on housing benifit as a pensioner. I can loan her the money to buy this is in cash. She would then no longer receive housing benefit and would be able to live there rent free. She then wants to will the property back to me. Would she be able to do this and if she died before the five year period was up would I be able to have the property and rent it out until the 5 year period was up and then sell on. Any advise you can give me on this would be appreciated.
Many thanks
Katie

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 28/07/2015 at 11:35 am

@Big a. If he can prove that he was a tenant in the previous years and the previous tenancy was also assured, then this would usually be accepted. Go and see the Right to Buy officer and ask for advice.

Big a 26/07/2015 at 4:22 pm

Hi my dad has live in his house for 25 yrs and in 2005 my mum left him and he signed a new contract under the assured agreement is he still entitled to the full 25 yrs discount or is he only aloud to claim for the discount of 10 yrs. he can prove he live here the full time but wasn't on the original tenancy,

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 27/07/2015 at 2:48 pm

@buttercup. If you move in with him you should be able to add your name to the tenancy. Check with the council first though; in general the right to buy can be shared with up to three other family members, as long as they have lived in the property for twelve months before the application.

buttercup 25/07/2015 at 8:32 pm

Hi my dad as a council house and as lived in it over 30 years ,,,im his daughter and av my own council flat,wld i be able to have my name put on his tenant agreement, and then he buy the house ,i wld move out of my council flat and move in with him

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 27/07/2015 at 10:24 am

@Mo. Many properties are empty for a reason and are usually only empty for a certain amount of time. You should contact your council's Empty Property Officer or Chief Housing Officer to enquire about the status of the property you are interested in.

Mo 23/07/2015 at 7:11 am

On visiting a friend recently I noticed the council house next door is boarded up. Apparently this has been the case for a couple of years. On doing a bit of research I note that a couple of the properties in the road have been purchased. I don't live in the Borough however, can I buy the property?

Jo 22/07/2015 at 12:54 pm

Hi, my dad purchased my grandmothers council house 20 years ago so she was able to live rent free and he paid the mortgage. She passed away over 15 years ago now and he owns the house completely and mortgage free. My dad has asked me to do the same for him. He's has the purchase offer through but things have obviously changed since then (apparently his insurance guy sorted the whole thing). He is nearly 70 and it would be great for me to do this. I rent so don't have a mortgage and have no plans to live there as I'm married and live in London (he lives and the property is in Birmingham). Is there a way I can do this, get a mortgage on a property where I don't live and don't have my name on the deeds, could he GIFT it to me? I lived there as a child but 30 years ago! Any professional advice or help would be hugely appreciated.

Ms 20/07/2015 at 9:23 pm

My mum and dad have lived in our council house for 19 years. I would like to buy the house and still have us all living here. Would I be entitled to the discount if it's only me on the mortgage bearing in mind the house is currently in my mum and dads name

SJ1 20/07/2015 at 9:56 am

Hi, I've bought my council house about a year ago but have been offered a better job in another town so will need to rent a place there. I don't want to sell my council house as I like it and will probably move back at some point. Can I let/rent it out within the first 5 years after purchase? I don't have a mortgage on it. Thanks

andy 18/07/2015 at 3:46 pm

I want to help my mother purchase her council home but we have a couple of questions :-

The garden is far too large for her to manage can she sell some of the garden off once she has acquired it and if so will she have to repay the discount?

Ideally we would like to safe guard the gift / investment made to her, is there a way of doing this which would be legally binding, I note that you talk of trust etc?

thanks

Andrew

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 17/07/2015 at 12:42 pm

@Des. Yes during your lifetime you can be forced to sell your home to pay for care. In general any individual entering into care who has savings and property worth more than £23,250 and will receive no support from the state.

Des 13/07/2015 at 11:40 pm

My daughter is going to gift me the money to buy my council house and she is going to move in and look after me and my wife. When anything happens to me and my wife I will leave in my will this house to my daughter so that she has somewhere to live. Should anything deteriorate with our health during our life and we need care assistance I wondered would I be forced to sell the home to pay for our care.?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 17/07/2015 at 12:10 pm

@Milly. You can make a joint application with family members who’ve lived with you for the past 12 months (even if they don’t share your tenancy).

Milly 13/07/2015 at 7:43 pm

My son and myself have lived in our council house for 10 years I don't work due to ill health, he works full time, I am the inly one named on the tenancy but he has asked if he can get a mortgage and me buy it with right to buy, could anyone advise please

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 17/07/2015 at 11:38 am

@Vixy82. yes it may do. Speak with your own Right to Buy officer for information.

vixy82 13/07/2015 at 5:22 pm

Hi i have lived in my council house for 10 years and want to buy but can't afford it on my own. I would like to include my husband who moved in a couple of years ago but he brought a council house with his mother with her discount. Is this going to effect my discount? thank you

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 15/07/2015 at 12:43 pm

@Lucy. There is nothing to prevent your brother giving your mother the money to purchase the property as long as long as the deeds were/are in your mother's name. If the property is transferred to anyone else (via a sale or a gift), then the discount will have to be repaid. Contact the council's right to buy section for more information on this specific case.

LUCY 11/07/2015 at 1:48 pm

My brother paid for my mothers house and she received full discount which I think was 60%. He was not a tenant and he did not live in the house. My brother immediately got my mother to sign a trust document signing the property over to him and his wife. The document states that he took ownership on the purchase of the house. The document also says that my mother could live at the house rent free. The question is: 1. Was this purchase legal as the house was signed over to my brother immediately. 2. Will the discount have to be repaid. 3. Would the trust document now be invalid

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 13/07/2015 at 11:32 am

@IS. No if this is done within five years, some of the discount will be have to be repaid.

IS 07/07/2015 at 3:31 pm

If my grandma buys her house and god for bid something happens to her within the 5 year period. Can the property transfer into a family members name without having to pay the discount back, as we would not be selling the house?
the house is in derbyshire if that makes a difference?

thank you

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 13/07/2015 at 11:23 am

@K. Check the terms of your tenancy agreement. In general, the principle behind homes provided by Housing Associations, Trusts and Local Councils is that they are provided for those who would not be able to afford to go out and a buy an appropriate property easily. It would seem a bit unethical therefore to continue renting a housing association property whilst owning another one.

K 07/07/2015 at 2:05 pm

Hi

Just a quick question. If you live in a housing association property ( not included in the right to buy scheme) are you legally allowed to buy another property by yourself or joint with someone else and keep your current property?

Thanks

AprilWine 06/07/2015 at 11:13 pm

I would like to gift the money to my 77 year old mother in order for her to purchase her council house . My mother claims benefits . Would I be able to do this and what effect would it have on mums benefits.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 09/07/2015 at 11:09 am

@Bella. If you want to eventually effectively "gift" the house to your children, you can "transfer ownership" to them. This involves telling the Land Registry in order to change the details on the register so that the become the listed owners.

Bella 05/07/2015 at 5:56 pm

Hi there, thank you for your information all over the site, I have a little question can you advise with reference to other comments.. what is the difference between "ownership" and "transfer" .. I would consider putting it all in my childrens names but know this isnt possible before purchasing and up to 5 years understand it is still in my name, but I wasnt sure what you meant by these two terms in the comments...

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 09/07/2015 at 11:05 am

@roberta. The Right to Buy can only be in your name as the tenant. A mortgage company will usually only grant a mortgage if the names of the applicants are to be on the deeds of the property.

Roberta 05/07/2015 at 5:25 pm

Hello, I've been a council tenant for 10 years now and would like to buy my house. My boyfriend owns his own property but would like to apply for a joint mortgage with me under the right to buy. Is that possible as he already owns his own home?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 08/07/2015 at 10:23 am

@jeannie. Your son can give you the money to buy the house, but he cannot have his name on the deeds if you are the tenant with the right to buy.

jeannie 03/07/2015 at 10:58 am

ive been in my house 35 years , my son is going to give me cash to buy . I'm on benefits , is this ok ?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 07/07/2015 at 9:54 am

@EMO. No you have to be over 18.

EMo 02/07/2015 at 5:26 pm

Hi there, if a child is on the tenancy agreement with their adult parent would the parent be able to apply for the right to buy with the child on the RTB application (10 year old child)?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 01/07/2015 at 2:00 pm

@"H" Is your son in law buying under the right to buy? Sorry it's not clear what your circumstances are.

"H" 28/06/2015 at 3:08 pm

I am in rented accomodation from a housing Association(no benefits). Am I within my rights to apply for a mortgage with my Son In Law in joint names and for him to live there and for me to continue living in my rented accomodation?

kel 25/06/2015 at 2:37 pm

Can any one give me any advice on right to buy a new build council/ha house, do you still get your discount on newer build properties?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 29/06/2015 at 10:36 am

@Ericnat. The right to buy will only be offered in your mother's name. If she transfers the property after the purchase she will have to pay back some or all of the discount (depending on how soon she does so).

Ericnat 22/06/2015 at 8:59 pm

Hello.
I wish to give my mother the money to buy her council house. Following the purchase will I be able To become a joint tenant (on the land registry entry) immediately after the purchase? I have not lived in the property and I do not wish to in the medium term. The purpose of the joint tenancy is to protect my investment for the future.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 24/06/2015 at 10:21 am

@Nick The council should send you a reminder. If you not reply within 28 days, they will assumel you don’t want to buy, and will not process your application any further. If there is a hold up for any reason you
can tell the council and the time limit will be extended.

Nick 19/06/2015 at 8:53 am

Hi we was due to exchange with the council this Monday but are mortgage fell through got another but we have run out of time is there anyway we can extend with the council thanks

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 22/06/2015 at 2:33 pm

@nez. We don't have all your information but in general the right to buy is only available to those listed on the tenancy agreement. Sometimes children who have been living there for a period of time can also be inlcuded on the right to buy. The mortgage company will usually only give a mortgage on those whose names are on the right to buy.

nez 17/06/2015 at 6:16 pm

hi im having a problem with my right to buy me and my brother want to purchase the flat for our parents but the thing is when the housing association send the notice of purchase to the solicitors they are sending my mum and dads names too which is making things difficult. how can we get round this are me and my brother not allowed to purchase the property under right to buy if so how?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 17/06/2015 at 11:59 am

@Ross. You could buy it jointly with your father but you would not be able to purchase it in your name only.

Ross 12/06/2015 at 3:23 pm

Hi

I have lived with my dad for the last 5 years in his council house. My family have lived in the same house for the last 22 years. I would like to know if I am eligible to buy the house as I already live in it and is my only home?

Thanks

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 16/06/2015 at 2:49 pm

@B. You can give her the money to buy the house but you probably wouldn't be able to get a mortgage to do so as you would not be the owner.

B 12/06/2015 at 11:50 am

I would like to buy my mothers council house for her. Can I do that? She is unable to get a mortgage due to her financial situation. I am happy for the house to be in her name - can we still get the discount?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 16/06/2015 at 11:50 am

@Zak. It depends on the kind of house and how long you've been a tenant. Why not contact the Housing Association and ask them.

zak 11/06/2015 at 1:10 pm

Hi.ive Nottingham community housing assosiation house .if I buy how much discount thy will give me.can I buy it.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 16/06/2015 at 10:28 am

@Tom. The mortgage has to be in the name of the person who owns the property. Your girlfriend has the discount but not you. So you'd have to live with her (named on the tenancy) for some time to build up a joint discount.

Tom 11/06/2015 at 7:15 am

My girlfriend has lived in her council house 5 years while I was living at home we are planning on moving into her council house with each other, we've seen the right to buy scheme would I be able to get a mortgage on this house soon as I've moved in or will I have to be there a certain period of time I earn far more than my girlfriend and I could get a mortgage but she couldn't

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 16/06/2015 at 10:24 am

@LL. This is not something we're aware of. There are lots of home buyer schemes to help people buy houses that are already on the market etc though.

LL 11/06/2015 at 3:47 am

Hi, does the RTB discount one apply to the property that you live in? I heard that you can use your discount to buy a property elsewhere and give your property back to the council

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 12/06/2015 at 11:48 am

@brendaloo. If the property is sold, you'll still have to pay back the discount. If a family member simply takes over the ownership of the property without any money changing hands it will not need to be paid back.

brendaloo 08/06/2015 at 9:00 pm

my sister and I are looking to buy my aunts house this year. She will receive the 70% discount. it will be in her name, but if anything happens to her then it will be left to us. But what would happen if she was to pass away inside the 5 years? We would still hold on to the flat and keep it in the family, but just checking that we wouldn't be left with a bill to pay to discount back. Thank you

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 08/06/2015 at 12:22 pm

@Harding. No she's the person with the right to buy and therefore the discount.

Harding 04/06/2015 at 10:30 am

Hi my mum has lived in her house for 35 years but I want to buy the house with her discount would I be able to do that

Hannah 03/06/2015 at 5:01 pm

Hi, I am in the process of purchasing my council property through the right to buy scheme. My mother is the tenant, and I am the family member on the application as I have lived in the property for as long as she has.
My mother wishes to move out, and my partner will be moving in when it's completed. Is it possible to add him onto the deeds of the house within the 5 year period, and take her off without having to pay any of the discount back?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 03/06/2015 at 11:25 am

@Craig Sorley. Family members can take over the ownership of the property without paying back the discount as long as the property is not sold to the family members. Also, the property can be left in a will to a relative without having to pay the discount back, but if the person who inherited then decided to sell and it was still within the 3 or 5 year period then they would have to pay the discount back.

Craig Sorley 01/06/2015 at 5:46 am

my grandmother is thinking of buying her home of 50 years in cash under the right to buy, I will be left the home in her will but we are worried if she dies before the 5 year period do we have to pay any discount back

Suzy 28/05/2015 at 6:28 pm

We are in the process of right to buy and detailed in the purchase documents (Right to buy Document 125) are the repairs due in the next five years. In January 2015 they started major works. We have not had a section 20 or been part of this process as we are still tenants, however there is no clear guidance on if we are liable for the costs if we are to become leaseholders within the next few months. We have been advised that we would be liable even if the works have been completed while we are tenants, but become leaseholders within the twelve months they have to bill. I would be really grateful for any advice.

Drainpipe 27/05/2015 at 3:42 pm

Hi, my grandmother is 90 and has lived in her 3bed council house for her whole life and so she will be entitled the the maximum discount I believe. I wanted to know if it would be possible for me to get a mortgage to cover the entire value of the house (with the discount applied). The house would be in her name but would be left to me in her will.
Many thanks.

Blue22 27/05/2015 at 10:33 am

Hi am looking to buy my council house me and my partner are married but av not lived in my council house for years but we have allways been together my names still on the tennancy . Will i still have the right to buy so we can be a proper family and live together

jeannie 26/05/2015 at 10:05 pm

i am a housing association Tennant of 34 years , can my son pay for my house if I wish to buy

jeannie 26/05/2015 at 10:01 pm

I'm a housing association tennant of 34 years , I'm on income support and carers allowance . My son can afford to give me the cash to buy . Is this legal

ts 25/05/2015 at 1:39 pm

My father has rented his house for 42 years. The house was originally owned by the local corporation who sold off the property in the 90's. It is now owned by a property trading company. Does my father have any rights regarding preserved right to buy? We contacted the company and were flatly refused. Thankyou anyone for anyhelp with this. Ts

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 21/05/2015 at 11:55 am

@JULY. You can be refused if you have a CCJ but if it's due to be removed next year, you could make an application then.

JULY 18/05/2015 at 3:51 pm

I am 47 years old I would like to buy my council home with my daughter who has been registered as living with me since 1992, however, I have a judgment against me as I was guarantor for my son this should be removed in September 2016

My question is would the council refuse me the right to buy because of this Judgment

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 14/05/2015 at 2:04 pm

@Shawry. No, unfortunately you will have to accept that as you got the house at a discount, you will have to pay that back if you sell early.

shawry 10/05/2015 at 6:38 pm

hello, I brought my council house 2 1/2 years ago with a discount and no problems, since then a local landlord brought a house opposite and moved a load of drug dealers in, been raided a few times and always full of drugs. I want out but with the payback scheme im down to pay back 60%, I have spent £30,000 on the house full rewire fully plastered decorated new bathroom and kitchens and landscaped gardens which has massively increased the value, I will end up paying back more than they discounted me 2 1/2 years ago, I don't like living here anymore, does anyone know a way of getting out the right to buy payback scheme before I go and evict the druggies myself, help me avoid a custodial sentence please, any info will help, cheers

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 14/05/2015 at 10:06 am

@Ossie. Check with some of the lenders. Some will only offer a joint mortgage as the right to buy will be in both names.

ossie 09/05/2015 at 3:02 pm

i have lived wth my father for 33 years and we are going though the Right To Buy process.I have been accepted by the local authority that i have lived with my father so now we need to get a mortgage.As my father is now retired can i get the mortgage in my name only?
Thanks for any help

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 14/05/2015 at 9:58 am

@Fred1. This sounds like a complex situation where someone at the council has possibly made a mistake. Unfortunately we cannot really help as we do not have all the facts. You might be better to seek advice from your local Citizen's Advice Bureau or a solitcitor.

Fred1 09/05/2015 at 12:14 pm

HI I am concerned because a lady who lives in a council flat was offered a right to buy flat on the ground floor. The original offer had included a garden with the flat, which she had been using exclusively. The other flats have a balcony which she does not have. She accepted the offer within the time limit of the RTB agreement. The Council then withdrew the garden and offered her a revised price without the garden. The council had indicated that they did not have the agreement. She was advised to sign the new contract without the person properly investigating the situation. The Council then admitted that they had the agreement. The Council now state that she is not entitled to the garden. Is that the case and are they not required to honor their original offer?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 13/05/2015 at 12:37 pm

@Dbonas1. If your husband is on the tenancy agreement he should be able to get himself included in the right to buy. He would need to discuss this with a mortgage company as your name (as the main tenant) may have to be on the right to buy document.

Dbonas1 08/05/2015 at 12:34 am

I have right to buy but poor credit and will be refused a mortgage. My husband has good credit and well paid salary. Could my husband get a mortgage alone? I am the main tenant.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 08/05/2015 at 9:29 am

@TB. You can usually buy the house jointly (in both names) if you've both been living in the property and you're immediate family. You would have to speak to a lender about the mortgage possibilities.

TB 01/05/2015 at 7:03 pm

my mother has been a council tenant for 19 years, 14 of those years as a singe tenant in the same house. I have been on the books as living with her on and off over that time, but presently for the past 2 years solidly. She is in her 70's and I want her to have stability, she obviously isn't eligible for a mortgage. Can I buy her house using her discount?
Do we have to get a joint mortgage, or can I get the mortgage but have both our names on the deeds of the house?
Do I need to be a joint tenant with her?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 01/05/2015 at 2:46 pm

@Joeegg. Has your husband been on the tenancy agreement and been there for 11 years? He will get that amount of discount.

Joeegg 01/05/2015 at 2:25 pm

I've been in my house 30 years and have past ccjs. But re married 11 years ago can my husband buy using my discount

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 05/05/2015 at 11:49 am

@ella. Ask a local councillor to check this out for you. Unless your home is a retirement property/sheltered accommodation, your right to buy should have moved with you.

ella 28/04/2015 at 12:42 am

Had 70per cent discount after 30years tennancy.i moved t smaller house,i want t buy but have lost large discount because i moved.i was defo not told when i filled in forms to move.DN

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 30/04/2015 at 12:49 pm

@JJones. You have no rights to a share in her property unless you are a named tenant and want to be involved in the right to buy. Her Will should determine whether you inherit part of the property.

JJones 25/04/2015 at 2:08 pm

My mother has rented her council property for approximately 50 years. She has developed dementia and now requires 24/7 care. My eldest brother went to a solicitor and now has power of attorney. He is planning to buy my mothers council property jointly with my mum, as she is entitled the right to buy discount. I would like to know what right do I have to my mums share in the property?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 30/04/2015 at 10:23 am

@TV. You should contact your local council about this. If your son is on the tenancy agreement with you or has lived with you for several years you may be able to buy it jointly if you can get a mortgage.

Tv 24/04/2015 at 3:16 pm

Jus mi an grandson im on high rate life time disability he works always has since colege take home 1,000 pcm. Can we buy iv been tenant 35 years nearly. Home 195,000

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 24/04/2015 at 10:46 am

@Moffie. Assuming she is not in accommodation specifically for the elderly/retired and she does not need a mortgage (she won't get at on at 100 years of age) there should not be a problem. She should check about repaying the discount within five years of purchasing. Sometimes the discount does not have to be repaid if the property is transferred to other family members.

Moffie 21/04/2015 at 2:59 pm

Hi my Mother is 100 yrs of age and wants to buy her council flat to pass on to her grandchild who cannot get on the property ladder. Can she do this?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 17/04/2015 at 12:45 pm

@Tiffany22. You'd have to check this one over with your council as there are no set regulations about this specific circumstance.

Tiffany22 16/04/2015 at 10:54 pm

Hi , my husband and I bought our council house 2 years ago , we are now separating and I would like to know if my dad can pay off the mortgage and take my husbands place on the deeds without activating a discount payback ?
Many thanks

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 17/04/2015 at 12:44 pm

@maisymoo. If they have bought the house outright they can transfer the home to you on death. If this is within the five or ten year period you may have to repay some of the discount, but not all councils require this.

Maisymoo 16/04/2015 at 9:56 pm

My parents have been council tenants for over 35 years. They want to buy their council house as they have been left some money from a relative. As my parents are in their early 80's they are a bit aprehensive about buying it because they are unsure what would happen to the property if they passed away within the 5 years. They want to be able to leave it to me and my husband in the future.
If they have bought the house outright, will they be able to transfer the deeds over to us?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 17/04/2015 at 12:18 pm

@minxy. If you want to give your mother the money to buy her council house then there is nothing to prevent you as long as no mortgage is required. If the property is sold/transferred to you or anyone elsewithin a 5 or 10 year period the discount would have to be paid back in line with your LA regulations.

Minxy 16/04/2015 at 7:40 pm

My mother has lived in her council house for nearly 50 years. Can I give her the money to buy it under right to buy and then once the sale is complete get the deeds transferred to my name so that we benefit from the discount? I do not need a mortgage to do this. I plan for my mother to remain living in the property until she dies and then to keep the property for my personal use in the future.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 16/04/2015 at 10:15 am

@Scott. You should enquire with your Right to Buy officer, but if you were names as a tenant, you might get a discount between 35 and 50%.

Scott 15/04/2015 at 1:25 am

Hi My dads lived in a council house for 18 years , I've also lived there with my dad for 18 years , if I was to buy it on behalf of him , what percentage of discount roughly would I get ?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 16/04/2015 at 9:32 am

@Bettyboo8 - your previous tenancy may be taken into consideration as well. Your council's right to buy officer will be able to advise you on this.

Bettyboo8 14/04/2015 at 8:08 pm

Hi there...my family moved into a house in tower hamlets around 30 years ago....we have all been on the tenancy at one point... I did a mutual exchange with my mother, I've now been in the property for 4 years. Can you tell me if I apply for RTB will we be eligible for the full discount if my mother is apart of it... You can have up to four people involved .....my brother who lived with my mum at the time of the exchange remained in the house, and lived with me on my tenancy for a while and is now back with my mother. The official date of the tenancy agreement is march 2011. I would be grateful for any advice. Thank you

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 14/04/2015 at 11:38 am

@Bill. No this would not usually be possible.

Bill 11/04/2015 at 1:10 pm

I brought my council flat 15 years ago and have a mortgage on it is it possible to exchange my home with council again and carry my mortgage on to the next property? Thanks

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 09/04/2015 at 2:24 pm

@Mainey. Normally you will be not be given the right to buy if you 'own' another property. You should speak with your local council for more advice.

Mainey 08/04/2015 at 10:33 pm

I've never owned or bought a property but have been a council tenant 10 years. Last year my dad signed over his house to me but continues to pay his mortgage etc himself. I have no financial input (bank statements will verify that). However I'd now like to buy the house I live in. Will I be treated as a FTB and if not, if my dad's house is signed over back to him, will that make a difference. I'm quite concerned as I'm now 40 and worried I'll never be able to buy. Thanks in advance.

thumper 05/04/2015 at 12:53 pm

I rent a council 1 bedroom property in London with a RTB that is out of my reach.
I have had a partner for 5 years who I want to put on the tenancy as a joint tenant .
We could then buy we will be having civil partnership once his divorce finalised. Can the council object ? It is the only way we can afford to buy as even with discount my salary does not afford this.
I might add that he does own a property purely to afford access visits to see his children as our place does not afford space.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 08/04/2015 at 11:13 am

@trojan. If your application has been approved then you should be able to continue with it regardless of your other personal circumstances.

trojan 05/04/2015 at 10:07 am

Hi, I am in the process of RTB but my father has died and left his property to my brother and myself, will this invalidate my RTB as my brother does not want to sell as he works abroad and wants to keep the property which is going through probate in joint names, until he is back in the UK and buy me out? Many thanks

nicki 03/04/2015 at 10:02 am

No my debts aren't rent arrears, but the right to buy form says I can't buy if I have a DMP, would this still apply if it was paid off, don't want to pay out lots of money and then be told I can't buy.

Madeline Editor 02/04/2015 at 11:40 am

@Mags - being able to buy a house worth £62,400 for £12,000 is a privilege not many people get. Stop moaning!

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 02/04/2015 at 11:38 am

@MAGS. The scheme works on the market value of your property. A surveyor/valuer is usually expert in assessing this.

MAGS 30/03/2015 at 6:33 pm

can some advize me ive just had the right to buy offer from the council as ive lived at my property for 18.35 years they valued it at £12000 and my discount is £57,600 net £62,400 to buy i have spent over £18000 on my property conservatory laundry room and lots more i put all what i had done on the form to the property when i have looked at this they seem to have excluded the value of the improvements so i emailed the council they said the valuer looked at it from the front of the house and he has included the improvements ive done she said the valuer is not required to break down his valuation he is only required to to give us a market value she said also he did provided and take into account your improvements.,seeing the offer tells me diffrent and only adds up to how many years ive been in the property eg discount

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 02/04/2015 at 11:28 am

@nicki. If your debts are rent arrears, this will prevent you from buying your council house.

nicki 30/03/2015 at 5:15 pm

Can I buy my council house under the right to buy scheme although I am paying debts of five thousand pounds by DMP

Vicdorel 23/03/2015 at 12:23 pm

I was a council tenant in Waltham Forest from 1982 to 1999, I then moved to Metropolitan housing association. I have been in the housing association property since 1999. I am about to swap for a council property with Tendering district council and am considering applying for the RTB when I move in. Would I get a discount for the years spent as a council tenant? would there be any discount for my time in the HA property. How long would I need to be in the new property before being eligible to buy it?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 25/03/2015 at 12:47 pm

@maria. Firstly check that you would actually be paying tax as the lump sum part can often be tax free. Secondly you need to check the tax implications for your mother if you gift it her. Your best policy would be to see an independent financial advisor who would know about your other income etc.

maria 22/03/2015 at 10:57 pm

My mother has lived in her rented council flat for 14 years, I have my own flat, I am about to cash in a 35,000 pension, now, can I gift my mother that money to let her buy her council flat in order for me to avoid paying taxes etc on my lump sum.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 24/03/2015 at 2:45 pm

@Deb. Once the property is paid for you can do what you like with it (bearing in mind if you sell you have to repay some of the discount).

Deb 21/03/2015 at 3:26 pm

I am buying under right to buy, just was wondering, if I am able to add my partner to my deeds once the property is paid for

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 19/03/2015 at 11:49 am

@Bex. You will need to speak with a lender. The council will only give the right to buy discount to the tenant so whether a lender would consider a joint mortage is doubtful.

Bex 17/03/2015 at 1:59 pm

Hi,
My mother has a council flat and has been living there for 10 years. I would like to help her buy it by going into a joint mortgage, I used to live in the property but haven't for the last 7 years. I work full time and have my own mortgage on my house. Does anyone know if this is possible or can give some advice?
Many Thanks

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 12/03/2015 at 9:50 am

@ste. The house has to be purchased in the name of the tenant, a mortgage is secured against a house so it's unlikely this would be possible but speak to the lender.

ste 08/03/2015 at 7:19 pm

Hi I am looking into buying my mums council house off her as she has been there for 15 years and is getting old. She is on benefits but I am working full time! I don't live with her any more however would like to move back there. Is there any way around getting the discount but having the mortgage in my name?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 03/03/2015 at 11:20 am

@Roobs. You can usually exercise the Right to Buy jointly with members of your family who have lived with you for the past 12 months, or with someone who is a joint tenant with you.

Roobs 27/02/2015 at 8:58 am

I've lived in my family home for 15 years now. I wish to purchase but can not be added to the tenancy as it has already made one change. Is there any way I can buy the house in just my name without being on the tenancy?
Thanks

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 27/02/2015 at 2:30 pm

@Ella. There's lots involved here and we don't know enough about your other circumstances. You should speak with your local council and also possibly someone from social services to look at the options for care in the future and how they would be funded.

Ella 25/02/2015 at 3:38 pm

I was looking to buy my mums council house as she has lived there 35 yrs and so did I until about a year or so ago I recently moved back in again as mum seems to have the 1st stages of Dementia yet to be confirmed by tests, I am now looking after her, although she is able bodied she is very forgetful and does not like being on her own, first of all I am not sure it would be wise to purchase as mum my have to go into a care home in hopefully a long time in the future, so would it be a wise investment? or would we have to sell it, if I could buy it in the first place seeing as my name is not on the tenancy? or if I just added my name to the tenancy as well as my mums what would happen if mum had to go to either a care home or sheltered housing or should I just give up my dreams of living in our family home forever ?

Please Help

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 27/02/2015 at 11:26 am

@Sandra Waters. Yes your right to buy is usually transferreable between council properties. Check with the local authority to be sure, as some types or property do not carry the right to buy.

Sandra Waters 24/02/2015 at 6:51 pm

If I exchange my council roperty to diffrant council borough from Walthamstow to harlow do I carry my right to buy over

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 25/02/2015 at 10:20 am

@SLJ. You will need to contact your housing association as your right to buy is different with those organisations.

SLJ 22/02/2015 at 9:59 pm

Hi there, i moved into council house through a mutual exchange from a housing association last week. Just wondering if I put into buy my new house and for any reason I cannt get a mortgage would I be able to put in again at a later date or is it just once you can apply? Thanks

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 11/02/2015 at 10:49 am

@Olly. You'll need to check with the council or housing association into whose property you swap (known as a 'mutual exchange'). If you move within the same borough from one council property to another, your right to buy stays with you. If you move to another area but to a council property then your right to buy will also most likely stay with you. If however, you move from a council property to a housing association or trust property you may lose your right to buy. Likewise if the property you move into is adpated for the elderly etc, that property may not be part of the RTB stock so you could lose your rights that way too. Check with the council or housing association of the home you plan to move into.

olly 07/02/2015 at 7:17 pm

Hi I have been a council tenant in my house for more than 15 years I am looking into swapping more house to move out of London and am wondering does my discount transfer on to my new house for right to buy. thankyou

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 10/02/2015 at 11:31 am

@Mollie90132 - Once you make the application any outstanding repairs are cancelled (except where the work is required by law to keep the property weather-tight). The valuation carried out by the council would have reflected the repairs already on record and anything additional that the valuer noted.

Mollie90132 05/02/2015 at 10:40 pm

Re Right to Buy (RTB). My survey picked up small infestation of woodworm in the attic and 2 areas of damp which cannot be contributed to condensation.

I have to wait for the surveyor to analyse the brickwork to determine if rising damp or rain water.

The council say they are not going to carry out repairs to these as they have been withheld due to the RTB. But these repairs are historical and I have reported them before but they have been put down to condensation
Do they really not have to repair or reduce the valuation now I have more known defects in the house?.
I am in Scotland

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 09/02/2015 at 12:46 pm

@BOZI. IF they live with you they can have their names included on the right to buy etc. You'd need to find out from the relevant bodies whether you'd still be eligible for housing benefit or income support.

BOZI 04/02/2015 at 7:40 pm

is it possible for our children to buy our council house outright as we are on income support( do not live with us). I take it we would lose housing benefit,. I also receive my works pension but we still comply for income support. if they bought the house would it affect our income support? could we then rent the house from them any then get housing benefitagain, as we would then be renting the house from them.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 03/02/2015 at 2:22 pm

@Caz. On joint tenancies, not all tenants may wish to buy. On any application to buy you list the names of family members who want to share the right to buy with you. So if you do not want your grandfather's name on the title deeds - leave it off the application (with his consent of course).

Caz 30/01/2015 at 9:01 pm

My grandpa is 91 he has the r2b along with me and my husband we are entitled to full discount so went ahead and applied for a mortgage obv leaving grandpa out due to his age. We have now been told that because grandpa is not on the mortgage application but is on the r2b letter we will not get a mortgage is that true? The counc have said they will not take his name off of the offer letter. Is there anything else we can do?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 03/02/2015 at 10:54 am

@tim. You will need to speak to your local council about this. The idea of RTB is to enable those who could not realistically afford to buy privately and who have rented their council home/been good tenants for a period of time. If you already have a house that you own, it would seem a little unfair to buy one from social stock (and at a discount)!

Tim 30/01/2015 at 8:06 am

I have resided in my council flat since March 2010 but about 2 years ago I purchased a house . I am not residing in this house because I am single and it will be too big for me . My current flat is my only and principal residence as I still have my clothes and furniture there . I also sleep there at night and my bank statements are always sent there . I am hoping to buy it under RTB will possessing a house that I do not leave in and is currently leased out for 5 years ending June 2018 affect my application for the right to buy for my current place of abode the council flat.

Thanks

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 29/01/2015 at 12:51 pm

@kk. After the 10 year period (before that your mother may have to pay back the discount) you could apply to have your name added with your mother's consent - or she could gift it to you etc.

KK 27/01/2015 at 1:24 pm

I am unable to have my name onto my mums RTB. I'm looking to get loans to get the cash to buy it. Long term, how would I be able to get my name onto the deeds? Will there be any penalties? I also need to sell up 2 flats to buy my mums so taking a risk that I will no longer have any collaterals.

alice007 22/01/2015 at 11:34 pm

my mum has the right to buy her council flat but she is to old to get a mortgage
i have a enough savings to buy the flat out right, can i give my mumthe money to buy her flat out right the deeds would be in her name.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 09/01/2015 at 11:50 am

@Don. You will have to find out what the specific legislation is relating to your accommodation, it may be that if it is adpated or specifically for those with medical issues, that the right to buy is not available. Speak to a local councillor or your MP to find out as much information as you can.

don 07/01/2015 at 6:15 pm

I have the old right to buy but because of health issues and doctors advice i applied to have a transfer to more suitable accommodation.
A seven year battle ensued with my Housing Partnership before my doctor managed to get them to assess me as a medical priority and placed me top of list for transfer to suitable accommodation.
After 6 years i have now been told that because this house I got transferred to is under 10 years old I have no discount, in other words I have no right to buy.
Surely it is right to assume that given my circumstances my right to buy would normally be protected as in if the Landlord wants to demolish or renovate your old house, or you are overcrowded, or for other housing management reasons i.e my recognized ill health.
If they had been supportive to my needs prior to new build housing i would have gotten a older house, but because of their dilly dallying with my health issues it is not my fault that I should lose my discount or my original right to buy at the stroke of their pen.
Please advise.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 09/01/2015 at 11:09 am

@ Swaino. Yes, you usually have 12 weeks after you get your landlord’s offer to tell them you want to buy. If you do not reply, the landlord will send you a reminder - you then have 28 days to reply before the landlord potentially drops the application. There's no reason why you cannot apply again at a later date, but bear in mind the valuation may be different as it is based on current local prices.

Swaino 07/01/2015 at 5:17 pm

We applied to buy our home off our local housing association about a year ago but due to me changing work twice (went to a new job but quickly went back to my old one) and issues regarding my partners business and the mortgage companies wanting to see that years accounts the whole process has dragged on and we are no further forward than when we started. We are now being told that the time is running out to buy this house and need to complete quickly. We never realised there was a time limit to it all as no one had informed us. If the time limit does run out are we then in a position where we can't try again or can we put straight back in to buy our house?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 08/01/2015 at 12:09 pm

@Eric. The valuations are based on local house prices and then your discount is applied. You can get several valuations from local estate agents if you need to verify this figure.

Eric 06/01/2015 at 5:16 pm

We have applied for the right to buy.the council have valued it so high( £190000) that even though we have been tenants for 19years,we will not be able to get nearly 50% because of the £77000. cap. There are comparable properties close by that are sold at £125000.We have had an independent valuation from VOA.But we believe they would only take 10% off as a rule.there is a damp basement that the council say has never been included in the rent as its uninhabitable.How can we buy a council house at this price and afford to do anything with the dilapidated basement.?This is another example of a rogue council.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 07/01/2015 at 2:29 pm

@Will.i.am. If you can prove that you have been residents for the past 23 years you should get the full discount.

Will.i.am 05/01/2015 at 4:21 pm

I am interested in buying my council house. I have stayed there for 23 years however in oct 2011 my mother passed away. My brother and I signed the lease in oct 2011. Would I be be able to claim for my mothers discount considering I have stayed there all my life. Also it would be soley me that would be buying the house not my brother. Thanks.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 05/01/2015 at 12:25 pm

@Kelvin. You'd need to discuss this with the mortgage company and the council. The mortgage company will most likely only want to give a mortgage to the owner. If so, then you may have to accept the discount related to your length of tenancy rather than your mother-in-law's.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 05/01/2015 at 10:03 am

@none. No probably not, but she should ask at her local housing benefit office for proper information.

none 04/01/2015 at 4:15 pm

My Mother can buy her council house but cannot get a mortgage. I can lend her the cash. Would she be able to claim housing benefit for the interest on the loan and what interest is acceptable please?

ahmed 26/12/2014 at 10:20 pm

I have just bought my council house with cash from private lender on very high interest rate. Can I remortgage to pay back the lender money

RBGunner 18/12/2014 at 7:34 pm

Hi, I've been living with my brother for almost a year and I'm looking for purchase our flat using his entailment. If I make a joint RTB application am I able to get a mortgage in my name only? Or does it have to be a joint mortgage? My brother doesn't work and i assume that would stop me buying the property if I need to include him on any mortgage application. Any advice will be appreciated.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 10/12/2014 at 9:50 am

@jennywren. This seems strange, usually councils have effective mechanisms in place for pricing and discount their properties under the right to buy. Why not give your local councillor or MP a call to ensure that it's all been done properly. Of course wherever you are in the UK £28,000 is an extremely reasonable price for a flat so be glad that you are in a position to get one at this price.

Fran 29/11/2014 at 2:44 pm

we bought our house 7 years ago from the council , recently while working away we received a letter from them saying our garden wasn't in keeping with the agreement , ( outside hedge ok and garden not overgrown) I recall something about the discount and selling but nothing about them having a say over the property

do they have a say inside my garden

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 01/12/2014 at 1:57 pm

@Jew. Well if your niece bought the house it belongs to her so we imagine noone else will get a share of this, unless for some reason the deeds are in your mother's name. The discount is only repayable if sold within the first 10 years.

Jew 28/11/2014 at 6:02 pm

Hi, my niece moved in with my mom 20 years ago and bought the house from the council with a substantial discount due to my moms tenancy. My niece paid the mortgage but never paid a penny of council tax because of mom. My mom has recently passed away, but left no will. There are six surviving children and we have no idea whether we are entitled to a share of the house, because she never paid the mortgage. Can you advise please. Thanks.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 28/11/2014 at 2:23 pm

@Ness You would have to check with the relevant company/housing association to see if they have any specific requirements under the right to buy umbrella.

Ness 27/11/2014 at 10:09 pm

I live in a housing assoc house as I did a house swap 3 years ago. I was originally in a council house (for 8 yrs). If I were to move to swap again to a property that was previously owned by the council but now have merged with another company would I still be eliligable to buy? Many Thanks

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 27/11/2014 at 11:34 am

@edster. If you die and your property is sold, the discount will need to be repaid. Family members are allowed to take over the ownership and live in the property - they will not then have to pay back the discount. This does not apply if the property is 'sold' to the family members. If you leave the property in a will to a relative they will not have to pay the discount back, unless they sell it within the five year period.

edster 26/11/2014 at 3:17 pm

hi ive bought my council house under the right to buy if i die within 5 years do es my trustee have to pay any discount back to the council

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 26/11/2014 at 1:47 pm

@immy. They base the valuation on the local rates for houses of a similar type in that area, then apply the relevant discount.

Immy 25/11/2014 at 10:58 pm

Hi I am living in a council house for last 5 years I recently applied for right to buy they have valued my property and I am not happy with the value because they hav never done any work in my house and in my area they are doing up every single council house they are spending approximately £8/10,000 in new bathroom, kitchen, roof, re wiring etc and they haven't didected this amount aswell is there somebody who can help me regarding this matter.
Thank you

Mike Editor 25/11/2014 at 8:25 pm

@sharm. I am in a similar situation me & my wife trying to buy her grandads council house cannot get mortgage due to age of her grandad who they say has to be on mortgage. Can you let me know if there was a succession of the tenancy at all prior to you're mum signing a withdrawal document. And finally how do you go about doing a withdrawal I spoke to the council and they just said the right to buy would be withdrawn

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 24/11/2014 at 2:24 pm

@mel. If you are getting independent finance there is nothing stopping him from getting the mortgage in his name only.

mel 22/11/2014 at 2:09 am

Hi, although we are both named on the RTB paperwork, my husbands credit is better than mine. Can he buy our house alone? Does it matter that Ive been a tenant for longer? Can he use the full discount? Thanks mel.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 18/11/2014 at 11:21 am

@sharm. Thanks for letting @hopeful (and other readers we're sure) know how you managed this.

Sharm Editor 17/11/2014 at 7:17 pm

@hopeful.
we were in yr position but were offered a shorter mortgage inline with mums age. This was impossible. After some research we found out and were able to remove my mum totally from right to buy and mortgage. All it took was for mum to sign a withdrawal consent form so myself and husband could proceed. Lucky mum trusts that we were not going to drop her at the nearest care home on completion! There are legal papers to be submitted if this was an issue. My Mum had the Tenancy for 34 yrs and we were living here with her for 3yrs. HTH..

hopeful 15/11/2014 at 7:24 pm

I am trying to take up the right to buy with my parents for our house. I have got mortgage companies willing to lend me the money. The stumbling block is that there are three names on the right to buy paperwork and the mortgage lenders will only lend if it is just my name on the paperwork. But the housing association insist it must stay with all three on it. My question is there anyway forward I know the mortgage will have to be in my name because of my parents age, but we are buying it together.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 13/11/2014 at 11:05 am

@mikey. Probably not as you're not actually selling the property. Check with your local council to be sure though.

Mikey 11/11/2014 at 9:10 pm

I have purchased my council home 3 years ago and want to move out leaving my parents to live here rent free. Do I have to pay any discount back?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 07/11/2014 at 12:23 pm

@JJ The right to buy is available for the tenant and up to 3 family members who have live at the property with the tenant for the past 3 years or more. So you should be able to do this.

JJ 05/11/2014 at 11:20 pm

Mums lived in the property for 30 years plus. She is now at an age where she cannot gain a mortgage. I have always lived with her since birth and i am now 24 years old. I haven't paid rent yet as I have just finished further education. Could i purchase the property with her discount for her?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 04/11/2014 at 9:48 am

@Sam - sounds like a complicated situation and we're not sure whether you're currently living with your mother. Your best option is to go to the council and discuss your options in person.

Sam 02/11/2014 at 9:44 pm

Can I buy my Mother's council house for her? She has lived in it for 28 yrs. She is terminally ill now and I want to do some adaptions for her which are proving difficult via the council. She is likely to die in the next 5 yrs and I will inherit - if I do this - will I still have to give the discount back if I sell it in the next 5 yrs after I have inherited. She does not have any money and is on benefits (disability etc.) so any money will come from me. Is this ok or will the council want proof where the cash came from? Many thanks, Sam

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 31/10/2014 at 2:43 pm

@Francy. Normally only those named on the tenancy agreement or immediate family who already live at the property can exercise the right to buy. You should speak with a council housing representative to see what can be done.

Francy 29/10/2014 at 9:12 am

My mum is ill with cancer and needs care most of the time. She is struggling to live on her own but does not want to move from the council house she has lived in for 40 years. She wNts me to the buy but I pay with cash and then live there with her. How will I have a right to the property legally. I would not sell the house for over 5 years.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 28/10/2014 at 1:05 pm

@nai. It may affect any benefits that you are receiving. If you do decide to exercise your right to buy in the future, you may find you can only do it in your name but there should not be an issue. You should speak with someone from your council housing team about this really though.

nai 26/10/2014 at 4:35 pm

Hello i am a single mum and have met a guy we have been dating a while and looking at next steps. I live in a 3 bed council house which is my children's family home and have no wish to move. He lives at house with his mum and rents his own 2 bedroom out. If he was to move in is that ok as he has a house he rents out that is his? And if he does move in and a few year's down it's going well and we want to buy. Is that a option to again as he has a house already that he rents out? Thank you

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 28/10/2014 at 11:48 am

@maccer. Take the your recent documentation back to the conveyancer who acted on your behalf and ask them what situation is. If it turns out there was some mistake on the part of the council or the solicitor, then ideally they should rectify this with some compensation.

maccer 26/10/2014 at 10:30 am

Hi, wonder if you could advise me:
Bought my council house 2 years ago, upon valuation from council it was categorised as being a semi detached, but i've recently been going through paperwork and discovered it is a terraced house. I know there is a considerable amount of price difference between the two and feel a little hard done by. Should the council or my surveyor picked up on this or is it my fault for not checking, only i'm not well up on such matters. Don't suppose i've got a leg to stand on regarding this matter but thought it was worth a try.

kind regards.

bell 18/10/2014 at 10:21 am

Myt dad has put into buy his council house and I stay with him i s it alright for me to go for a mortgage and buy it and does it effect hi s discount and can I buy it through my dad

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 20/10/2014 at 11:12 am

@saj. Your home will be valued at the time of your right to buy so any improvements - if they are of the nature that would increase the value of a property - will be taken into account. Note that certain things such as painting/decoration etc do not have a huge impact on your house value (though when on the housing market, they may help it to sell). Some works such as double glazing may add a small increase to the value of the home though.

saj 17/10/2014 at 2:48 pm

Hi, I am living in a house owned by a housing association. I wanted to get some improvements done to the house with the intention to buy the house in 2,3 years. if I carry out any imorovments, will it increase the value of the house for when I want to buy it? should I wait to do improvements till after I have bought the house?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 16/10/2014 at 11:20 am

@nico. You cannot buy jointly unless you are tenant that lives with your mother. If you try to get a mortgage in your name, then you need to speak with a mortgage lender to see what they options are (as you do not live there, you may need a buy to let mortage etc).

nico 15/10/2014 at 8:04 pm

Hi my mother lives in a 1 bed council flat and is looking to buy. Due to low wages is there a way that the mortgage can be in someone ( family members name) on the condition she continues to live there. Thanks

Nick 09/10/2014 at 9:58 am

I am in receipt of my right to buy in joint names with my partner however I cannot get a morgage with defaults is it possible for me to transfere my right to n
Buy to my my partner

cinim 04/10/2014 at 8:34 pm

hii have been on housing benfit for 20 years,but now got a job on more money and want tobuy my council house do these 20 years give me 20years discount

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 29/09/2014 at 11:39 am

@D. It depends upon the terms and conditions in your original purchase, but it's likely that court action would be taken against you.

d 25/09/2014 at 10:25 pm

I brought my house from the council right to buy scheme 8 years ago.what happens if I don't give council 1st refusal and sell the house?.

Rik 21/09/2014 at 5:50 pm

Lived with my parents in a council house that she's rented since 1974. My mother now has dementia and the house has had adaptions made to it so she can live safely in it. I am her carer with some assistance from the local authority. We hav decided that the best thing to do to make things secure for her is to buy the house. However, I am not on the tenancy agreement and my mother is not capable of negotiating this change to the agreement or signing it. Is there any way that we can move forward on this issue?

jenny 21/09/2014 at 3:20 pm

I am a council tennant of 33yrs, I'm now registered dissabled and have recently had a wet room (shower room) supplied. I'm 52yrs old and my daughter has lived with me since birth. she is in full time employment as a social worker and is 22yrs old. I am on benefits but I would like to buy my house. would this be possible and would I qualify for the full discount off. my house is earmarked for renovations in november,new kitchen,bathroom and electrics,I don't want to accept these changes and will refuse if I'm allowed to buy my house as I know the costs will be added to the price. they are due to start int the next 5 to 8 weeks so could you advise me asap.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 10/09/2014 at 9:52 am

@ShirleyF - If you are transferring ownership after buying your council house, you have to give the council/social landlord first refusal on a sale and repay some of the discount. However because you are not actually transferring full ownership to someone else, it's unlikely that this will apply. You should check with your council to be sure.

ShirleyF 09/09/2014 at 2:52 pm

I bought my council home last year, but would now like to add my partner to the ownership.
Can I do this or is this counted as a sale that would mean I would have to pay back some discount?

Thanks

Deano 07/09/2014 at 10:07 am

Hi my mum as live in the house for more than 20 years I just want no if we could Buy the house to keep it in the Family thanks

catlady 02/09/2014 at 6:28 pm

My Mom has lived in her 3 bed Council house since they were built just after WW2, she is now 93 & wants us to buy the house before anything happens to her & to keep it in the family. How do we do this? The house was originally steel built but now has brick cladding.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 03/09/2014 at 12:42 pm

@confused. If you're currently a council tenant you would need permission (and may not be allowed) from the council to put an extension or loft conversion in. Once you've bought the property, you can do what you like (within planning restrictions). It would be better to wait until you have bought it.

confused 02/09/2014 at 4:25 pm

We have a really small 2 bed house with 2 children 6 and 8 months if we put an extention and or loft conversion with permission when we come to buy the property would this make it more expensive for us? We really need more space
thank you

lorbeg 24/08/2014 at 7:25 pm

My family have lived in council properties since I was born. I am 26, the house we currently live in is overcrowded as all children are now adults. All 5 of us family members are in a 3 bedroom property. I have decided to move out but I wanted to know if by registering on locata and thus moving into a 1 bedroom council property will mean I still get the discount or am I even entitled to the discount as my mother is the main tenant and the rest of us are added family members on her agreement. I am employed and do not want to lose the opportunity of the right to buy scheme discount. Your advice would be greatly appreciated.

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 29/08/2014 at 10:13 am

@gibbo. It depends whether you are living with your mother. If so, you can apply to buy it jointly. Otherwise generally she can sell the home whenever she wants but if she sells it within 5 years she will have to repay any discount received back to the council. Most councils have a policy that if you sell or transfer ownership of your property within 10 years you must offer the council the first refusal to buy it back.

gibbo 15/08/2014 at 4:26 am

Im paying cash for my mums house through right to buy. Can she sign the house straight over to me after completion with it being a cash sale?

ginge 13/08/2014 at 11:58 pm

can my familly give me the money to buy my council house, will the council ask where the cash has come from as im on houseing and council tax benifit. and when can i sing the property over to my children

davethespread 06/08/2014 at 10:37 am

i have lived in the 3 bed council house i am in for just shy of 33 years ,i am 54 years old would i be able to get a mortgage to buy this property.? thanx, dave.

mikey 04/08/2014 at 10:00 pm

I was going to buy my flat for 18,000 with discount then the council said they wanted 27,000 for modernising the flat within 5 yrs. so I never brought it and then I found out that a flat up the road had the same done to it apart from a new door and my flat is 2nd and their ground floor and she only had to pay back 12,000 she had already brought her flat though ,I was wondering is this illegal saying two prices ....

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 30/07/2014 at 11:58 am

@belch. Only certain people are allowed to join an application for a right to buy. Usually it will be someone else who is already named on the tenancy agreement with you or you spouse, civil partner, up to 3 family memebers who have been living in your home for the 12 months immediately before you make the application. They don't have to be on the tenancy agreement but it must be their main home.

belch 29/07/2014 at 6:42 pm

i am looking into buying my flat from the council
can i move my friend into the flat to help with the mortage
and make it legal buy getting paperwork signed to
show we are paying half each

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 30/07/2014 at 11:53 am

@YP. Have you tried the electoral register or council tax (rates as it was then) department?

yp 29/07/2014 at 6:26 pm

I have lived in 3 council properties between 1970 and 1978 I provided the addresses, I am now horrified to find out the council do not hold records pre 1980, they now say they cannot give me the discount for those years, I feel this is wrong as they have not kept records, I have not kept my tenancy agreements. Anybody else had this and how was it resolved?

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 30/07/2014 at 11:03 am

@MrB. No, your best option would be to apply for alternative social housing near the coast. You may also find that there are retirement properties at reduced prices for pensioners which may make it easier to buy.

MrB 29/07/2014 at 3:06 pm

I have been a secure council tenant for more than 25 years. I have recently developed health problems and wish to move to the coast for the salt air. As I wish to buy a private cottage or bungalow will I qualify for any financial help towards the cost of the new home.

righto Editor 28/07/2014 at 12:47 pm

@coley. Surely she would simply bequeath it to you on her death? Under the righttobuy scheme she cannot sell it for 10 years without forfeiting the discount and then she would have to give her landlord/social housing organisation first refusal.

Coley 25/07/2014 at 8:57 pm

I have recently given my grandmother the money to buy her right to buy home outright. How long after the house is bought in her name can she sign it over to me , or is there any timescale at all ? Thanks

ConsumerRightsExpert Editor 23/07/2014 at 10:26 am

@michele. As there's not enough information about your/your mother's situations here we cannnot really comment. Your mother's assets and income will be assessed if she needs a carer or to go in to care accommodation.

michele 22/07/2014 at 3:55 pm

Hi I have a similar question to another person. I can jointly buy the council house with my mother who I care for. She is 86years and recieve benefits. My concern is will they stop and would we have to sell the house it value is £71K if she needs furthe care?

steads 07/07/2014 at 10:03 am

my father has applied to by his council property, he has rented council property for over 40 years, in that time he had a 2 year break in 1980 when he managed a public house. However the council have only offered the last 14 years for the house he lives in now. Is this right his discount only applies to the house he lives in now and anything previous not to be included?

Anneabell 27/06/2014 at 5:41 pm

Can I still purchase my home from the council even though I am not working at the moment I have lived in it for 23 years I have been a council tenant for almost 40years

Anne 27/06/2014 at 5:34 pm

I have lived in my house for over twenty years but am not working can I still buy it from the council

Ryz 19/06/2014 at 10:47 am

My mother has been a tenant in her council house for 24 years. She has council tax arrears of over 2000 pounds but she is about to declare herself bankrupt. Will her council tax arrears be cleared and will she still have the same rights she has now to buy her council house? Thanks.

Honey 18/02/2014 at 8:14 pm

I have been a tenant for 23 years, to confirm this before I completed the RTB application form, I requested the dates of my tenancies through my council and they replied by giving me an invoice for outstanding amounts they stated I owe from 1997, 1999-02 in water rates and over payment of HB which I am unaware of, this is 12-17 years ago. I have lived in my current property for 14 years and my council have not tried to recover what they are stating is owed. I have been advised to pay the outstanding amounts they are requesting otherwise my application form will be declined. Please could you advise me as to whether this is correct? I feel after so long it is unfair, that the right to buy has been taken away. Many thanks!

pammy 19/01/2014 at 1:26 pm

do i have any way of complaining if my local authority have not fulfilled their legal obligation to write to me every five years informing me of the right to buy? could there be any compensation and how would i go about getting this.also how much are they likely to deduct from my discount for modernization such as central heating new kitchen and bathroom etc? i feel i have paid heavily towards these in my rent which is currently nearly £5000 a year!

Mitch 07/01/2014 at 7:54 pm

My mother and I have been jointly given the right to buy my mothers council house. My mother, who is 87, is the tenant and I live with her and care for her. I would like to know as my husband and I would be funding the purchase. What happens if my mum needs to go into residential care or has other health and social care needs? Would we have to sell the property to fund her care?

Many Thanks

Marie 15/09/2013 at 3:36 pm

I paid half of my parents council house to dad . my parents both passed away dad last 25 5 2010 He left the house to my Neice can I claim my half of current value back It wa only a Family Agreement. Thank You Enid

Jannat 03/09/2013 at 10:43 am

Hi, we are thinking of buying our 3 bed maisonette, council property. The maisonette has a garage next to it, which we are renting, but we have two tenancy agreements, one for the garage and one for the maisonette. Now that we are thinking of buying, the council have said we will not be able to purchase the garage, but may continue to rent it. My question is that, there are three other ground floor maisonette's in the same row and all three have garage's next to them, which they have purchased when they bought their maisonette's. Is there any possible way that we would be able to buy the garage with the maisonette?

MJ1 27/08/2013 at 8:11 pm

I am looking to buy my Fathers council property, in order that he will no longer have to pay rent and for an investment for my future. I am not currently living at the property but am I still allowed to do this? The ownership will be in his name but I will be the one obtaining the mortgage. After how long can he have the property transferred into my name? Or does he have to leave it to me in a will, or does this cause further problems? It's all very confusing.

debz 31/07/2013 at 5:46 pm

I have been in family home 20 years, tenancy in my name. I am unemployed but my daughters are working and pay rent would I be able to let my daughters buy the house, they have always lived here would I get the full discount for my 20 years if the mortgage is not in my name !

chrissieh 23/07/2013 at 5:32 pm

Who has been able to purchase a 1st floor CORNISH type flat under the right to buy scheme? Without a PRC certificate it has proven a total impossibility to get a mortgage from building societies or banks. These properties are pre fabricated and have not been bought up to PRC certificated standard. At a valuation of £140,000 it is a nightmare. How many others have tried in vain to buy these type of prefab properties and failed. I have approached everybody who may be able to assist without any luck

shell 19/04/2013 at 7:16 pm

Hi my council have offered me a 3 bedroom house which is great but because it was previously theirs then bought back by them they are now charging a lot more than their houses,why? Also I was told that a refusal of the property would result in a strike against us for future bidding? Why? And we contest this?

CAZ 05/03/2013 at 10:22 pm

I was about to buy my Grandads council home.
We were days from completion and had arrangements to transfer the monies, but he died before this happened aged 98. Now i am told the sale can not contniue even thought it was so close. I was living with him but can not succeed to the tenancy because its already been in his and nans name then soley hiis name and it only goes twice. Is there anyway i can appeal since it was so close? I also had a council flat i was giving up to move in with him.

woody 04/02/2013 at 9:21 pm

My parents have been in the same council house for 45yrs.My father died 8yrs ago,tenancy was in his name, which got changed to my mothers after his death. Will mum be eligible to full discount if buying house?
Mums getting frail how can the family keep this house ?
Can we buy it ? If mum dies before we can buy house can my son take up the tenancy ?
We live in Scotland.

ade 09/01/2013 at 6:58 pm

As a leaseholder on my flat bought in 2002 "under the right to buy" since when I'm i elligible to let it and will I still be responsible for the council tax on it even though I do not leave there nor reser any part of it for myself?

AMac 26/12/2012 at 12:14 pm

If my ex husband is living with his parents is he able to purchase their council house.? He has been there 2 years now and I believe he is able to purchase after 12 months residency. This would resolve the only outstanding issue of our divorce.

Jacqui 12/09/2012 at 7:01 pm

I own my council home through the right to buy scheme. The ex landlord is making external improvements to the house next door which is still council owned. They have been in my garden while I am at work and pulled down my fence and are intending to put scaffolding up to renovate next doors roof. They say I have to allow them to put the scaffolding up which inpedes my windows and my drive. Have they the right to do this without my permission.

fit and ready 28/08/2012 at 9:53 pm

i have recently applied for the RTB but have been informed that the propety i live in did not come under the goverment scheme as it was not purchase with funds at the time when the scheme was introduced. i have lived in the propety since 1994 prior to that i lived in council propety from 1983 but due to domestic violence i moved into a refuge and was rehoused by a Housing association. please i would like some advice.
Mnay thanks
B

Tracy 22/08/2012 at 10:36 pm

Do you have to have a down payment of your own money if you buy your council property, as well as a mortgage.

Gavin 22/08/2012 at 1:11 pm

Hi,

My wife and I would like to make the money available for my father-in-law to buy his council house.
Can we do this?
Would it be best to 'give' or 'lend' th money?
What tax or other implications might there be for us or him?
Do you suggest any legal steps to protect a) his ownership of the property b) our interest in the money we give.

VB 22/06/2012 at 5:42 pm

Kas, No you cant buy your parents house! And definately no can they pay you housing benefit so that you can pay the mortgage. I want to buy my parents house to make improvements for them - yeah right - you mean i want to buy it so i can then sell and make a profit when they die!
If the property needs updating then speak to the housing association as they have the budgets for updating.
So, in a nutshell, it is not possible to make money by trying to make out that you are helping your parents out.

Irina 08/06/2012 at 10:23 pm

Hi
I have baught my council flat through the right to buy scheme 6 months ago. I have not got s mortgage. I now want to rent it out however my friend who wants to rent it is on housing benefits. Have I got the right to rent it to him?
Thanks for your help

molly 28/05/2012 at 4:24 pm

we applied to buy my grans house but she has died before she could sign the papers, i have now gone onto the rent book but have been told that i will not be allowed to buy the property is this correct?

Kas 24/05/2012 at 10:12 pm

I would like to buy my parents council house so that I can help them make big improvements.
My mothers husband has lived there for at least 40 years so if i were to buy it for them, then we would hopefully get it at a good price.

I would like to know if, or how I can do this?

Would I get a buy to let mortgage or would I need to ask the bank for a loan and then give my parents the money to buy the house? Would my mother be able to claim housing benefit to pay the rent on the mortgage or would I have to pay the mortgage as she has just retired.

holla 21/05/2012 at 10:57 pm

does anybody know how much discount for for 2 bedroom council flat 17 year residency please anybody

mv 11/04/2012 at 12:08 am

Hi - i'm looking to buy my council flat through rtb scheme. I've been in it 8 years but may need to rent it out for a couple of years after first year. Is this allowed and if so what sort of mortgage should I be looking at? Also how much deposit do I need for this. Think council are selling these flats for around 60,000, thats before discount though. Thanks.

'G' 19/03/2012 at 4:28 pm

i have been renting off council and housing associations since i was 18 yrs old and wondered if it the house you have to be in to get discount and option to buy or the length of time i have been renting?

thomas campbell 27/02/2012 at 2:54 pm

I took over the tenancy of my parents house in 2003 when both my parents died 2 weeks apart in june 2003 I was told I would have to wait until 2005 to buy my house then 2009 then 2012 I receivied letter I am able to buy my house but it says the houseing are considering a further 10 yr extension on the right to buy I feel this is a disgrace as my next door neighbour bought his property 3 yr ago with him being a tenant in less time than myself I had to pay £700 rent arrears in 2003 in before I gained the tenancy as my parents benifit was all in a mess due to them being in hosital and I could not fill in forms on there behalf I paid this as I wanted the family home as I was a single parent of 3 children I feel I am being passed from pillar to post as it says you have the right if being tennant 2 yrs before 2005 I have been tennant since july 2003 I would like some advice please, thomas campbell

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