Deciding to buy your home is likely to be the biggest financial commitment you will ever make, it is therefore important that you take the time to find out everything that is involved before making that decision.

What is the Right to Buy Scheme?

The Right to Buy scheme was introduced in 1980 to enable secure Council tenants to purchase their properties at the current market value but subject to a discount based on the number of years spent as a public sector tenant. There have been some changes to the scheme over the years, the most recent major changes being in January 2005.

Who Can Buy their Home?

Most Ashford Borough Council secure tenants have the right to buy their home.

How long before I can buy my home?

If your secure tenancy started before 18 January 2005 you are required to have been a public sector tenant continuously for minimum of two years.

If you are a new secure tenant since 18 January 2005 you do not have the Right to Buy until you have been a public sector tenant for at least 5 years.

You can count previous public sector tenancies with other Councils towards the qualifying period and you may be able to apply jointly with other members of your family providing they have lived with you continuously for the past 12 months or with someone who holds a joint tenancy with you.

Exclusions from the Right to Buy Scheme

You will not be able to exercise your Right to Buy if:

• You do not have a secure tenancy
• You live in a property designated as sheltered accommodation

Your Right to Buy may not be accepted if your property is a bungalow or a ground floor flat, if:

• It was first let before 1st January 1990
• It is particularly suitable for occupation by elderly persons, taking account of it’s location and design.
• It was let for occupation to a person aged over 60

There are special rules that apply if a property is subject to a demolition order and the Right to Buy may be suspended or revoked in these circumstances.

You will not be able to buy your property if:

• A court has made a possession order against your property requiring you to leave.
• You are an undischarged bankrupt, have a bankruptcy petition pending against you or have outstanding arrangements with Creditors.
• A suspension order has been made by the Court in relation to anti-social behaviour or use of the premises for unlawful purposes.

The Council will send you a notice form RTB2 within four weeks of receiving your completed form. This will confirm if you have the Right to Buy your home. If you have been a tenant with us for less than two years you will receive a response within 8 weeks.

View our Costs to Consider and Easy Steps to Buying webpages for more information.

To make an application you can download a RTB1 Form, or you can contact the Housing Services Team on 01233 330688. If you would like any more information please contact Sue Major 01233 330531.

Go to the Right to Buy Section of the Goverment's Website where you can browse or download detailed information about buying your home.

Additional booklets from the Communities and Local Government Office are also available. To obtain a copy of “Your Right to Buy your Home” or “Thinking of Buying a Council Flat” please contact the Housing Service team on 01233 330688.