Right to Buy Scheme

Take a look at Issue 2 of New Lease - our leaseholder newsletter.

The Right To Buy was introduced under the 1980 Housing Act. The Act gave most secure tenants the right to buy the home they live in.

This meant the right to buy the freehold of a house of which the landlord had a freehold interest, or the lease of a flat where the landlord’s interest is freehold. This act also incorporated service charges to flats and maisonettes where you purchase the lease of the property.

Who has the right to buy?

If you are a secure tenant of Nottingham City Homes you will probably have the right to buy the home you live in. The right to buy does not arise unless the qualifying period for the length of your tenancy has been served, as detailed below.

• If your secure tenancy was in existence before 18th January 2005, or you were a public sector tenant before 18th January 2005 (and you have been a public sector tenant continuously since that time), you do not have the right to buy until you have spent at least two years as a public sector tenant.
• If you are a new tenant where the tenancy began on or after 18th January 2005 and you have not been a public sector tenant before that time you do not have the right to buy until you have spent at least five years as a public sector tenant.

However there are certain exceptions to the Right to Buy Scheme.

How much discount will you get?

More about your right to buy your home is available in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's (ODPM) booklet “Your right to buy your home”- see right.

If you are thinking of buying your home and would like more information on things to consider before you buy, please contact:

The Right to Buy Section
Nottingham City Council
The Guildhall
Burton Street
Nottingham
NG1 4BT
Phone 0115 915 4551 / 2 / 3
Fax: 0115 915 4679

Information about the Right to Buy Scheme can also be obtained from:

The Right to Buy and Leasehold Officer
Nottingham City Homes
14 Hounds Gate, Nottingham, NG1 7BA
Phone: 0115 915 7385
Fax: 0115 915 7358
E-mail: righttobuy@nottinghamcityhomes.org.uk