Thinking of buying your Council home?

If you are thinking about buying your council home then the process is called Right to Buy. There is a lot to think about before buying your council home, including the difference between renting it and buying it.

 

 

 

In 1985 the Government started a scheme where council tenants could buy their council property at a discounted price. This scheme is called the Right to Buy, and is a free service offered by every council.

 

The Government has produced a booklet that provides information relating to buying your council home. You can download a copy of these booklets and more information about Right to Buy on the RTB process web pages.

 

 

 

The Right to Buy process is managed by the Home Ownership Team in Sheffield Council. We check that you have fulfilled all the criteria to be able to buy, if you have we will organise for a valuer to come and value your property. We also organise a surveyor to draw up the plans for your property and we have a conveyance team in our legal department that will complete the sale on behalf of us.

 

We will send you a letter at each stage to let you know what stage of the process your application is at. Each of these stages is explained in more detail on the RTB Process web pages.

 

 

You need to complete an application form to start the process. Once you receive your valuation from us you will need to find a mortgage and you will need to appoint a solicitor to complete the sale on your behalf.

 

Unfortunately, we are unable to recommend any mortgage companies or solicitors. You can get free information about different types of financial products by visiting the money made clear website.

 

 

Once you have completed the Right to Buy you will no longer be paying rent to us, you will be paying a mortgage. Mortgage payments are different to rent payments as your property is secured on these. This means that if you do not keep up the payments on your mortgage you could lose your property.

 

You will already be paying utility bills but your water rates will be included in your rent payments. As you will no longer be paying rent you will have to pay your own water rates as well. We will inform the water company that you are no longer a council tenant and they will contact you when your bill is due to be paid.

 

As a council tenant, you can get repairs and modernisation work carried out by us. As a homeowner you will be responsible for all repairs and work to your property. This includes finding a plumber, electrician, builder etc and paying for it. You will also have to arrange for your boiler and gas appliances to be serviced.

 

If you are buying a flat you will also have to pay service charges, major works and insurance. More information about owning a flat or maisonette is available on the Leasehold Management web pages.

 

If you need to know any more information about the Right to Buy process you can contact the Home Ownership Team.