Apply for Right to Buy
Applications update
We have received a very high volume of Right to Buy applications following the government's review of the scheme. We are working hard to process applications in the order they were received, and will be in touch as soon as possible.
The Right to Buy scheme allows most council tenants to buy their council home at a discount.
About the scheme
The Right to Buy scheme allows council tenants, who have over three years of public sector tenancy, the opportunity to purchase their council property.
This involves:
- A valuation (we require access to the property), and
- An offer letter (S125 notice) which will advise you of the level of discount and the price you will need to pay to purchase the property
Read further information about the Right to Buy scheme.
Changes to Right to Buy discounts
Following the government’s review of Right to Buy discounts, the maximum cash discounts available will be reduced.
Applications received before 21 November 2024 will be eligible for the current maximum discount of £136,400.
Reduced maximum discounts
Applications received on or after 21 November 2024 will only be eligible for the reduced maximum discount of £16,000.
Online applications made after mid-night on 20 November 2024 will only be eligible for the reduced maximum discount of £16,000.
Application deadlines
If you are posting an application, you should make a copy and send it by recorded delivery to:
London Borough of Wandsworth
Housing Initiatives Team
Wandsworth
SW18 2PU
We will need to receive your application by 4.30pm on 20 November 2024, otherwise your application will only be eligible for the reduced maximum discount of £16,000.
You can submit your completed application in person by visiting our Customer Centre or Housing Reception at 90 Putney Bridge Road, SW18 1HR. Applications must be submitted by 4.30pm on 20 November 2024, otherwise your application will only be eligible for the reduced maximum discount of £16,000.
Apply
To make an application, you need to:
- Apply on the Right to Buy website
- Complete the additional information form - Make sure you include all addresses and dates where you or your spouse have previously held council tenancies (even if they were not in this borough), as well as any temporary accommodation provided by the council and ensure that all applicants sign the form.
- Supply supporting documents - failure to provide these may result in your application being denied. These are:
- Copy of a household bill (dated within the past 3 months)
- Copy of your passport or driving licence
What happens next
If you submit a Right to Buy application the matter will be referred to a Housing Investigations Officer who will look further at how you are planning to finance the purchase of your home, and other aspects of the validity of your application if:
- You have recently been in receipt of benefits and/or
- You are found to be in breach of your tenancy agreement and/or
- Your application is believed to be unlawful for any other reason
If you would like any help or advice concerning your application, please ring the Housing Initiatives team on 020 8871 6161. For independent advice you may also wish to contact the Citizens Advice Bureau or your solicitor.
Once your application has been accepted and your finances have been agreed, you will need to employ a solicitor to deal with the legalities of the transaction. We will not accept any cash funds from personal account(s). The expectation is that all the completion funds will be submitted via a UK based legal firm.
Please note that from the date of the RTB1 registration we will only carry out emergency or urgent works. The reason for this is that the valuation is based on the date the application was made and any improvements or repairs after that date would affect the valuation.
Additional information
Find out more information on the government's Own Your Home webpage.