Right to Buy is a scheme where secure Council tenants can apply to buy the property they live in.

Properties are valued at current market prices, most properties are offered for sale at a lower price because the tenant qualifies for a discount, which is usually £16,000.

Who qualifies?
Most secure tenants of The Hyde Group that were part of a stock transfer, who have been tenants for at least two years (five years if you became a tenant after 17 January 2005).
Previous tenancies and tenancies with other councils and housing associations usually count.

How does the scheme work?
You apply to buy your home by filling in an application form. We write back to you, confirming whether or not you have the Right to Buy.
If you have the Right to Buy, we have the property valued and send you an offer of sale, You have three months to decide if you wish to buy your home.

How can I get more information / an application form?
Please contact us on 020 7346 6552 or
leaseholdmanagementenquiries@hyde-housing.co.uk

Download some information on the Right to Buyor the Right to Buy guidelines from this website:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/pdf/138178.pdf

Warning!
There are private companies and individuals who offer to help tenants to buy their homes. But you may not get good advice from them and could end up becoming homeless.

Companies and individuals offering help
Sometimes, you are asked to pay for things that you can get for free.
For example:

• We will provide an application form and help you fill it in.
• We will explain how the sales process works and answer your questions.
• We will give you information about how to find a solicitor.
• Banks and building societies offer free mortgage advice.

We are here to help you and our advice costs nothing.

Companies and individuals offering money
Sometimes companies or individuals offer tenants money if the tenant agrees to a deal where the company ends up owning the property. If you enter into this type of agreement:

• Before you buy your property, you will have to repay the discount as soon as you buy it.
• After you buy your property, you will have to repay discount as soon as you make the agreement.
• The money you make is unlikely to be enough to buy another home, and you will not get another property to rent from your local council.

Please think very carefully before using one of these companies or individuals.
Ask yourself 'what is in it for them?
They may be suggesting that you do something that benefits them, not you.
Do not sign anything that you are not entirely clear about or happy with.

Some tenants have become homeless after agreeing to deals like this. It is very important that you get independent legal advice from your own solicitor or the Citizens Advice Bureau, before you enter into such an agreement.