Right to Buy
The preserved right to buy applies to those who were secure tenants of South Shropshire District Council when their properties were transferred to the Association or to those who are successors of such tenants.
Can anyone else buy with me?
Anyone who is a joint tenant can buy with you. Also up to three members of your family, if it is their only or principal home and they have lived with you for the last twelve months.
How much will I have to pay?
The property will be valued at market rate. The value of any improvements you have carried out will not be included in the market rate. You can get a discount on the value depending on the length of time you have been a tenant.
What will the initial costs be?
You will need to advise a solicitor to act on your behalf, so there will be legal costs. You will also need to pay fees to the Land registry, for the Local Authority search and if the purchase price of the property is above a certain amount you will incur stamp duty.
How do I apply?
Ask your Neighbourhood Services Officer for an application form.
What do I do if I want to move?
If you have exercised the right to buy, you have become the owner of the property and can sell it on. However if you do so within five years of buying you will need to pay back all or part of the discount that you received.
Right to Acquire
Who has the right to acquire?
To qualify for the scheme a property must have been built or purchased by a Registered Social Landlord, funded on or after 1 April 1997 through a social housing grant provided by the Housing Corporation or a local Authority. As well as occupying a qualifying property you must also:
- Have spent at least two years as a public sector tenant or in accommodation provided by the armed services.
- Live in a house or flat which is a self contained property and is your only or main home.
- Live in a town that has a population of more than 3000.
Can anyone else buy it with me?
Anyone who is a joint tenant can buy with you. Also up to three members of your family, if it is their only or principal home and they have lived with you for the last twelve months.
How much will I have to pay?
The property will be valued at market value. The amount of discount you receive will depend on where you live.
What will the initial costs be?
You will need to advise a solicitor to act on your behalf, so there will be legal costs. You will also need to pay fees to the Land registry, for the Local Authority search and if the purchase price of the property is above a certain amount you will incur stamp duty.
How do I apply?
Ask your Neighbourhood Services Officer for an application form.
What do I do if I want to move?
If you have exercised your right to acquire, you have become the owner of the property and can sell it on. However if you do so within five years of buying you will need to pay back all or part of the discount that you received.