Right To Buy

Right to Buy (RTB) allows some council tenants to buy their council home at a discount. You may be eligible to buy your property under the RTB scheme if:

  • the property is your only or principal home
  • you hold a secure tenancy with us
  • you have been a tenant for at least three years.

You can check your eligibility on the own your home website. You can only apply for a RTB if the property is your main home. If your situation changes, you must contact us right away.

The application process

The first thing you need to do is book an appointment with us. We will help you complete the RTB application form and explain the process to you.

Getting ready for your appointment

You will need to bring these documents with you to your appointment:

  • proof of your identity such as a passport
  • proof of your address such as a recent utility bill
  • proof of any previous tenancy with another social landlord. We will use any previous tenancies to calculate your discount.

You can sign and submit your application at the appointment. You can also complete your application and send it by recorded delivery. Or, you can send it by email after your appointment.

Book your appointment: leaseholdandrtbservices@harrow.gov.uk.

What happens next?

If your RTB application is accepted we will:

  • arrange for a valuation and survey of your property
  • send you the valuation within three months. You will not have to pay for this.

You will lose your RTB eligibility if your tenancy ceases to be a secure tenancy.

Declaration forms

During the application process, you will need to complete some declaration forms. Each applicant will need to confirm:

  1. they have never been bankrupt
  2. they do not have a bankruptcy petition pending against them
  3. the property is the only or principal home under the RTB application.

You may be prosecuted if you withhold information. Or, if you give false or misleading information.

Please read the declaration forms. Ensure you understand them before you sign them. We will help you with any questions you may have at your appointment.

How much discount can I get?

The amount of discount you are eligible for will depend on:

  • how long you have been a tenant
  • where you live
  • and the type of property you are buying (whether it is a flat or a house).

The most discount you can qualify for in London is £127,900. If you sell your home within five years you will have to pay back some of the discount.

Can I buy my home with a family member?

You may be able to buy your home with a family member. This is as long as they can prove they have lived in the property for at least the last 12 months.

Can I buy a flat or maisonette?

If you are buying a flat or maisonette you will have to pay service charges to the council. This is explained in our RTB booklet. An estimate of these charges will be sent to you with your valuation reports.

How can I find out the value of my property?

You can find out your home's value to see if you can afford it. You can use our RTB calculator.