Buying your home Right to Buy application process

Things to consider before applying

Buying your home is a big decision. Here are a few things to think about before applying:

• Local property prices: Use websites like Zoopla or Rightmove to see what similar homes in your area are selling for
• Upfront costs: You will need to pay for solicitor fees, survey fees and mortgage fees
• Impact on benefits: If you receive Housing Benefit, your payments will stop once the sale is completed
• Rent arrears: You must clear any outstanding rent before the sale goes through
• Your responsibilities: After you apply, non-emergency repairs to your home will stop. Once you buy the home, you will be responsible for all repairs. You will also need to insure your home.

We recommend that you seek independent financial advice to ensure you can afford a mortgage and the ongoing costs of homeownership.

Step 1: Submit your application

Send the following documents to propertytransactions@greensquareaccord.co.uk

• Your completed Right to Buy application form (RTB1)
• Copies of photo ID for everyone included on the application form
• Proof of living at the address for the past 12 months for anyone on the application form who is not a tenant

Step 2: Eligibility checks

We will review your eligibility for the Right to Buy scheme. We will check:

• your public sector tenancy history
• the type of tenancy agreement you have
• whether your property is eligible for the scheme

We will also carry out fraud and bankruptcy checks.

Step 3: Eligibility confirmation

Within 4 weeks of receiving your application, we will send you a notice (known as an RTB2 form) to confirm if you are eligible to proceed.

Step 4: Property valuation

If you are eligible, we will arrange an independent valuation of the property. This will be carried out by a RICS-qualified surveyor (Registered Institute Chartered Surveyors).

Your discount will be based on the number of years you have lived in your home.

Step 5: Offer notice

We’ll send you an offer notice within 8 weeks (12 weeks for flats). This will include:

• the property value
• your discount amount
• details of any service charges you may have to pay

Step 6: Proceed with the purchase

If you want to proceed with the purchase, you will need to hire a solicitor and get a mortgage offer.

Return the following documents within 3 months of receiving the offer notice:

• Notice of intention form
• Mortgage offer or proof of funding
• Anti-money laundering form

If you don’t want to proceed, return the notice of intention stating that you do not want to buy your home.