Right to Buy Mortgages
Free advice
Joint borrower sole proprietor
Low deposits or credit issues
We specialise in arranging Right to Buy mortgages for council and housing association tenants across the UK, even if you’ve had bad credit, missed payments, or complex income. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a returning homeowner, or self-employed, we can help you take the next step towards homeownership with a tailored Right to Buy mortgage solution. With access to whole-of-market lenders, including those offering Right to Buy mortgage bad credit options, we ensure you’re matched with the most suitable product for your circumstances. Our team understands the nuances of Right to Buy schemes and can guide you through every stage, from securing your Right to Buy discount to navigating affordability checks and completing your application. Whether you’re purchasing a council house, flat, or housing association property, our expert brokers are here to help you unlock the benefits of Right to Buy mortgages UK. We even support shared ownership tenants who wish to buy 100% of their home.
Right to Buy Criteria
What is a right to buy mortgage?
A Right to Buy mortgage is a specialist home loan product that enables eligible council or housing association tenants in the UK to purchase the property they currently rent, often at a substantial discount through the government’s Right to Buy scheme. This discount—sometimes worth tens of thousands of pounds, can typically be used in place of a cash deposit, making the scheme particularly attractive to first-time buyers or those with limited savings. Right to Buy mortgages work similarly to standard residential mortgages but are tailored to the specific criteria and structure of the Right to Buy scheme. The key difference lies in how the deposit is handled. Many Right to Buy mortgage lenders in the UK will accept the Right to Buy discount as a full or partial deposit, which reduces the upfront financial burden for the borrower. This makes it easier for tenants to secure funding without needing to raise a large deposit independently. We specialise in sourcing Right to Buy mortgages for bad credit applicants, including those with County Court Judgements (CCJs), defaults, missed payments, or Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs). Unlike high street banks, many of the Right to Buy mortgage lenders we work with take a more flexible, common-sense approach to underwriting, assessing applications on a case-by-case basis. We can support borrowers who are self-employed, in receipt of benefits, or have complex income streams.
Our approach includes access to standard and specialist lenders, including options for Right to Buy mortgages with no deposit, interest-only options, and lenders who allow extended mortgage terms up to age 75 or even 85. For those who have had a mortgage declined previously due to credit issues or affordability concerns, Mortgage Lane offers tailored support, including guidance on improving eligibility and securing a poor credit Right to Buy mortgage. Whether you’re looking for council house mortgages, Right to Buy re-mortgages, or support with joint Right to Buy applications, we provide expert guidance every step of the way. We also assist applicants in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (noting that the Right to Buy scheme has been abolished in Scotland). If you’re unsure about your eligibility or how much you could borrow under the scheme, our Right to Buy mortgage calculator and consultation process can give you clear answers and outline your next steps.
Not quite sure what you need?
Want to know more about right to buy mortgages? Request a call back from one of our expert right to buy mortgage advisors!
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Under 1 hour response time
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31 days average offer time
Right to buy mortgages we assist with
We assist tenants navigate the full spectrum of Right to Buy mortgage options, whether you're purchasing your council house, housing association property, or exploring alternative ways to boost affordability. We offer tailored mortgage advice and lender access for every type of eligible applicant, making the process of becoming a homeowner smoother and more accessible. We support applications for Right to Buy home loans where the discount can be used as a deposit, meaning you may not need to contribute any personal savings at all. This makes the scheme one of the most affordable routes onto the property ladder, especially for those with limited savings or lower incomes. Whether you're a first-time buyer using Right to Buy, have a bad credit history, or want to apply through a Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor (JBSP) setup to boost affordability with a family member, we can help. Our network of Right to Buy mortgage lenders includes those who are open to complex circumstances, benefit income, and adverse credit. From start to finish, Mortgage Lane provides expert support and access to the best Right to Buy mortgage rates and RTB mortgage UK deals, helping you take control of your future and secure your home on your terms.
Purchasing your council or housing association home through the Right to Buy scheme is a major step toward securing long-term property ownership. A mortgage for Right to Buy is specifically designed for eligible tenants who wish to buy the home they already rent from a local authority or housing association. These specialist mortgage products are structured to work alongside the Right to Buy scheme — enabling you to use your government-provided discount as part or even all of your deposit, making homeownership more achievable for those with limited savings. We help a wide range of borrowers, from first-time buyers to those with a history of bad credit, secure the best Right to Buy mortgage rates and navigate the complexities of the process with confidence. Whether you’re purchasing a flat or a house, Right to Buy mortgage deals offer an affordable route into the property market. The scheme is particularly valuable for tenants who have spent many years in their homes, building community ties and looking for stability.
Many council and housing association tenants benefit from significant discounts, often up to £96,000 across the UK or up to £127,900 in London. These discounts reduce the purchase price and can be used as a full deposit, making the Right to Buy home loan one of the most accessible property finance solutions in the UK. Lenders offering these mortgages understand the nuances of the scheme and assess affordability based on your employment income, benefits, or pension, depending on your individual situation. Navigating the Right to Buy process involves dealing with both your landlord (typically a local council or housing association) and a mortgage lender. That’s where Mortgage Lane steps in. We have access to Right to Buy mortgage lenders that consider applications from self-employed borrowers, those on variable income, and even those with past credit issues. Our expert team will guide you from your initial enquiry to a smooth and successful completion, helping you unlock the full potential of your Right to Buy opportunity.
Securing a Right to Buy mortgage with bad credit is more achievable than many tenants think. While a poor credit history can make mortgage approval more complex, there are specialist lenders in the UK Right to Buy mortgage market who consider applications from borrowers with adverse financial backgrounds. Whether you’ve experienced missed payments, CCJs, defaults, or even bankruptcy, there are Right to Buy mortgage lenders for bad credit who may still be able to help you take ownership of your home. We work with a panel of lenders who offer Right to Buy mortgages for poor credit, tailored to meet the needs of tenants with challenging credit reports. These lenders use a more flexible approach to affordability, often focusing on your current income and ability to repay the loan, rather than penalising you solely for past credit issues. In some cases, they may accept benefits income, pension income, or self-employed earnings when assessing your application.
Many tenants don’t realise that having a poor credit file does not automatically mean rejection. With the Right to Buy discount acting as a deposit, you are often borrowing a relatively low loan-to-value, which can improve your application’s chances. That’s why a bad credit Right to Buy mortgage is still very much possible, particularly with the support of an experienced broker. Mortgage Lane has helped many clients with adverse credit Right to Buy mortgage applications, and we know how to position your case for approval. Whether your financial difficulties are recent or historic, we can guide you to Right to Buy lenders who offer realistic solutions and competitive deals for those who may not qualify with high-street banks.
A Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor (JBSP) Right to Buy mortgage is an ideal solution for tenants who are eligible to purchase their council or housing association home through the Right to Buy scheme, but need help with affordability. This specialist structure allows a close family member, such as a parent, adult child, or sibling, to join the mortgage application to boost the income assessment, without being added to the legal title of the property. This setup is especially valuable for tenants on lower incomes or who are receiving benefits, as it enables them to access higher loan amounts while still benefiting from the Right to Buy discount in their name only. Since the additional borrower is not named on the property deeds, there are no implications for losing the Right to Buy entitlement, which must remain in the name of the eligible tenant. We work with lenders who specialise in Right to Buy JBSP mortgages UK, understanding both the discounted purchase mortgage structure and the affordability flexibilities required by applicants. These lenders often accept a wide range of income sources, including salaries, self-employed earnings, pension income, and even benefit income from the main tenant, when calculating the affordability of the loan.
A Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor Right to Buy mortgage can also be an excellent fit for first-time buyers who are unable to qualify on their own but have supportive family members willing to help. It allows families to work together without sacrificing the Right to Buy discount or triggering additional stamp duty costs that can come with joint ownership. Whether you’re looking for bad credit Right to Buy mortgage options, JBSP Right to Buy lenders, or simply the best Right to Buy mortgage rates, Mortgage Lane offers expert guidance and whole-of-market access. We’ll guide you through the process, from eligibility checks and affordability assessments to application and completion, ensuring a smooth and supported transition into homeownership.
One of the biggest advantages of the Right to Buy scheme is the ability to use your Right to Buy discount as a deposit, making it far easier for council and housing association tenants to step onto the property ladder. With a Right to Buy home loan, borrowers aren’t required to raise a traditional deposit out of their own savings — instead, the discount offered by the local authority can count as your equity in the transaction. This structure is commonly referred to as a discounted purchase mortgage, where the lender treats the discount as if it were a cash deposit. For example, if your property is valued at £200,000 and you receive a £70,000 Right to Buy discount, a lender may consider you to be borrowing only 65% of the property’s open market value, even though you’re technically borrowing 100% of the purchase price. This not only increases accessibility but may also improve your borrowing terms with some lenders.
We specialise in sourcing RTB mortgage UK products that work seamlessly with discounted purchase arrangements. Many mainstream lenders and specialists are now well-versed in this structure, and we can guide you through the affordability checks and documentation needed to ensure your Right to Buy home loan progresses without delays. Using your discount as a deposit is one of the main reasons why RTB mortgage UK solutions are so popular, especially for those with limited savings. It eliminates a key barrier to entry and allows tenants to convert years of renting into an investment in their future.
Getting your foot on the property ladder as a first-time buyer through the Right to Buy scheme is one of the most accessible paths to homeownership in the UK. A Right to Buy mortgage for first-time buyers allows eligible council or housing association tenants to purchase the home they’ve been renting, often at a significant discount. This discount , which can be up to £96,000 outside London or £127,900 in London, acts as a deposit, making these mortgages especially attractive to those who may not have been able to save a large deposit through traditional means. We assist in helping first-time buyers get a mortgage through Right to Buy, even if they have limited credit history or complex income. Our team works with lenders that understand the unique structure of RTB mortgage UK applications and offer competitive options tailored to first-time buyers. Whether you’re employed, self-employed, on benefits, or using a pension, we help you find the right lender for your circumstances.
Many first-time buyer Right to Buy mortgage deals come with competitive rates and flexible lending criteria, making them ideal for those taking their first step into ownership. Some lenders may also offer discounted purchase mortgage products that streamline the approval process by recognising the Right to Buy discount as your full deposit. With Mortgage Lane, first-time buyers get more than just access to the best Right to Buy mortgage rates, they get expert guidance every step of the way. From confirming your eligibility to handling the application with your local authority and securing the most suitable mortgage offer, we ensure your transition from tenant to homeowner is as seamless as possible.
Not quite sure what you need?
If you aren’t sure what you need, request a call back from one of our expert mortgage advisors!
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Under 1 hour response time
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31 days average offer time
Questions about Right to Buy Mortgages
Yes, a 42-year-old can typically get a 30-year mortgage, provided they meet the lender’s affordability and eligibility criteria. However, age can affect the maximum term depending on the lender’s upper age limit at the end of the mortgage.
Key considerations:
Most lenders allow mortgage terms to run until age 70 or 75, and some even go up to age 85 or beyond, especially for residential mortgages.
If you’re 42 and applying for a 30-year mortgage, the loan would end when you’re 72 — well within the acceptable range for most lenders.
If you’re nearing retirement or plan to retire before the mortgage ends, the lender may want evidence of retirement income to ensure you can still meet repayments.
Yes, you can re-mortgage a Right to Buy property, including council-owned homes, but there are some important considerations. Once you’ve purchased your council or housing association property through the Right to Buy scheme, you legally own the property and have the right to re-mortgage it — whether to get a better rate, raise capital, or switch lenders. However, if you’re still within the Right to Buy discount repayment period (typically five years from the date of purchase), you’ll need to be cautious. If you sell or re-mortgage to release equity during this time, you may be required to repay some or all of your discount. The repayment amount is usually calculated on a sliding scale, depending on how many years have passed since you bought the property.
For those looking to re-mortgage a Right to Buy home loan, lenders will typically assess the current market value of the property, the outstanding mortgage balance, your credit history, and affordability. If the property has increased in value, you may also be able to release equity. Some borrowers use this equity for home improvements, debt consolidation, or even to help family members with deposits. We work with lenders that specialise in Right to Buy mortgage deals and re-mortgages — including those open to applicants with bad credit, self-employment, or unconventional income. We can help you explore the best Right to Buy mortgage rates for your re-mortgage needs and ensure the process runs smoothly, whether you’re re-mortgaging within the discount period or long after.
Yes, you can borrow extra on a Right to Buy mortgage, but it depends on your lender’s criteria, your income, credit history, and the value of the property. Most Right to Buy mortgage lenders allow borrowers to request additional borrowing for specific, approved purposes — such as home improvements, essential repairs, or legal costs associated with the purchase.
However, your Right to Buy discount can only be used as a deposit toward the purchase price of the property itself — not toward any extra borrowing. So if you’re looking to borrow more than the discounted purchase price (for example, to cover refurbishments), you may need to contribute your own funds or meet stricter affordability checks.
In some cases, lenders may allow you to borrow up to the full value of the discounted purchase price, but the total loan cannot exceed the market value of the property. Others may cap additional borrowing to ensure you’re not over-leveraging — especially if you’re within the five-year discount repayment period, where early sale or refinancing can trigger repayment of some or all of the discount.
We have access to a wide range of Right to Buy home loan providers and can advise on lenders that offer flexibility with extra borrowing. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, have bad credit, or want to improve your council home, we’ll help you explore your options and secure the most suitable Right to Buy mortgage deal for your situation.
Several UK banks and specialist lenders offer Right to Buy mortgages, each with varying criteria based on your credit profile, income type, and the size of your Right to Buy discount. Some of the most well-known Right to Buy mortgage lenders include:
High Street Banks
- Halifax – Known for flexible criteria and often accepts Right to Buy discounts as a full deposit.
- Nationwide – Offers competitive Right to Buy mortgage rates, especially for first-time buyers.
- Barclays – Supports applicants using Right to Buy schemes, though may require some contribution beyond the discount in certain cases.
- Santander – Accepts applications for Right to Buy home loans, typically requiring affordability based on stable income.
Specialist & Broker-Only Lenders
- Precise Mortgages – Often supports clients with bad credit or non-standard income under the RTB mortgage UK framework.
- Kensington Mortgages – Well-suited for self-employed applicants and those with complex income structures.
- Aldermore – Offers discounted purchase mortgages and may accept more adverse credit history than traditional banks.
- Together Money – A flexible lender that can look beyond credit issues and offer tailored Right to Buy mortgage deals.
Yes, many lenders accept your Right to Buy discount as a deposit, meaning you may not need to put down any cash upfront. This is known as a discounted purchase mortgage.
Right to Buy mortgage rates vary by lender, credit profile, and loan amount. At Mortgage Lane, we compare the best Right to Buy mortgage deals from across the market to find competitive rates tailored to your situation.
The Right to Buy discount can be up to £96,000 (£127,900 in London) depending on your tenancy length and the property’s value. This discount significantly reduces the price and increases your borrowing power.
Yes, Right to Buy mortgages are available for eligible flats and maisonettes, provided the local authority or housing provider agrees to sell the unit and you meet the qualifying criteria.
Yes, first-time buyers who are council or housing association tenants can apply for a Right to Buy mortgage. The scheme provides an accessible way to step onto the property ladder with minimal or no deposit.
Yes, if you sell within 5 years, you’ll need to repay a portion of the Right to Buy discount. The repayment amount reduces each year and is based on the sale price, not the original discount amount.
Yes, once you’ve owned your property for a set period, you can re-mortgage your Right to Buy home just like any other property owner, either to access equity or secure a better deal.
The process can take 6–12 weeks, depending on how quickly your council processes your Right to Buy application and how fast your lender completes underwriting.
Absolutely. At Mortgage Lane, we have access to a wide panel of Right to Buy mortgage lenders, including exclusive deals for bad credit, first-time buyers, and discounted purchase mortgages.
With Right to Buy, your discount can act as your deposit, meaning you may not need any cash upfront. Some lenders also allow gifted deposits from close family members.
Yes, you can absolutely get a mortgage with a Right to Buy discount — and in many cases, the discount itself is accepted as a full or partial deposit. This means you may not need to provide any savings to secure your Right to Buy home loan. Lenders who offer discounted purchase mortgages understand how the scheme works and are willing to lend based on the property’s discounted value rather than its full market price.
When applying for a Right to Buy mortgage, one of the major benefits is that your Right to Buy discount can often be used in place of a traditional cash deposit. Most lenders offering Right to Buy home loans will allow the discount to count as all or part of the required deposit, significantly reducing or even eliminating the need for upfront savings. For example, if your council property is worth £200,000 and you’re entitled to a £70,000 Right to Buy discount, you would only need a mortgage for the remaining £130,000. In this case, many RTB mortgage UK lenders would consider that discount as your full deposit, meaning you wouldn’t need to contribute any additional funds.
However, some Right to Buy mortgage lenders may still require a small personal deposit, especially if the loan-to-value (LTV) criteria is tighter or if you have adverse credit. The amount varies, but it’s typically lower than standard residential purchases due to the equity already built in through the discount. These types of loans are often referred to as discounted purchase mortgages and remain one of the most affordable ways to get on the property ladder.
If you’re wondering how to get a mortgage for a Right to Buy property or can I get a mortgage with a Right to Buy discount, the answer is yes—provided you meet basic affordability checks and eligibility under the scheme. At Mortgage Lane, we specialise in guiding first-time buyers, tenants with bad credit, and low-deposit applicants through the process.
Yes, in many cases you can buy your council house with no deposit by using your Right to Buy discount as the deposit. This is one of the key benefits of the Right to Buy scheme — the discount you receive from your local authority or housing association can often count as your deposit, meaning you may not need to put down any cash upfront.
The size of the Right to Buy discount depends on how long you’ve lived in the property and whether it’s a house or flat. In England, discounts can be up to £96,000 — or £127,900 in London — which can significantly reduce the mortgage amount you need.
Most Right to Buy mortgage lenders accept the discount as a substitute for a traditional deposit. These are often referred to as discounted purchase mortgages or Right to Buy home loans. This makes mortgages for Right to Buy properties more accessible, especially for tenants who may not have large savings but have built up years of tenancy.
However, some lenders may still require additional affordability checks, especially if you have bad credit, self-employment, or other non-standard income sources. At Mortgage Lane, we specialise in Right to Buy mortgage deals for all borrower types and can help you find the most suitable lender if you’re looking to purchase with no cash deposit.
A Right to Buy mortgage typically takes between 6 to 12 weeks from application to completion, but this can vary depending on several factors. The overall timeline involves two main stages: the Right to Buy process with your council or housing association, and the mortgage application and approval with your lender.
The council or housing provider usually issues an offer notice (Section 125 notice) within 4 to 8 weeks of your Right to Buy application. This outlines the property’s market value, your Right to Buy discount, and the purchase terms. Once you accept the offer, you can begin the mortgage process.
From that point, the Right to Buy mortgage application may take an additional 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the lender’s turnaround times, your documentation, property valuation, and legal work. If you’re applying with bad credit, are self-employed, or using benefits or pension income, this can extend the process slightly, as extra checks may be required.
We work with Right to Buy mortgage lenders who are experienced with these cases, including RTB mortgage UK products and discounted purchase mortgages, to help move things along efficiently. With the right broker support, your Right to Buy home loan can be approved swiftly and with minimal delay.
Yes, you can get a mortgage on a Right to Buy property, and it’s often more accessible than many people think. The Right to Buy scheme allows eligible council or housing association tenants to purchase their home at a significant discount — up to £96,000 across England and £127,900 in London. This Right to Buy discount can be used as a full or partial deposit, making it easier to secure a Right to Buy mortgage without needing large savings.
Most UK mortgage lenders offer specific Right to Buy mortgage deals, which are designed to work with the structure of the scheme. These products assess affordability just like a traditional mortgage — using income from employment, self-employment, pensions, or even certain benefits. If you have a low deposit or bad credit, specialist Right to Buy mortgage lenders are available to support you.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, applying as part of a Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor (JBSP) setup, or need help navigating the council’s legal process, brokers like Mortgage Lane can help guide you from offer letter to completion — with access to the best Right to Buy mortgage rates on the market.
To qualify for a Right to Buy home loan, you must have been a public sector tenant for at least 3 years and live in a property owned by a local authority or housing association. The lender will also assess your creditworthiness and income before approval.
Yes, there are Right to Buy mortgage lenders who accept applicants with bad credit, including those with CCJs, defaults, or missed payments. Specialist lenders may offer higher rates but still make homeownership achievable.
Yes, self-employed borrowers can apply for a Right to Buy mortgage. You’ll usually need to provide 1–2 years of accounts or tax returns, and your affordability will be assessed based on average profits.
A Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor (JBSP) Right to Buy mortgage allows a family member to help with affordability by being on the mortgage without being added to the deeds. This is useful for boosting income while retaining the tenant’s Right to Buy eligibility.
Lenders assess your income, outgoings, credit history, and affordability. Some RTB mortgage UK providers also accept benefit income, pensions, and other sources of income when calculating your loan eligibility.
Yes, you’ll need to pay for legal fees, valuation costs, and possibly a mortgage broker fee. However, Mortgage Lane can guide you through lenders with free valuations or no product fees.
Some Right to Buy mortgage lenders accept applications where part of your income includes Universal Credit, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or Personal Independence Payment (PIP), depending on their criteria.
If you’ve been declined, don’t worry — Mortgage Lane works with specialist lenders who may still approve you, even if your previous application was unsuccessful.
Yes, you can buy with up to 3 family members if they’ve lived in the property for the last 12 months, or with a financial supporter via a Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor arrangement.
To get a mortgage for a Right to Buy property, start by applying to your local authority or housing association for your Right to Buy offer letter (Section 125 Notice), which confirms your eligibility and discount. Once you have this, speak to a mortgage broker like Mortgage Lane, who specialises in Right to Buy mortgage deals. We’ll assess your income, credit profile, and affordability, then match you with the best RTB mortgage UK lenders who offer products tailored to your circumstances, even if you’re a first-time buyer or have bad credit.
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