Right to Buy sales up 90% year-on-year
Summary
Government figures show a sharp rise in Right to Buy sales, with eligible council home purchases up 90% year-on-year to 14,275 in 2025-26. The increase is linked to applicants rushing to secure higher discounts before a reduction, while the government is also progressing reforms to tighten eligibility and protect social housing stock.
Why it matters
Surveyors involved in valuation, local authority stock, and residential transactions may see increased activity around former council homes and changing assumptions on tenure and discount-driven demand. The proposed reforms could affect the pipeline of Right to Buy sales and the long-term composition of the housing stock in some areas.
Key points
- Eligible Right to Buy sales rose to 14,275 in 2025-26, up 90% year-on-year.
- Applications surged ahead of a discount reduction, reaching 63,378 in 2024-25.
- Government plans include extending the minimum eligibility period from 3 to 10 years.
- New discount rules would start at 5% and rise by 1% annually, capped at 15% or the cash limit.
- A 35-year exemption would prevent new-build social homes from being sold under Right to Buy.
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