Home sales under Right to Buy leap 90%
Summary
Right to Buy sales in England rose sharply in 2025 to 2026, with 14,275 council homes sold, while replacement supply funded through receipts fell to 3,452 homes. The article links the increase to proposed reforms under the Social Housing Bill and notes that reduced discounts and tighter eligibility may prompt tenants to buy before further changes take effect.
Why it matters
The scale of Right to Buy sales affects the stock of social housing and can influence local housing availability, tenure mix and demand in the private rented sector. Surveyors involved in valuation, housing advice or local market analysis should note the potential for policy-driven demand shifts and reduced replacement supply.
Key points
- Right to Buy sales increased 90% year on year to 14,275 homes.
- Only 3,452 replacement homes were funded from sale receipts, down 7%.
- Local authorities received £1.61bn from sales, almost double the previous year.
- Proposed reforms under the Social Housing Bill may accelerate purchases before rules change.
- Limited housing stock may push some households into the private rented sector.
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