Reforming the Right to Buy

The Government has published its response to the consultation on reforming the Right to Buy scheme in England. The reforms are intended to retain a pathway to home ownership for long-standing tenants, while introducing new measures to help safeguard the supply of social housing—particularly in areas of high demand.

The proposed changes include:

• Extended eligibility period: Tenants will need to have been secure public sector tenants for ten years—up from the current three—before becoming eligible for Right to Buy.
• Restrictions on repeat use: The scheme will be limited to those who have not previously bought through Right to Buy or already own a home, with exceptions in specific circumstances such as for victims of domestic abuse.
• Updated receipts arrangements: Councils will be offered simplified Section 11(6) agreements, and a greater share of sales receipts will be retained locally to support the delivery of new affordable housing.
• Shift away from one-for-one replacement targets: While the formal requirement to replace each home sold will be removed, councils are expected to exceed replacement levels, with delivery closely monitored.
• Future reform intentions: Government will consult on further reforms, including anti-fraud measures, improving administrative processes, strengthening the “cost floor” protections, and reviewing how the scheme operates in rural areas.

These reforms follow earlier steps including the extension of discount repayment periods to 30 years and reductions in maximum cash discounts, implemented in November 2024.

The Government states that the new approach aims to strike a balance between supporting home ownership and rebuilding social housing supply. It also signals a broader shift toward more local flexibility and financial certainty for councils.

Of particular interest to rural authorities is the Government’s commitment to review the operation of Right to Buy in rural areas. In smaller communities with limited housing stock, the loss of even one or two homes to sale can have a significant impact on affordability, service viability, and community sustainability.

The RSN has long highlighted the pressures on rural affordable housing supply and welcomes this acknowledgement of rural difference. However, we remain concerned about the cumulative impact of stock loss over time and will continue to make the case for rural exemptions, stronger protections, and sustainable reinvestment mechanisms.

This article summarises the Government’s official response to the “Reforming the Right to Buy” consultation, published on 3 July 2025.

The RSN will continue to engage with Government on the implications of these reforms and invites member councils to share their views and evidence.