Applying To Buy

We're here to help you with the process of buying your home. We can give you general information, explain the procedure and help you fill out forms. This service is free of charge.

You can hire a private company to help you but this will cost you more money. Once you get the offer of sale notice and are ready to buy the property you should contact a solicitor to help you with the legal papers.

How to apply for the 'Right to Buy' 

1. Go to the Directgov website to download a Right to Buy (RTB1) application form.
2. Download How to complete forms RBT1/SHB for guidance on how to complete the RTB1 application form.
3. Send the completed form to:
4. Home Ownership Services
   Regeneration and Housing Department
   4th Floor Hambrook House
   Porden Road
   SW2 5RW
5. We will send you a notice (form RTB2) telling you whether you have the right to buy. You should get this within four weeks of sending the claim form to us.
6. If we say that you don't have the right to buy we must tell you why.
7. If we tell you that you do have the right to buy we send you another notice (the S125 notice) telling you the price you have to pay and the terms of the sale. We will send this to you within 8 weeks from the date of the RTB2 notice if your home is a house, and within 12 weeks if your home is a flat or maisonette.

If you think our valuation of your home is wrong

You can ask the district valuer to give an independent valuation. You must make your appeal within 12 weeks from date of the S125 notice. The district valuer's decision is final, whether it is higher or lower than our valuation.

Getting a solicitor

If you want to buy the property you will need a solicitor to tell you about the legal details. If you don't know a solicitor then ask your building society or bank to recommend one. Ask for an estimate of their charges before you decide on a solicitor.

Getting a survey

You should get an independent survey from a surveyor or structural engineer. The survey your bank or building society gets will only be for the valuation, and may not tell you about structural faults in the property.

What next?

If you are happy about the terms of sale and have arranged to borrow the money, you can buy your home.

How long have I to decide whether I want to buy?

After we have sent you the S125 notice you have 12 weeks to tell us whether you want to go ahead with buying your home. If you do not tell us within this time we will send you a reminder. If you do not tell us your decision within 28 days of getting this reminder we will cancel your application.