Important information →
Due to the high number of applications we are receiving, we are experiencing some delays with processing them. We are working hard to deal with applications as quickly as possible and apologise for any delay.
The Right to Buy (external link) is a government scheme allowing secure council tenants to buy their council house or flat. 'Your right to buy your home: a guide (external link)' provides full details about the scheme.
Who can apply?
You are most likely to be eligible if you are a secure council tenant and have spent 3 years or more as a public sector tenant (please note that this 3-year period does not need to be continuous). To class as a public sector tenant your landlord must be a public body such as the council, a housing association or government department.
You must also have no legal issues with debt or outstanding possession orders to be eligible. It is important to be aware that some homes are exempt from this scheme and eligibility will have to be confirmed by your landlord as part of the initial application process.
Is this right for me?
You must remember that buying a home is big commitment and long term investment. To decide if buying your home is right for you, you need to consider if you can afford it as mortgage repayments are not the only costs you will be responsible for, especially if it is a leasehold flat (external link) (as you may have service charges to pay).
To help you reach your decision the government has a team of independent advisors (external link) who are there to help you make the right choice.
How do I apply?
If you think the Right to Buy is right for you, you will need to:
Alternatively, you can post the application and ID copies to Right to Buy Team, Wigan Council, PO Box 100, Wigan, WN1 3DS or contact us.
Who is responsible for repairs during my application and once I have purchased my home?
When we receive your application, we will restrict what works are undertaken to your home. The Council will continue to comply with its statutory and contractual repair and maintenance obligations, for example ensuring that gas and electric supplies are safe, repairing heating breakdowns and plumbing leaks, and keeping the property weather and water tight. However, the property will be excluded from any planned maintenance projects, such as bathroom, kitchen and window replacements.
Once the sale of the property is complete, the Council will no longer be responsible for repairs and maintenance within your property. This will become your liability.
If you are buying a house, you will become the freeholder. Usually there are no services provided, so no service charges to pay.
If you are buying a flat or maisonette, you will become the leaseholder. You will be responsible for paying for:
- The day to day costs of providing services to you, such as cleaning or garden maintenance
- Repairs that we carry out to the block and estate
- Ground rent and building insurance
- Major works - repairs and maintenance to your building that are larger items of expenditure such as a roof replacement or a replacement door entry system. If the work will cost you over £250 we will carry out a Section 20 consultation with you.
I have purchased my council flat how do I pay the service charges?
If you have purchased your council flat you will still need to pay the buildings service charges.
If you pay online you will need to select the 'housing rent' option. Your reference/account is the 9-digit reference number that appears on your service charge invoices beginning with an '8'.