Buyers told to get advice ahead of Right to Buy changes

August 14, 2026 by Brendan O'Neill

Home owners

People who are considering buying under the Right to Buy scheme have been urged to get professional advice ahead of planned changes.

This warning comes from the Moneyfactscompare finance expert Rachel Springall. She has pointed out that a lot of people might look to exploit the scheme before proposed adjustments to it come into effect. Right to Buy was created by the government and it provides people living in social housing with the option of buying those properties at lower prices. A total of 14,375 council properties were purchased using it in 2025/26, which marks a 90% rise on the total for the year before.

Now Springall has suggested demand may rise further in response to news that the government intends to alter the terms of the scheme. The Social Housing Bill will bring significant changes if it passes.

At the moment, an individual only has to occupy a social property for three years to be eligible for Right to Buy. The bill would see this change to 10 years. It would also exclude all newly built social housing, to prevent a serious shortfall.

Speaking to Financial Reporter, Springall said:

“The proposed changes to the Right to Buy scheme could cause a rush for tenants to buy their home in the months ahead, so seeking advice would be wise.”

The bill will have its third reading this autumn and is likely to become law.

Mortgage advisors who have the CeMAP qualification and a grasp of the Right to Buy process would certainly help these buyers.