Story perspectives

UK Extends Right to Buy, Adds 35-Year New-Build Ban

4/28/2026

Summary

UK Government Extends

The UK government will extend Right to Buy eligibility from three to ten years, with discounts starting at 5% and rising 1% yearly, capped at 15% or the cash limit.
A 35-year exemption will bar new social homes from Right to Buy for 35 years after construction, while cost-floor protection lasts 30 years, with cash discounts limited to £16,000-£38,000 by area.
Councils will retain all sale proceeds.

Summary

Government delays reforms

Approximately 1.3 million households were on social-housing wait-lists in early 2024, highlighting system pressure.
The charity Crisis began purchasing properties in London and Newcastle to support homeless people.
Ministers have not announced a specific timetable for implementing the new Right-to-Buy reforms.
Officials say the reforms aim to keep the scheme financially sustainable while still offering tenants ownership.
The government pledged to strengthen fraud-prevention measures to protect vulnerable tenants from pressure to sell.

Summary

Smart Calls Review

Gavin Smart, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Housing, says the new Right-to-Buy rules aim to correct an imbalance between homes sold and those replaced.
He stresses that stronger fraud-prevention measures are vital to protect vulnerable tenants from coercive sales pressure.
Smart calls for a dedicated review of the scheme’s impact in rural communities to ensure equitable access.

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UK Government Extends

The UK government will extend Right to Buy eligibility from three to ten years, with discounts starting at 5% and rising 1% yearly, capped at 15% or the cash limit.
A 35-year exemption will bar new social homes from Right to Buy for 35 years after construction, while cost-floor protection lasts 30 years, with cash discounts limited to £16,000-£38,000 by area.
Councils will retain all sale proceeds.

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