Housing association tenants considering a purchase should check which buying scheme applies before relying on a general Right to Buy headline. A government factsheet published on 3 November 2026 deals specifically with Preserved Right to Buy and Right to Acquire in England.
The factsheet says reforms in the Social Housing Bill are not yet in force. The Royal Assent date is unknown. It explains that an application under existing rules must be made to the landlord using the applicable RTB1 or RTA1 form before Royal Assent. That is not a reason to rush into a purchase without checking eligibility and costs.
The proposed qualifying-tenancy period would rise from three to ten years for both schemes. Right to Acquire discounts would remain between £9,000 and £16,000 depending on location. Preserved Right to Buy would instead have a revised percentage structure, subject to cash limits. The factsheet also describes a 35-year new-build exclusion and changes affecting resale and discount repayment.
Identify the scheme first
Ask the landlord to confirm the relevant scheme, the property’s status and the qualifying tenancy history it holds. If records from another public-sector landlord are needed, establish what is missing and how it can be supplied. Keep a copy of the application and correspondence rather than relying on a general telephone indication.
Do not assume that a neighbour’s purchase establishes your eligibility. Different histories, homes and schemes may produce different answers. Where there is uncertainty, request a written explanation and obtain independent advice before making a financial commitment.
Separate the discount from affordability
A discount is only one part of a purchase decision. Ask for an explanation of the ownership responsibilities and the costs that would continue after completion. Prepare a budget that distinguishes the purchase price, transaction expenses, ongoing charges and potential maintenance.
If mortgage finance is required, discuss your circumstances with an appropriate adviser. A government factsheet is not a mortgage offer or confirmation that a home can be bought for a particular amount.
Keep proposed rules labelled
This is a guide to a newly published explanation of upcoming reforms, not an announcement that the new thresholds already apply. Before acting, revisit the official guidance and ask the landlord to confirm the rules relevant to the application date. That approach is more reliable than transferring advice between the two schemes or from an older news article.
Source: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Preserved Right to Buy and Right to Acquire reforms: information for tenants, 3 November 2026.