The government has published a factsheet explaining further Right to Buy reforms for England through the Social Housing Bill. Dated 3 November 2026, the guidance says the measures are not yet in force and links their introduction to the bill receiving Royal Assent. It says the Royal Assent date is unknown.
That distinction matters for tenants considering a purchase. The factsheet says applications considered under existing rules must be made to the landlord using the RTB1 form before Royal Assent. Anyone considering an application should speak to the landlord and check the latest official guidance rather than rely on a news summary to decide their eligibility.
Eligibility and discounts
The factsheet describes a proposed increase in the minimum qualifying tenancy period from three years to ten. Under the new structure, discounts for houses and flats would start at 5% after ten qualifying years, rise by one percentage point for each additional year and be capped at 15% or the applicable cash cap, whichever is lower.
The document distinguishes those future changes from the cash discount reductions already introduced in November 2024. It gives current regional cash maximums of £16,000 to £38,000; those figures are limits rather than a promised discount for every applicant.
Homes and owners affected
The proposed reforms include a 35-year exemption for newly built social homes. The factsheet also describes exclusions affecting designated rural areas, council homes let at market rent and existing residential property owners, alongside restrictions on repeat use of the scheme and specified exceptions.
The treatment of a particular home therefore depends on more than the length of the tenant’s occupation. Ask the landlord which rules apply to the property and application and keep the written explanation with the relevant documents.
Conditions after purchase
The proposed discount repayment period on resale would increase from five to ten years. The former landlord’s right of first refusal, currently applying for ten years, would become indefinite for sales after the reforms take effect. These are separate requirements: repaying a discount and offering the home back should not be treated as the same obligation.
The factsheet also sets out proposed longer processing periods and fraud-investigation safeguards. Read the full guidance before making a financial commitment and obtain advice on the purchase and its continuing conditions.
Source: MHCLG, Right to Buy reforms: information for tenants, published 3 November 2026. This report describes the factsheet at publication, not a decision on an individual application.