If you're a tenant in a council property, you can buy your home from Oxford City Council under the Right to Buy scheme.
To be eligible, you must have been a tenant for at least 3 years. This includes tenancy with Oxford City Council, other councils, housing associations, or armed forces accommodation.
Some council properties are not eligible for Right to Buy. These include:
- specialist housing for elderly or disabled people
- properties linked to your job
- properties with non-secure tenancy, like introductory tenancies
If you're buying a flat or maisonette, you'll get a lease, usually for 125 years. Besides your mortgage, you'll also pay an annual service charge and contribute to major maintenance works.
How to value your home
To get an estimate of your home's value, you can use Zoopla's online service.
Remember, this is just a guideline and not an official valuation.
Considerations before applying for right to buy
Before applying, consider:
- consulting a mortgage broker for advice and affordability checks
- attending an interview with a Right to Buy officer during the application process
- understanding that providing false information can lead to application rejection and investigation by our Housing Fraud team
Additional costs to consider include Stamp Duty, building survey, financial and legal advice, ongoing repairs, and insurance.
After buying, Oxford City Council will only carry out essential maintenance as legally required.
It is for your legal representative to advise you and for you to satisfy yourself that you wish to proceed based on the advice you have received.
We recommend reviewing all documentation on the government's Right to Buy website.
5 key questions you can ask yourself before you buy:
- do I have the Right to Buy?
- can I afford it as right now as we know people are struggling with their mortgage increases, energy bills and the cost of living?
- can I afford it if things change in the future?
- what are the benefits and risks?
- where can I get advice?
For more information read the Right to Buy summary booklet and the Right to Buy guidance.
Discounts when buying your council home
You may be eligible for a discount, with the maximum being £16,000. Your discount depends on:
- your tenancy duration with a public sector landlord
- the property type (flat or house)
- your home's value
Calculating Your discount
All applications received after 21 November, if admitted, will be eligible for a discount of up to a maximum of £16,000 in line with the changes made by the government. Please see the government's Right to Buy website for further details.
How to apply for right to buy
To apply, follow these steps:
- complete the Right to Buy application form and post it to us
- expect a response within 4 weeks (or 8 weeks if we've been your landlord for less than 3 years)
- we'll send an offer within 8 weeks for freehold properties, or 12 weeks for leasehold properties, if approved
After filling in the online form, print, sign, and send it by recorded delivery to your landlord. Keep a copy for your records.
If you disagree with a Right to Buy decision to admit or deny your application
You can:
- ask us to review the decision, providing any additional information you think we have not considered
- if you are dissatisfied with this decision, you should be aware that section 181 of the Housing Act 1985 provides that any dispute relating to a Right to Buy application (other than the valuation of the property) may be determined by the County Court. This means you may choose to apply to the County Court to ask it to decide the matter. You may wish to seek independent legal advice before taking any action. The Council is unable to provide legal advice
- if a right to buy is denied is because the property is considered particularly suitable for older people, you may appeal to the First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) within 56 days of receiving your decision letter. See Right to Buy: buying your council home: Appeals - GOV.UK for more details
