Government reforms aim to protect social housing

28 Apr 2026News

The government is set to initiate reforms to the Right to Buy scheme to bolster social housing

The UK government has announced plans to reform the Right to Buy scheme, which enables eligible council tenants in England to purchase their homes at a discounted rate. These upcoming reforms are part of a broader response following last year's consultation, aimed at allowing councils to more effectively protect and replenish their dwindling housing stock, while still providing a feasible path to homeownership for long-term tenants.

Key changes include an increase in the minimum eligibility period from three to ten years before tenants can apply to buy their homes and a revised discount framework. Under the new rules, discounts will initiate at 5% of a property's value and will rise by 1% each year until reaching the maximum percentage of 15% or a cash cap, whichever is lower. Additionally, there will be a 35-year exemption period for newly built social homes, preventing their sale under Right to Buy.

In addressing the long-term sustainability of social housing, the government has also focused on tackling fraud and considering the unique challenges faced by rural areas. As part of these reforms, councils will retain all receipts from Right to Buy sales, enabling them to invest in the construction and acquisition of additional homes. Further measures include extending the ‘cost floor’ protection from 15 to 30 years, which will help maintain the value of properties by setting sale prices based on the costs incurred for construction, repairs, and upkeep.

Speaking on these measures, Gavin Smart, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Housing, stated, “CIH welcomes the government’s continued focus on reforming Right to Buy and the clear recognition that change is needed to better protect and rebuild our social housing. The measures confirmed today are a positive step towards addressing the long-standing imbalance between homes sold and those replaced. We also welcome the further work on fraud prevention and the scheme’s impact in rural areas, both of which are crucial to ensuring Right to Buy operates fairly and sustainably.”

The implementation of these reforms will be timed according to parliamentary schedules and priorities.

Legal News desk contact: editorial@solicitorsjournal.com|

The implementation of these reforms will be timed according to parliamentary schedules and priorities.

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