Right to Buy Mortgages: A Complete Guide for Council Tenants and First-Time Buyers If you’re a council tenant dreaming of owning your own home, the Right to Buy scheme could be your path to affordable homeownership. While the scheme offers generous discounts, many people still need a mortgage to make the purchase. That’s where Right to Buy mortgages come in — and where iM Mortgages can help guide you every step of the way. ⸻ What is the Right to Buy Scheme? The Right to Buy scheme allows eligible council and housing association tenants in England to buy their homes at a significantly discounted price. It’s designed to make homeownership more accessible — especially for long-term tenants. Key facts: • Discounts of up to £96,000, or £127,900 in London • Available to tenants who’ve rented for at least 3 years • Ends the cycle of renting and lets you start building equity in your home Keywords: Right to Buy scheme UK, council tenant mortgage, buy your council house, affordable homeownership. ⸻ Who is Eligible for Right to Buy? You may qualify for Right to Buy if: • You are a secure tenant of a council or housing association • The property is your main home • You’ve rented for at least 3 years (consecutive or not) • You’re not facing any legal issues like bankruptcy If you’re unsure, iM Mortgages offers free eligibility checks to help you understand your options quickly and clearly. ⸻ What is a Right to Buy Mortgage? A Right to Buy mortgage is a standard mortgage used to purchase your home under the scheme. Even with the discount, most people still need to borrow money — and that’s where choosing the right mortgage deal is crucial. At iM Mortgages, we specialise in helping council tenants secure tailored Right to Buy mortgage solutions, including: • Mortgages with no deposit (using the discount as your deposit) • Access to specialist lenders who understand the scheme • Expert guidance from application to completion Keywords: Right to Buy mortgage lenders, best mortgage for council house, no deposit Right to Buy mortgage. ⸻ How Much Can You Borrow? The mortgage amount depends on: • Your income and affordability • The property’s value • Your Right to Buy discount Good news — most lenders, including those we work with at iM Mortgages, accept the Right to Buy discount as a deposit, meaning you may not need to save extra upfront. ⸻ Step-by-Step: How the Right to Buy Mortgage Process Works 1. Check your eligibility with your local council or housing provider. 2. Submit the Right to Buy application (RTB1 form). 3. Receive your Section 125 offer notice, which includes the valuation and discount. 4. Speak to a Right to Buy mortgage expert at iM Mortgages for a free quote. 5. Get your mortgage in principle and instruct a solicitor. 6. Complete the legal process and become a homeowner! iM Mortgages will manage your mortgage journey from start to finish, saving you time, stress, and money. ⸻ Can You Get a Right to Buy Mortgage with Bad Credit? Yes. At iM Mortgages, we regularly help clients with: • Missed payments • Defaults • Low credit scores • Previous CCJs We work with specialist lenders who look beyond your credit report to help you get the mortgage you need. Keywords: Right to Buy with bad credit, poor credit mortgage advice, mortgage for council house with CCJs. ⸻ Why Choose iM Mortgages? • Experts in Right to Buy: We’ve helped hundreds of tenants buy their council homes. • Whole-of-market access: We compare high street and specialist lenders. • Free advice: No obligation, no pressure — just honest, expert support. • Fast turnaround: We know how important timelines are in Right to Buy cases. Don’t go it alone — let our experienced team simplify the mortgage process for you. ⸻ Top Tips for First-Time Buyers Using Right to Buy • Use a broker like iM Mortgages who specialises in Right to Buy cases. • Budget for legal fees, surveys, and insurance. • Choose a fixed-rate mortgage for more predictable monthly payments. • Consider your long-term plans — you may be subject to repayment charges if you sell too soon. ⸻ Final Thoughts The Right to Buy scheme offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to turn your rented home into your own property — often with no deposit needed. But the mortgage process can be confusing without the right advice. At iM Mortgages, we take the stress out of securing a Right to Buy mortgage, offering friendly, no-nonsense support whether you’re a first-time buyer or have credit challenges. Ready to get started? Contact iM Mortgages today for a free consultation and take the first step toward owning your council home.