*Based on our cost data, received directly from user feedback.
Follow these four simple steps to find a solicitor to handle the purchase of your council property:
Right to Buy conveyancing has strict deadlines and extra paperwork, including the Section 125 offer notice. Comparing solicitors helps you find one who understands the scheme and can keep your purchase on track.
When you compare through us, specialist Right to Buy solicitors in your area compete for your business, often leading to lower prices on your conveyancing.
All our partners handling Right to Buy purchases are verified and regulated by leading bodies such as the SRA or CLC.
Skip the hassle of contacting multiple solicitors as we connect you directly with experts who understand the scheme and its strict timelines.
We collect feedback from all our users, helping you compare companies, and allowing you to make the best choice.
Really great service from premium property lawyers through my home conveyancing.Sian Peek
Muve were standout professionals, offering clear guidance, invaluable help, and consistent support.Mark Ryan
The service was great and on time.Feyisanmi Adeshina
Good value and communication throughout the process.Frank Roberts
Very good and efficient. Good value.Basat Hussain
Natalie has been very helpful throughout the process. Quick to respond and no lawyer speak.Rhiannon Wheeler
Efficient and reasonably priced.Tessa Sheridan
The Right to Buy scheme allows eligible council and housing association tenants to purchase their homes at a discounted price.
The amount of discount you receive depends on how long you have lived in your home, the property's current market value and the type of property. You must be a secure tenant, and the property must be your only or main home.
If you decide to take advantage of the scheme, we highly recommend hiring a solicitor. All solicitors can handle Right to Buy cases, but choosing one with prior experience can streamline the process.
The Right to Acquire scheme works similarly for housing association tenants, with smaller discounts typically ranging from £9,000 to £16,000 depending on location.
Compare nowYou're likely to be eligible if:
The discount depends on how long you've been a tenant, starting at 35% for houses or 50% for flats, increasing by 1% for each additional year as a tenant, up to a maximum of 70%.
However, your total savings are capped at a maximum cash amount, ranging from £16,000 to £38,000 depending on your location.
Compare nowBuying your council house via the Right to Buy scheme requires the following steps:
Complete the Right to Buy application form (RTB1 notice) and send to your landlord (local council) They respond with a yes or no (via an RTB2) within 4 weeks of receiving your application (8 weeks if they have been your landlord for less than 3 years) If they have agreed to sell, they will send you an offer (Section 125 notice) within 8 weeks or 12 weeks if the property is leasehold.
You have 12 weeks to respond to the offer by accepting, declining or asking for an independent valuation if you feel the price is too high. From here, the process mirrors regular house buying, including a mortgage application, conveyancing searches and legal work.
Compare nowThe Section 125 notice is a formal offer from the landlord (usually the local council). It will provide you with all the details you need to make an informed decision about the property purchase. This includes:
The sale price Amount of discount An estimate of service charges and improvement costs Details of any structural defects Terms and conditions of the sale
Compare nowIf you sell your Right to Buy property within 5 years, you may have to repay some or all of your discount on a sliding scale, starting at 100% in year one and reducing by 20% each year.
You must also offer the property back to your council or a social landlord at market value if you sell within 10 years. A solicitor will explain these rules in detail and ensure you understand the financial implications before you commit to buying.
Compare nowYou are not legally required to use a solicitor for a Right to Buy purchase, but it is strongly recommended. The process involves reviewing your Section 125 Notice, checking for any charges or restrictions on the property, and meeting strict council deadlines.
A specialist Right to Buy solicitor will handle the legal paperwork, flag any issues with the lease or title, and make sure you don't miss the 12-week response window. Given the complexity and the amount of money involved, most buyers find a solicitor essential.
Compare nowExplore our expertly-reviewed guides on conveyancing and more.
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Find answers to common questions about comparing and choosing the best conveyancing solicitors.
Compare now1. Look for Right to Buy Experience Start by finding solicitors who specialise or have prior experience in Right to Buy cases. Here's how:
Check their website for dedicated Right to Buy services or case studies Ask directly about their experience with council property purchases Request references from recent Right to Buy clients if possible
2. Understand Their Charging Method Get clarity on costs upfront to avoid budget surprises:
Fixed-fee solicitors charge a set amount regardless of how long your case takes Hourly-rate solicitors charge based on time spent, which can increase if delays occur Request a full breakdown separating legal fees from third-party costs (disbursements)
3. Choose Between Local or Online Services Decide what type of service works best for your situation:
Local Solicitors offer face-to-face meetings for reassurance Online Conveyancers provide 24/7 access through digital portals
4. Verify Their Speed and Availability Right to Buy has strict initial deadlines that require prompt action:
Ask about their current workload and average completion times Confirm they can start immediately once your offer is accepted Check their communication methods - will they provide regular updates? Ensure they understand the urgency of Right to Buy deadlines and council processes.
Right to Buy solicitor fees average £2,095 for a freehold and £2,955 for a leasehold, based on a property value of £292,000. Some solicitors add a Right to Buy supplement fee of around £200.
Leasehold purchases tend to cost more because of the additional legal checks and paperwork involved. Always request a full fee breakdown before instructing a solicitor, separating legal fees from third-party costs (disbursements), so you can compare like for like.
The process has two stages:
Most buyers require a mortgage as the discount will not cover the full cost of the property. As a result, many banks have mortgage products designed specifically for Right to Buy purchases.
If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal to the First-Tier Tribunal within 56 days of the decision, which is given in the RTB2 Form.
