Right to Buy Solicitors in Sheffield, South Yorkshire and further afield

Are you a tenant of a council house or housing association property in Sheffield or the surrounding areas such as Rotherham, Barnsley, Chesterfield or Doncaster or indeed anywhere in the country?

If so, you may have the Right to Buy your home at a substantial discount.

The Right to Buy Scheme, introduced by the Government in 1980, allows eligible council and certain housing association tenants to purchase the property they currently rent. For many tenants across Sheffield and South Yorkshire, it provides an affordable route onto the property ladder.

Under the scheme, you can purchase your home from the local authority at a discounted price. The level of discount is calculated primarily by reference to how long you have been a public sector tenant.

Am I eligible for Right to Buy?

You may qualify if:

• You have been a public sector tenant (for example with Sheffield City Council or a housing association) for at least three years (this does not have to be consecutive).
• The property is your only or principal home.
• You do not own another property.
• You are not subject to bankruptcy proceedings or formal creditor arrangements.

A spouse or partner may apply jointly with you, provided they have lived in the property as their main home for the previous 12 months.

If you are unsure whether you qualify, we can review your position and your offer notice from the council.

How we help with your Right to Buy purchase

Buying your council house or flat from the local authority involves a number of important legal stages. We guide you through the entire process from start to finish.

Our service includes:

• Reviewing your Right to Buy offer notice to ensure the property details, valuation and discount are correct.
• Advising whether you require a mortgage and liaising with your lender where necessary.
• Contacting the council once instructed to ensure legal documents (transfer deed or lease) are issued to us promptly.
• Checking the legal paperwork carefully once received from the local authority.
• Reporting to you in clear terms and arranging an appointment for signing.
• Meeting with you to go through the documents in detail and answer any questions.
• Agreeing a completion date with the council (we are familiar with local authority practices, including Sheffield’s usual completion arrangements).
• Receiving mortgage funds (if applicable) and your contribution into our regulated client account.
• Sending completion funds to the council on the agreed date and confirming once the purchase has completed.
• Registering your ownership at HM Land Registry and providing you with a copy of your updated Title Information Document once registration is finalised.

Please note that HM Land Registry processing times can vary and are currently subject to delay nationwide.

How long does Right to Buy take in Sheffield?

From acceptance of your Right to Buy offer to completion typically takes around three months, although timescales can vary depending on the local authority (e.g. Sheffield City Council) and whether mortgage funding is required.

We will keep you updated throughout the transaction.

To help matters proceed smoothly, the following are important:

• Prompt return of your signed client care documentation.
• Payment of requested funds on account without delay.
• Completion of the required onboarding and identity checks.
• Ensuring the council holds the correct full legal names of all tenants.
• Continuing rental payments as normal until completion takes place.

Delays in any of the above can impact timescales.

How much does it cost?

Our fixed legal fee for a Right to Buy purchase is:

£850 + VAT (£1,020 including VAT)

In addition:

• Electronic bank transfer fee: £30 + VAT (£36 including VAT)
• HM Land Registry search and registration fees (based on purchase price)
• Online ID and source of funds check: £12 + VAT (£14.40 including VAT) per person
• Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), if applicable

We will confirm the exact Land Registry fee once we know your purchase price.

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)

If this is the only residential property you will own after completion, SDLT is payable at the following rates:

Property Value: Up to £125,000 – SDLT Rate: 0%
Property Value: £125,001 – £250,000 – SDLT Rate: 2%

If you own another residential property, higher rates may apply. We will calculate and advise you before completion.

For further information on SDLT, please visit the official Government website:
www.gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax/residential-property-rates

Local Right to Buy Solicitors – Sheffield & surrounding areas

We regularly act for tenants purchasing their homes from Sheffield City Council and other local authorities and housing providers across South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire and further afield.

If you are considering exercising your Right to Buy in Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley, Chesterfield or indeed, anywhere in the country, we would be pleased to guide you through the process in a clear, practical and supportive manner.

Contact us today to discuss your Right to Buy purchase.