Can I buy my home?

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 extended the rights of housing association tenants to buy their home. It introduced what is known as the Modernised Right To Buy. The legislation also amended the rights of existing tenants who had a right to buy their home, and subsequently move home. Tenants who transferred to ANCHO from Scottish Homes in August 2000 have a preserved right to buy their home. You can purchase your current home with a maximum discount of up to 60% if you live in a house or 70% if you live in a flat, dependent on how long you have lived there.

All tenancy periods count towards your discount entitlement – even if you have had a break in between. Some other types of tenancy may also be taken into account, for example if you have spent time in the armed services or in public sector accommodation supplied as part of your job.

Changes in the law resulting from the Housing (Scotland) 2001 mean that if you transfer to another of our properties your right to buy your home will change to the Modernised Right To Buy, and your discount will be affected.

What is the modernised right to buy?

All new tenants now have the right to buy once they have met certain conditions. To be eligible to buy your home under the Modernised Right To Buy, you must have either five years continuous occupancy of your home or five years tenancy with either ANCHO or another Registered Social Landlord such as another Housing Association or Local Authority. Under the Modernised Right To Buy the maximum discount will be 35% of the market value, or £15,000, whichever is the lower amount.

Will my application always be successful?

There are some exceptions:

• If you have rent arrears.
• If we are in the process of evicting you on conduct grounds because you have breached your tenancy.
• If you are a tenant of a sheltered or special needs house, or any other house, which has been excluded from the Right to Buy under legislation.
• If you have the modernised right to buy and your home is in an area with Pressured Area Status your right to buy would be suspended for five years from the date the Pressured Area Status was granted.
  

How can I apply?

Application forms and advice leaflets are available on request in our office. Staff will also be happy to advise you about your eligibility and discount prospects.