If you’re a council or housing association tenant, the Right to Buy scheme could give you the opportunity to purchase your home at a discounted price. Right to buy mortgages are designed to help eligible tenants turn that opportunity into homeownership with the right funding in place.
At Empire Mortgages, we provide expert, whole-of-market advice to help tenants across Dunfermline and Fife secure the right mortgage and navigate the Right to Buy process with confidence.
Right to Buy mortgages are used by council or eligible housing association tenants who want to purchase their rented home under the government’s Right to Buy scheme. The scheme allows qualifying tenants to buy their property at a discounted price, based on how long they have lived there.
One of the key benefits of right to buy mortgages is that the discount you receive can often be used as your deposit. This means many tenants can purchase their home without needing to save a traditional cash deposit.
Although the process is different from a standard residential purchase, the right lender and correct advice can make it straightforward and achievable.
To qualify for the Right to Buy scheme, you must usually be a secure tenant of a council property and have lived in public sector housing for a minimum qualifying period. The property itself must also meet eligibility criteria set by the local authority.
Even if you qualify for the scheme, lenders will still assess your affordability, income, credit history, and financial commitments. Being eligible for the discount does not automatically guarantee mortgage approval, which is why professional advice is important from the outset.
Empire Mortgages will review your eligibility and financial position before recommending suitable right to buy mortgage options.
In many cases, the Right to Buy discount can act as your deposit. For example, if your home is valued at £150,000 and you receive a £30,000 discount, lenders may treat that discount as equity in the property.
However, affordability checks still apply, and some lenders may require additional savings depending on your circumstances. Your income, credit profile, and overall financial position will influence how much you can borrow.
Empire Mortgages will clearly explain whether the discount alone is sufficient or whether additional funds may be needed.
Borrowing amounts are typically based on the discounted purchase price rather than the full market value. Lenders will assess your income using standard affordability calculations, usually applying loan-to-income multiples alongside a review of your monthly outgoings.
Credit history plays an important role, as does job stability and income consistency. If you have multiple income streams, overtime, or flexible working arrangements, these may also be considered depending on the lender.
Our advisers will calculate your borrowing potential before you apply, ensuring you understand what is realistic and affordable.
The process begins by confirming your eligibility with your local authority. Once approved, you will receive a formal offer notice outlining the property value and discount applied.
At this stage, Empire Mortgages will arrange a mortgage consultation and obtain a Decision in Principle to confirm your borrowing capacity. We then prepare and submit your full mortgage application to a lender suitable for right to buy mortgages.
The lender carries out a valuation and underwriting checks before issuing a formal mortgage offer. We remain in contact with your solicitor and local authority throughout the transaction to ensure a smooth path to completion.
Not all lenders offer right to buy mortgages, and those that do may apply different criteria when assessing the discount and property valuation. Choosing the wrong lender can lead to delays or declined applications.
Working with Empire Mortgages ensures your application is placed with lenders experienced in Right to Buy cases. We manage timelines, coordinate paperwork, and guide you through each stage, reducing stress and improving your chances of approval.
With over 60 years of combined experience, Empire Mortgages provides clear, professional, and tailored advice to clients across Dunfermline and Fife.
We understand that purchasing your council home is a significant milestone, and we take the time to explain every step of the process. Our whole-of-market access allows us to compare lenders and recommend suitable mortgage options based on your individual circumstances.
Appointments are available in person, by phone, or via video call, offering flexibility to suit your needs.
Based in Dunfermline, Empire Mortgages supports tenants across Fife, including Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes, Cupar, St Andrews, Leven, and surrounding areas.
Our local knowledge and experience working with regional authorities ensure that we provide practical guidance tailored to the local housing market.
If you’re considering purchasing your property through the scheme and want expert advice on right to buy mortgages, Empire Mortgages is here to help. We’ll guide you through the process clearly and confidently, helping you turn your rented home into your own.
Book your free Right to Buy mortgage consultation with Empire Mortgages today.
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A right to buy mortgage is used by eligible council or housing association tenants to purchase their rented home at a discounted price under the Right to Buy scheme.
In many cases, yes. Lenders often treat the discount as equity, which can act as your deposit.
The timeline can vary, but the mortgage element typically follows a similar timeframe to standard residential purchases once the offer notice is issued.
They are not necessarily harder, but fewer lenders operate in this space. Specialist advice improves your chances of approval.
Yes, remortgaging is possible, although some restrictions may apply within the first few years depending on scheme rules.
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The guidance provided within this website is subject to the UK regulatory regime and is therefore primarily targeted at consumers based in the UK.
Empire Mortgages Ltd is an Appointed Representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network, a trading name of TenetLime Ltd. TenetLime Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Tenet Lime Ltd is entered on the Financial Services Register (www.fca.org.uk/register) under reference 150643.
Empire Mortgages Ltd may charge a fee for mortgage advice. The amount of the fee will depend on your circumstances and will be discussed and agreed with you at the earliest opportunity. Our typical fee is £295 payable on receipt of a full mortgage offer.
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