Right to Buy
The Right to Buy legislation has enabled thousands of tenants over the years to become homeowners. Argyll Community Housing Association tenants continue to have those rights.
Deciding to buy your house is a major decision and you should research the costs which you will incur during the process, for example solicitors fees and survey fees if your lender requires them.
After completion of the sale you will also be responsible for maintaining buildings insurance and all maintenance & repairs costs for your property and for your share of costs of maintenance for common repairs, common grassed areas and drying areas in accordance with the terms of your title deeds.
Before you apply to buy you should consider how you will finance the purchase of your home. You should find out if you can get a mortgage and how much you can borrow. You may wish to seek independent financial advice to help you decide on the most suitable mortgage for you.
You should also note that when your application is accepted the Association is only responsible for carrying out emergency repairs to your property. If you subsequently withdraw from the process then any repairs reported will be undertaken in accordance with the terms of your tenancy agreement.
There are currently two different sets of rules relating to the right to buy. Your entitlement to the right to buy and whether you qualify for the original/preserved (old) or modernised (new) right to buy, depends on when your tenancy started.
The introduction of the Housing Scotland Act 2001 made substantial changes to the right to buy scheme. These changes came into force on 30th September 2002 along with the introduction of the new Scottish Secure Tenancy. There are certain situations where you will not have the right to buy even if you have a Scottish secure tenancy, e.g if you are in what is designated as a sheltered home.
Further information on the right to buy process and the changes brought about by the new Act can be found in the booklet published by the Scottish Government entitled
“ Your Right To Buy Your Home” which can be viewed online or downloaded by clicking on the attached link and from the Associations Right To Buy Section on 01546 604524/604575
Application forms (Form APP1) can be obtained from any Argyll Community Housing Association Office or from the Right to Buy Section, Finance and IT, Argyll Community Housing Association , Dalriada House, Lochgilphead , PA31 8ST ( 01546 604526 or 01546 604575).
Please ensure that when you return your completed application that you enclose the following:
* A valid council tax certificate demonstrating that you have no council tax arrears (note: the certificate is only valid for 1 month from date of issue)
* Proof of previous tenancies with relevant landlords you wish to claim (If not with the Association or Argyll & Bute Council)
And ensure that;
* Your rent account is clear or in credit
* You have no tenancy related debts
* Your application has been completed and signed at all the appropriate sections
Please also note that as the application form is part of the legal documents to purchase your home it cannot be provided in electronic format nor may it be photocopied.
Completed applications along with the required information should be returned to the Right to Buy Section, Finance & IT, Dalriada House, Lochgilphead, PA31 8ST.
