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Defective dwellings

Certain types of houses and flats have been designated as defective under Part 16 of the Housing Act 1985, because:

• they are defective by reason of their design or construction; and
• their value has been reduced substantially because their defects have become generally known.

If your home is one of these, your landlord must tell you before you buy. You should then consider very carefully whether it is wise to buy. You might have difficulty in selling later, because anyone thinking of buying your home from you might be unable to get a mortgage. If you do decide to buy, it is very important to find out the structural condition of your home. You should make sure that the price you pay for it reflects the structural problems and the fact that you may find it difficult to re-sell it later.

This guide is adapted from Your Right To Buy Your Home, © Crown Copyright 2005; Amended Reprint March 2006. Posted on this site August 2008.

Finding Right To Buy Mortgages

If you're thinking of purchasing your council property you will need to make an application through the local council or housing authority. If you manage to match the minimum criteria for the Right To Buy programme you'll then need to decide what mortgage to get. Mortgage lenders specialising in are able to advise you on the best mortgage deal with the most competitive interest rates. Normally the better known mortgage providers like Royal Bank of Scotland or Vernon Building Society don't offer specialised mortgages for RTB tenants.

If you have an adverse credit history there are still lenders who will offer you the lowest rate mortgages possible, despite your past credit difficulties. Ditto if you are selfemployed and need a self certified mortgage to buy your council home or apartment, ensure sure you use the services of a qualified mortgage dealer who specifically handles names, so that you can get the best offer possible.