Can you sell your house to the council in the UK?
Selling your home to the council can be a viable option — but only in specific circumstances. It’s most common for former council houses sold under Right to Buy, or in areas where councils are actively expanding their social housing stock. This guide covers everything you need to know, from regional schemes to buy-back programmes and whether you can stay on as a tenant after the sale.
You can sell your house to the council in certain cases, especially if it's a former council home. But options vary across the UK and often depend on whether your local authority is actively buying.
- Councils are most likely to buy former Right to Buy homes, especially within 10 years of sale.
- Many UK councils run voluntary buy-back schemes to increase social housing.
- If you're in financial hardship, rent-back schemes may exist in Scotland — but not in England or Wales.
- Buyers can't request Compulsory Purchase Orders; those are initiated by councils.
- Selling to a council can offer a secure sale with no agent fees, but the process may be slow and bureaucratic.
When will a council buy your house?
1. It’s a former council house
If your home was bought through the Right to Buy scheme, you’re legally required to offer it back to the council or housing association if you're selling within 10 years. This is called the Right of First Refusal.
- You offer the home back at market value.
- The council has 8 weeks to respond.
- If they decline or don’t reply, you’re free to sell on the open market.
- Beyond 10 years, you can still approach the council as many run voluntary buy-back programmes.
2. The council has a buy-back programme
Many councils across the UK are actively purchasing homes to add to their affordable housing stock. Buy-back schemes often target:
- Family-sized homes (typically 2–4 bedrooms).
- Former council homes sold under Right to Buy.
- Properties located in high-demand or council-priority areas.
- Homes sold vacant, with no current tenant.
The sale will typically be at market value based on an independent RICS valuation.
3. You’re in mortgage difficulty or hardship
Scotland runs a Mortgage to Rent scheme, allowing homeowners at risk of repossession to sell to the council or a housing association and stay in the home as a tenant.
England and Wales had similar schemes in the past, but most have been withdrawn. There may still be hardship options available locally — check with your council’s housing team.
4. The council issues a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO)
This is not something you can request. If the council needs your property for public infrastructure or regeneration, they may issue a CPO to force a sale.
- You must comply with the order.
- Compensation is based on market value plus disturbance allowance.
- The council leads the process; you cannot request a CPO as a seller.
Right of first refusal on ex-council homes
How it works
If you bought your home under Right to Buy within the last 10 years:
- You must offer it back to the original landlord before marketing it.
- The sale price should reflect full market value.
- If no response is received in 8 weeks, you're free to list it elsewhere.
Discount repayment rules
If you sell your Right to Buy home within 5 years, you must repay some or all of the discount:
After year 5, there’s no discount to repay, though the 10-year resale restriction still applies.
Council buy-back schemes for former council homes
Typical criteria
- The home was once owned by the council.
- It suits current social housing needs (e.g. family homes).
- It's in a council-priority area or block.
- It's sold with vacant possession.
- The offer is based on a fair market valuation.
Process overview
- Contact the council’s housing or acquisitions team.
- Submit property details.
- The council reviews eligibility and interest.
- If accepted, a surveyor values the property.
- The sale proceeds like a standard transaction — you'll need a solicitor.
- Council usually covers their own valuation but not your legal fees.
Real examples
Islington (England)
- Buying back over 900 homes by 2026.
- Focused on 1–4 bedroom properties.
- No chain or agent fees.
- Homes used for vulnerable residents and refugees.
Havering (England)
- Pays full market value.
- Requires vacant possession.
- Prefers family homes in high-demand zones.
Powys (Wales)
- Purchased 15 ex-council homes in 2023–24.
- Offers full market value.
- Aims to expand rural social housing.
Renfrewshire (Scotland)
- Focus on flats in mixed-tenure blocks.
- Buys homes that offer value for money.
- Simplified process: no agent, no chain, fewer viewings.
Can you sell your house and rent it back from the council?
Generally: No
Most councils will not allow the seller to remain in the property. You’re expected to vacate by completion. The home is needed for those on housing waiting lists.
Exception: Scotland's Mortgage to Rent
In Scotland:
- You may sell to the council or housing association.
- You stay on as a tenant under a secure tenancy.
- Available only to those at risk of repossession and in financial hardship.
This scheme does not operate in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
Pros and cons of selling to the council
Save time and hassle by selling your home with us
Get a guaranteed cash offer on any property in England and Wales. All you need to do to get started is enter your address below.
Regional differences across the UK
England
- Right to Buy is still active.
- Many councils (especially in London) run buy-back schemes.
- Local demand and budget availability vary.
Wales
- Right to Buy ended in 2019.
- Councils actively encouraged to expand housing via buy-backs.
- Powys and others running acquisition schemes.
Scotland
- Right to Buy ended in 2016.
- Mortgage to Rent available.
- Some councils (e.g. Renfrewshire) still operate targeted buy-back programmes.
Northern Ireland
- Right to Buy is still active under the House Sales Scheme.
- The NI Housing Executive may buy back homes in line with housing need.
- Policies differ from England, so contact NIHE for details.
How to approach your local council
If you think your home fits their needs:
- Check your local council’s website for buy-back or acquisition schemes.
- Email or call the housing team to ask if they’re buying.
- Provide your address, number of bedrooms, whether it's ex-council, and whether it’s currently vacant.
- Ask about the valuation process, funding availability, and timeline.
- Consider getting your own independent valuation to compare.
Prefer a faster route?
Selling to the council can be secure and socially positive — but not everyone qualifies, and the process can be slow. If you want a quicker sale with fewer requirements, Habello offers a simpler alternative.
We buy properties directly for cash, including ex-council homes, with no listings, no estate agents, and no hidden deductions. You’ll get a fair market valuation and an offer within 48–72 hours.
With Habello, you benefit from:
- A flexible timeline to suit your schedule.
- A fair price without estate agent commission.
- Completion in days or weeks — not months.
- No legal fees when using our partner solicitor.
- A direct, hassle-free sale from start to finish.
If you're ready to move on with certainty, contact us today to request your no-obligation offer.
Property owners are choosing Habello for a faster, easier and less stressful way to sell
Sell your home quickly for cash by accepting an offer just below market value. See how we compare to your other options by using the calculator below.
