Right to Buy FAQ's
I receive Housing Benefit; can I still buy my home?
As a tenant you may be able to claim housing benefit to help with your rent. As an owner-occupier, you will not normally receive any housing benefit to help with your mortgage costs.
Can I buy my bungalow?
Cestria Community Housing cannot sell any property that is designated for aged person’s use – this applies to most of our bungalows and all of our sheltered housing flats. Some bungalows were specifically built for families, but they are limited in number. If you are unsure contact Cestria Community Housing and we will advise you.
I don’t know which type of mortgage to get, can you give me advice?
Unfortunately our staff are not trained to give financial advice or to recommend mortgages or lenders to you. The staff at the Citizens Advice Bureau can give impartial advice and help you decide which type of mortgage is best for you.
There are also a number of websites that can help such as: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
This is a site governed by the Financial Services Authority and guides you through all of the aspects of buying your home and the financial decisions you need to make.
If I have made improvements in my home will it increase the value of the property?
When you apply to buy you will be asked what, if any, improvements you have made to your home. This information will be passed to the valuer who will assess the value of the property as if the improvements had not taken place.
Can I buy my house in joint names with my son/daughter/partner?
Any adult family member who has lived in the home for more than 12 months and has no other permanent address has the Right to buy the property jointly with the tenant. Family members who have not lived in the property cannot have their name included on the sale; however they are not prevented from assisting with private financial arrangements.
I am unable to get a mortgage as the main tenant of the property but can my partner take up the Right to Buy in his or her name alone?
You can transfer the Right to Buy to a partner as long as he/she can prove that they have lived at the property for more than 12 months, you will be required to provide documentary evidence for example utility bills or bank statements for the partner.
Can I buy the flat I live in?
You can buy a flat that you live in if it is a single persons unit however you cannot buy a flat that you live in if it is part of a sheltered or communal block.
Do I need to get Cestria’s permission to undertake major refurbishments to my home if I buy the property?
You will have to request written consent from Cestria before undertaking any major building works to your home. You should also consult the County Council to enquire as to whether you need planning permission before undertaking any works.
Can I borrow extra money for home improvements if I buy my home?
You may be able to take extra money on your mortgage to cover the cost of home improvements however your solicitor will need to request a letter of postponement from us in order to proceed.
I’m thinking about selling my home would I need to offer it back to Cestria under the Right of First Refusal?
Depending on who you purchased the property under if you bought your property from either Cestria or the Council within the last 5 years you will be required to offer the property back under the Right of First Refusal.
Do I need to pay any discount back if I sell my home?
If you are looking to sell your property within 5 years of buying it the following discount refunds would apply
- 1 year = The full discount you received must be repaid
- 2 years = 4/5ths
- 3 years = 3/5ths
- 4 years = 2/5ths
- 5 years = 1/5ths
If you are considering selling your property after 5 years or more of buying your home you do not have to pay any discount back.
I am struggling to keep up with my mortgage repayments what can I do?
Cestria would advise that you seek support and financial advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau who will be able to offer you the relevant support and guidance need at this time.