Frequently Asked Questions - Right to Buy Mortgage Deposits
Deposit requirements may be make or break if you'd like to use the Right to Buy scheme to own your long-term rental property. Our FAQS cover all of the commonly asked questions about the minimum deposit for a Right to Buy application and why that threshold may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions - Right to Buy Mortgage Deposits
One of the biggest challenges to taking out a first mortgage is raising funds for a deposit - and the Revolution team often deals with enquiries wanting to know what deposit is needed.
In this guide, we'll run through the most frequently asked questions about Right to Buy deposits, so you know everything essential to calculating your deposit figure, and understanding whether you will need one at all.
For more help with a Right to Buy mortgage application, give our team a call on 0330 304 3040, or drop us a message to [email protected].
How Does the Right to Buy Scheme Work?
Right to Buy helps council property tenants in England purchase their home at a discount.
The scheme is aimed at first-time buyers or long-term council tenants and seeks to provide an affordable way to get on the property ladder.
Is a Deposit Required for a Right to Buy Application?
In most cases, you can get a Right to Buy mortgage without a deposit. The scheme offers a significant discount on the property price, and so provided you work with a lender who accepts this discount instead of a deposit, you won't need to put down any cash.
Some lenders do require a deposit, usually between 5% and 10%, so it is vital to work with an experienced broker who can recommend which lenders to apply to.
Does Right to Buy Cover Housing Association Tenants?
Unfortunately not; Right to Buy helps council property tenants to buy their home from the landlord, and does not cover housing association tenants.
There is a different scheme called Right to Acquire, which is something the Revolution Brokers team can also assist with.
It is essential to remember that Right to Buy helps tenants to purchase their main residential home, so it isn't suited to buy to let investments, and you must remain living in the property for at least five years to avoid needing to pay back the discount.
Where Can I Get a Right to Buy Mortgage?
Not all lenders offer Right to Buy, and you might find that in any unusual circumstances, a bank that does offer this product will refuse your application - this includes scenarios such as:
- Having bad credit, or no credit score.
- Being self-employed or with variable income.
- Purchasing a non-standard property.
In any of these situations, it is possible to find Right to Buy lending - we'd always recommend working with a broker who can negotiate with lenders, and find the best lending that is suited to your requirements.
Can I Apply for Right to Buy with Bad Credit?
What Non-Standard Properties are Eligible for Right to Buy?
Many mainstream lenders are reluctant to lend against a 'non-standard' property, such as:
- Homes built with timber or steel frames.
- Properties made of materials other than brick or blocks - such as concrete.
- High-rise apartments, and flats with balcony access.
The good news is that Revolution Brokers works with a network of lenders with experience in unusual properties, and offer flexible mortgage terms.
Lenders often look on this type of property as higher risk, but a specialist Right to Buy mortgage provider will be able to lend.
Does the Right to Buy Discount Count as a Deposit?
With the right lender, yes - you can apply for a 100% mortgage on the sale price, with the discount used as security, since you will have a proportion of the property market value as equity.
This all depends on the lender, so for example, if you are buying a council home worth £250,000 and have lived there for five years, you may be able to claim £80,900 - that is the 35% discount but capped at £80,900.
That means paying £169,100 for the property, with equity of £80,900.
Can I Borrow More on a Right to Buy Mortgage Than I am Paying for the Property?
Potentially, if you need to cover the costs of repairs or improvements, you might be able to borrow a higher value than the sale price of the property.
Your lender will need verification that you have spent the funds on investing in the property, and the agreement will be subject to meeting their other criteria.
Where Can I Get Professional Advice About a Right to Buy Deposit?
The mortgage advisors team works with thousands of clients to find a Right to Buy mortgage, even where there are credit issues, and no deposit available.
Give us a call on 0330 304 3040, or arrange a good time to talk by sending a message to [email protected].
Further Reading
-
Right to Acquire Mortgages
-
Mortgage Calculator for Right to Buy Borrowing
-
Frequently Asked Questions - Right to Buy Mortgage Deposits
-
UK Mortgage Lenders Offering the Right to Buy Scheme
-
Applying for a Right to Buy Council House Mortgage
-
The Best Mortgage Deals on Right to Buy
-
Getting a Right to Buy Mortgage with an Adverse Credit History
Explore Our Presence
Securing an excellent mortgage offer with Revolution Finance
Brokers couldn't be easier:
Revolution Mortgage Brokers:
100% Independent & Whole-of-Market
As specialist mortgage brokers for a huge variety of applicants, the whole-of-market consultants at Revolution provide access to an exceptional range of lenders, products and mortgage deals. That means you get the advantage of professional negotiation and broker-exclusives through an established lending network to ensure we always find you the most competitive mortgage available.