The government's Right to Buy scheme gives people the opportunity to buy their council home or housing association property at a price discounted below its market value. For information on the available discounts see our guide on Right to Buy mortgages.
Using our Right to Buy Discount Calculator, you can calculate what discount you could be entitled to when purchasing your public-sector property through the Right to Buy scheme.
Calculation results should not be considered as a quote. Make sure you read the separate Key Facts Illustration (KFI) or European Standard Information Sheet (ESIS) before making a decision.
How does the calculator work?
Our calculation is based on the current value of your home, location, the property type, and the number of years you have been a tenant. Your discount will vary depending on whether your property is a house or flat.
Am I eligible for the Right to Buy discount?
To qualify, you'll usually need to be a secure council or housing association tenant of at least 3 years (this doesn't have to be with the same landlord or in the same property). Some tenancy types, such as shared ownership without full staircasing, may affect eligibility, so it's worth checking your exact position with your landlord before applying.
Is the discount capped, and does it differ by region?
Yes. The Government sets a maximum cash discount each year, and it's reviewed annually so the cap can change. The cap also varies depending on where you live, so the discount available in London can differ from the rest of England. Our calculator uses the current caps, but always confirm the latest figure with your council before you rely on it.
What should I do after using this right to buy calculator?
Once you have an idea of your likely discount, the next step is to speak to a specialist about your Right to Buy mortgage options, as not every lender offers this type of mortgage and the criteria can vary. We can talk you through affordability, how the discount is treated by lenders, and what to expect from the application process.
What discount will I actually get?
Under the rules in force since 21 November 2024, the percentage discount is 35% of the property's value for a house or 50% for a flat once you have completed three years as a public sector tenant. After five years it rises by 1% a year for houses and 2% a year for flats.
Two ceilings then apply, whichever is reached first. The discount cannot be more than 70% of the property's value, and it cannot exceed the cash cap for your region, which is currently £34,000 across the East of England, including Suffolk. So a house in Ipswich valued at £180,000 with a 35% entitlement would produce £63,000 on the percentage, but the cap brings that down to £34,000, and you would pay £146,000.
Could the cost floor rule reduce my discount?
It can. If your landlord has spent money building, buying, repairing or maintaining the property, the cost floor rule can cut your discount or remove it entirely. The period this covers was extended from 15 years to 30 years, so it now affects far more homes than it used to. Your landlord has to tell you if it applies, so ask early.
Are the rules about to change?
The government has confirmed further reform through the Social Housing Bill, introduced in May 2026. The proposals include raising the minimum tenancy from three years to ten, replacing the current percentages with a discount starting at 5% and rising by 1% a year to a maximum of 15%, and extending the discount repayment period from five years to ten. None of this is law yet and it is not expected before late 2026 or 2027, but if you are close to qualifying under today's rules it is worth knowing where you stand.
Where can I read more?
Our guides cover which lenders accept a Right to Buy discount as a deposit, Right to Buy with bad credit, and how much your council house is worth.