Buying Your Council House in Northern Ireland: What Renters Need to Know

Many UK renters ask if it's possible to buy a council house in Northern Ireland, especially as homeownership may provide greater security and independence. This guide explains current rules, what has changed in recent years, and your options if you rent from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) or a Housing Association. All information is up to date for 2024 and designed for general public use.

Is It Still Possible to Buy a Council House in Northern Ireland?

In the past, tenants could buy their council house through the House Sales Scheme. However, as of 28 August 2022, the House Sales Scheme has officially closed. This means existing and new tenants of the NIHE or a Housing Association in Northern Ireland can no longer apply to purchase their rented home under this scheme.^[1]

Why Was the House Sales Scheme Closed?

• To protect the limited supply of social housing for those in need.
• To prevent further reduction in affordable housing stock for future generations.

For more information, see the Northern Ireland Housing Executive's update on House Sales Scheme closure.

What If I Had a Pending House Sale Application Before 28 August 2022?

If you submitted a valid application to buy your council house before 28 August 2022 and met all eligibility requirements, your process may continue. The closing of the scheme does not cancel applications that were being processed before this deadline. Check the status of your application with your landlord (either NIHE or your Housing Association).

Are There Any Exceptions or Alternatives?

Generally, there are no current schemes allowing direct purchase of council or housing association homes in Northern Ireland. The only exception is for those with an application already in progress before the scheme ended.

• There is no equivalent to England's Right to Buy in force.
• Shared ownership (part-buy, part-rent) may be an option through Co-Ownership Northern Ireland, but not for current council homes.

If you're unsure about your position or need housing advice, it's a good idea to contact the Housing Rights Service NI for support.

Official Forms and How They Were Used

With the closure of the House Sales Scheme, no new forms are accepted for buying a council house in Northern Ireland.

Previously Relevant Form

• House Sales Application Form – Used to start the purchase of a council or NIHE property under the scheme.
  • When used: Only before 28 August 2022 for eligible tenants wishing to buy
  • Where to find: The form has been removed following closure of the scheme (see official closure notice).

If you already completed this form and applied before the cutoff date, you should have received confirmation from NIHE or your Housing Association. Keep any paperwork for your records and contact your landlord for updates.

Relevant Housing Tribunal and Legislation in Northern Ireland

Tenant and landlord housing matters (including disputes and tenants' rights) are dealt with by the Northern Ireland Appeals Tribunal. For housing sales, the primary legislation is:

• Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1983 – the legal rules covering social housing sales
• Housing (Sale of Social Housing) (Cessation of New Applications) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 – formally ends new sale applications as of 28 August 2022

For ongoing tenancies, renters' rights are covered by the Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and related rules.

Practical Steps for Tenants

• If you applied to buy your council house before 28 August 2022, contact your landlord to confirm progress and request updates in writing.
• If you missed the deadline, consider seeking advice on alternatives such as shared ownership or low-cost homeownership initiatives.
• For complaints or tenancy disputes, contact the Northern Ireland Appeals Tribunal. Their website provides information on appeals and dispute resolution.
• Keep all documentation relating to your tenancy, correspondence, and any sales applications filed before the cut-off.

FAQ: Council House Sales and Housing Options in Northern Ireland

1. Can I buy my council house in Northern Ireland in 2024?
   No, the House Sales Scheme closed to new applications on 28 August 2022. Only applications submitted before this date may still be processed.
2. What happens if I applied before the closure?
   Your application may still proceed. Contact your landlord (NIHE or Housing Association) for an update.
3. Are Housing Association tenants also affected?
   Yes, all social tenants (council and Housing Association) are covered by the closure of the scheme.
4. Is there an alternative way to buy my council house?
   No direct schemes are available now. However, shared ownership through Co-Ownership may be possible with other (non-council) homes.
5. Who can help if I need support or advice?
   Contact Housing Rights NI for housing advice or the NI Housing Executive for details on your tenancy.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) – Social housing and tenancy support
• Housing Rights NI – Free advice and information on renting in Northern Ireland
• Northern Ireland Appeals Tribunal – For tenancy dispute resolution and appeals
• nidirect: Finding somewhere to live – Official government guidance on renting, buying and housing associations

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1. See NIHE’s official page on the closure of the House Sales Scheme (2022).
2. Housing (Sale of Social Housing) (Cessation of New Applications) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022.
3. Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1983.
4. Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006.

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