Right to Buy Scheme in Wales: Status and Renter Information

If you're renting a council or social housing property in Wales, you might have heard of the "Right to Buy" scheme. Many renters across the UK have looked to this as a way to purchase their homes at a discounted rate. However, the rules in Wales are different from those elsewhere in the UK and have changed in recent years. Here, we'll explain what the scheme is, its current legal status in Wales, and what renters should know about their rights and options.

Understanding the Right to Buy Scheme

The Right to Buy scheme was a policy that allowed tenants renting from local councils or housing associations to buy their homes at a discount, depending on how long they had lived there. It was first introduced across the UK in the 1980s, with the aim of helping low-income families become homeowners.

Is the Right to Buy Scheme Still Active in Wales?

No, the Right to Buy (and the related Right to Acquire) ended in Wales. The Welsh Government officially abolished the Right to Buy and the Right to Acquire for council and housing association tenants as of 26 January 2019. This means that tenants in Wales no longer have any legal right to purchase their social or council housing homes, even if they have lived there for many years. The abolition of the scheme is part of the government's efforts to ensure more affordable homes remain available to people who need them.¹

For up-to-date information, you can visit the Welsh Government's official Right to Buy scheme page.

Your Rights as a Social Housing Tenant in Wales

Although the Right to Buy is no longer available, you are still protected by robust housing rights if you're renting from a council or housing association. As a social tenant, you have the right to:

• Live in your property as long as you meet your tenancy obligations
• Receive repairs and maintenance for essential issues
• Be consulted on significant changes to your tenancy or rent
• Challenge unfair rent increases or poorly handled repairs

These protections are set out in the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, which is the main legislation covering tenancies in Wales.² You can learn more about your rights from the Welsh Government's Housing section.

Can I Still Buy My Council or Housing Association Home?

After 26 January 2019, there is no statutory scheme for council or housing association property purchases in Wales. Social landlords no longer process any Right to Buy applications or offer the previous discounts. If you hear otherwise, or are offered a chance to buy your home through unofficial channels, check with your landlord or local council and seek advice from a recognised tenant advisory service.

Relevant Official Forms: What If I Have An Old Application?

All official Right to Buy forms previously used, such as the RTB1 (Notice Claiming the Right to Buy), are now dormant in Wales. Local councils and housing associations no longer accept or process these. If you submitted a form before January 2019, your landlord should have notified you of the process ending.

• RTB1: Notice Claiming the Right to Buy
  This was once used to formally apply to buy your council or housing association home. Now, applications are not accepted in Wales. More on Right to Buy forms and procedures is available for England, but these do not apply in Wales.

If you believe you submitted a Right to Buy form before the deadline and have not received a response, contact your landlord in writing. For unresolved disputes, you may consider contacting the Residential Property Tribunal Wales, which oversees housing disputes in Wales.

What Can Renters Do If They Need Affordable Homeownership Options?

Although the traditional scheme has ended, the Welsh Government supports alternative routes for low-cost homeownership, such as:

• Help to Buy – Wales
• Shared Ownership Wales
• Rent to Own – Wales

Each scheme has its own eligibility and application rules, and is designed to support first-time buyers or those who may struggle to buy on the open market. You can get guidance directly from the Welsh Government's official housing pages or from your local authority.

How Residential Tenancy Disputes Are Handled in Wales

If you run into problems with your landlord regarding your tenancy—such as eviction threats, repairs, or unresolved complaints—the body that handles disputes is the Residential Property Tribunal Wales. This independent tribunal considers a range of housing disputes for renters in Wales.³

• You can apply to the tribunal if you have a serious dispute your landlord is not resolving or if you wish to challenge the reasonableness of rent or service charges.

It's best to try to resolve issues directly with your landlord first. If that fails, you can find full guidance and access application forms at the Residential Property Tribunal Wales forms page.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Right to Buy scheme available in Wales in 2024?
   No—the Right to Buy and Right to Acquire schemes have both been abolished in Wales as of January 2019. No new applications are accepted.
2. I applied to buy my council home before January 2019. What happens?
   If you applied before the deadline, your application should have been processed under the previous rules. For unresolved cases, contact your landlord in writing and seek advice from the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.
3. Are there any other homeownership options for social tenants in Wales?
   Yes. The Welsh Government provides alternative schemes including Help to Buy – Wales, Shared Ownership Wales, and Rent to Own – Wales. See their official housing support pages for eligibility.
4. Can my local council make an exception to the Right to Buy ban?
   No, the ban is set by law and applies to all councils and housing associations in Wales. No exceptions are permitted.
5. What is the current tenancy legislation in Wales?
   The main legislation is the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, governing tenant and landlord rights across Wales.

Key Takeaways on Right to Buy and Affordable Housing in Wales

• The Right to Buy scheme is completely abolished in Wales and no new applications can be made.
• Social tenants are protected by strong legislation under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
• Alternative homeownership schemes are available. Check with your local council or the Welsh Government for options.

If you have questions or face issues, free help and resources are available—don't hesitate to reach out for support.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Wales

• Residential Property Tribunal Wales – for housing dispute resolution and appeals
• Shelter Cymru Advice – free, confidential support for renters struggling with housing issues
• Welsh Government Housing pages – information on tenancy rights and government home-buying schemes
• Your local council's housing team – find contact details via your council's website

---

1. Welsh Government: Right to Buy ending in Wales
2. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 – official UK legislation
3. Residential Property Tribunal Wales – official tribunal site

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent, Deposits & Increases Tenancy Types & Agreements Moving In & Out Procedures Repairs, Maintenance & Housing Standards Eviction Notices & Repossessions Shared Housing, HMOs & Lodgers Discrimination, Harassment & Accessibility Utilities, Bills & Council Tax Affordable Housing, Social Housing & Benefits Dispute Resolution & Housing Tribunals Health, Safety & Fire Regulations Privacy, Landlord Entry & Surveillance Unusual & Special Tenancy Situations Renters’ Insurance & Liability Homelessness Support & Post-Eviction Help Landlord Duties, Licensing & Penalties Housing Law, Legal Updates & Case Studies Mental Health, Disability & Vulnerable Renters’ Rights Rent Repayment Orders & Compensation