Social HomeBuy is a government sponsored scheme which allows many current social housing tenants to purchase their current property with a discount– either outright or from a minimum 25% share. If you initially purchase a share, you are able to purchase further shares in the property until you own 100%. A rental payment is due on the share you do not own.

The discounts available vary from area to area and reflect the cost of housing in that particular local authority area. For example, the maximum discount available if you purchase 100% of the property is as follows:

• All of Hertfordshire - £16,000
• Mid Bedfordshire - £13,500
• Bedford, Luton & South Beds - £11,000

The amount of the discount available will reflect the same percentage of the shares you buy, e.g. if you purchase 100% of your property in Herts, you will receive the maximum discount of £16,000. If you purchase 50% of your property in Hertfordshire you will receive 50% of the maximum discount i.e. £8,000.

You need to be a Secure or Assured tenant (not Assured Shorthold tenants and long leaseholders) and have been a social housing tenant for a minimum of 2 years – however if your tenancy was granted after 18 January 2005, the minimum time you must be a tenant prior to applying is 5 years.

You must have an up-to-date rent account, and no Anti Social Behaviour or breaches of tenancy against you.

If you have already purchased a property at a discount from a Public Sector landlord, or if you are an un-discharged bankrupt, you may not apply.