Buying your council or housing association home can feel like a dream that’s just out of reach – especially when saving up a deposit feels impossible. But Barclays has shaken things up with a new zero deposit mortgage offer under the Right to Buy scheme.

So, what does this actually mean for tenants? And is it really as simple as it sounds? Let’s break it down.

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What Is Right to Buy?

The Right to Buy scheme gives council and some housing association tenants the legal right to buy their home at a discounted price. You may qualify if:

• You’ve been a public sector tenant for at least 3 years
• The property is your main home
• You’re a secure or flexible council tenant
• Or you have a preserved Right to Buy from when a council home was transferred to a housing association

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Right to Acquire vs. Right to Buy

If you’re a housing association tenant, you might qualify under a slightly different scheme called Right to Acquire. The discounts are lower and fewer homes are eligible, but it’s still a foot on the ladder.

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Barclays Zero Deposit Mortgage – What’s the Deal?

Barclays has made home ownership more accessible by offering zero deposit mortgages to tenants using the Right to Buy scheme. Here’s how it works:

• No cash deposit needed – the Right to Buy discount counts as your deposit
• You get access to lower mortgage rates typically available to people with large deposits
• Loans are capped at 90% of the market value, promoting responsible lending
• High-value properties (over £640k for houses or £310k for flats) may still need a deposit

Barclays is essentially treating your discount as equity. If you get a 40% discount, that’s seen as a 40% deposit, meaning you can borrow at 60% Loan-to-Value (LTV) rates.

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Is It Really 100% Mortgage?

Technically, yes – you can borrow 100% of the discounted price, not the full market value. That means:

• If your home is worth £250,000 and you get a £100,000 discount, you can borrow the remaining £150,000 without needing to save a deposit.

This is a huge win for tenants who can afford mortgage repayments but struggle with saving.

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Are There Any Catches?

While the deal sounds great, it’s worth keeping these in mind:

• You still need to afford the repayments
• You’ll need to cover legal fees, valuation costs, and possibly mortgage fees
• Barclays only accepts the person(s) entitled to Right to Buy on the mortgage
• The property must meet their criteria – some homes may be excluded

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How to Apply for Right to Buy

1. Check if you qualify – You need at least 3 years as a tenant (even non-continuous).
2. Apply to your landlord – Fill in the RTB1 form (Right to Buy) or RTA1 form (Right to Acquire).
3. Wait for a decision – Landlords must reply within 4 to 8 weeks.
4. Receive your offer – You’ll get a formal valuation and discount applied.
5. Get your mortgage sorted – This is where we come in!

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How We Can Help – Mortgage Broker Near Me

At Mortgage Broker Near Me, we specialise in Right to Buy mortgages – including Barclays’ zero deposit option.

We’ll:

• Check your eligibility
• Explain all costs clearly
• Compare deals from over 90 lenders
• Handle all the paperwork
• Offer fee-free expert advice

So you don’t just buy your home – you buy it right.

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FAQs: Right to Buy and Mortgages

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Is Right to Buy being abolished?

No, not in England. Scotland and Wales have already scrapped it, but it remains available in England and Northern Ireland.

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Which banks offer Right to Buy mortgages?

Barclays is a standout with zero deposit, but other lenders include Halifax, NatWest, Leeds Building Society and more.

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Do I need a deposit for Right to Buy?

Not if you use Barclays – your discount acts as your deposit.

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Can my child stay in my council house if I move out?

Not automatically. Only those listed on the tenancy and meeting succession rules may qualify.

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What’s the maximum Right to Buy discount?

As of November 2024, between £16,000 and £38,000 depending on your location.

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Can I get a 100% mortgage with Right to Buy?

Yes, but only on the discounted price, not full market value.

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Final Thoughts: Should You Go for It?

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If you qualify for Right to Buy and want to own your home without the hurdle of a huge deposit, Barclays’ mortgage could be your golden ticket.

But mortgages aren’t one-size-fits-all – and that’s why we’re here to help.

👉 Ready to explore your Right to Buy options?
Get in touch with Mortgage Broker Near Me today. We’ll help you turn your tenancy into true home ownership – without the stress.

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