can you privately buy a council house

lilmissclass

I grew up in my grandmothers house which was a council house.

It was a long time ago - 20odd years. My grandmother has since past on, and ive heard the house is still a council house with people living in it.

I dont even know if this is possible, so please excuse it if it sounds dumb...
But would there be anyway either now or in the future I would be able to buy it?

Also how would i check for definite that is still a council house?

david29dpo

No, you cant buy it. You have to be the tenant.

lilmissclass

dammit - Its my dream house.

Is there any way i can find out if it is a council house?

if i became a tenant of a council house would i only be able to buy that one, or would i be able to buy able to buy any council house

jacnorm

You would not be able to buy a council house unless you were the tenant of that particular house.

lilmissclass

thanks for that Lodger.

I know its definitely occupied. Im willing to wait - and have been saving for a deposit on a house. I was just really hoping it would be that one.

Does no harm to ask though.

hearts

QUOTE:It is of course JUST possible the council would sell it to you at full market value if it was un-tenanted. Probably not what you'd really want, but might get you your dream house.

I'm sorry this is wrong. The council will not sell.

carlislelass

no wonder there a long waiting list for council houses.

Feline_friendly

You have to be a tenant for 12 months before you are considered for Right 2 Buy of the house you are tenant in. The discounts have limits now and for being a tenant for 12 months will give very little if any discount, and so full value would have to be paid. I am talking about in England.

Getting a council home is extremely hard as it is, so trying to become a tenant of a particular house will be virtually impossible.

lilmissclass

i wasnt looking to be a tenant - i want to buy it and live there

squinty

I know this does not apply in this case, but to correct feline_friendly, assuming you are in England for the Right to Buy you have to have been a tenant for FIVE years (if you became a tenant after January 2005 ).

Some councils do sell properties, but these are likely to be unusual (strange construction types) or unpopular (for example small bungalows in isolated communities). These may be sold through estate agents or auctions. This type of sale is very much the exception rather than the rule.

I know it’s not the answer you were hoping for, but there is little or no chance of the council selling you this property.

geoffky

lilmissclass wrote: »

i wasnt looking to be a tenant - i want to buy it and live there

IF YOU DO..you will stop someone who needs it having it...where you could buy anywhere.....get the idea?:rolleyes: