Right to Buy sales surged by 90% in 2025-26, with more than two million homes sold under the scheme since its launch in 1980. New data reveals that local authorities reported 14,275 eligible sales in 2025-26, up from the previous year. However, experts caution that every property sold reduces the pool of affordable housing unless replacements are built.
Record Sales and Revenue
Since the Right to Buy scheme began in 1980, a total of 2,052,813 sales to tenants have been completed by 31 March 2026. In 2025-26 alone, local authorities received £1.61 billion from the 14,275 sales, with an average receipt of £112,900 per dwelling – a 5% increase compared to 2024-25.
Despite the rise in sales, the number of replacement homes funded through receipts fell by 7% in 2025-26, with only 3,452 replacements started or acquired. Of these, local authorities were responsible for 3,442 properties, while Homes England and the Greater London Authority together accounted for just 10 properties.
Expert Warnings on Housing Stock
Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, highlighted the scheme's appeal: “The short supply of affordable housing makes the Right to Buy scheme highly attractive for aspiring homeowners, giving them a chance to buy the home they already live in at a discounted price. There has been a significant rise in the number of council homes sold under Right to Buy in 2025-26, an increase of 90% compared with 2024-25.”
She added: “However, the amount of homes sold under the scheme does create a dilemma for the wider housing market, as social housing stock needs to be replaced.”
Proposed Reforms Under Social Housing Bill
Springall noted that proposed reforms to overhaul the Right to Buy scheme are currently going through Parliament under the Social Housing Bill. “The proposed changes could cause a rush for tenants to buy their home in the months ahead, so seeking advice would be wise,” she said. “Potential buyers currently need just three years as a public sector tenant to qualify, but this is planned to rise to 10 years under the new reforms.”
Additionally, newly built social homes would be protected from the scheme for 35 years, with an exclusion for ‘hard-to-replace’ rural homes and adjustments to discounts on market value. A third reading of the bill is expected in September, leaving time for eligible tenants to start the buying process.
Stephen Perkins, Managing Director at Norwich-based Yellow Brick Mortgages, commented: “Right to Buy has helped millions achieve home ownership and that shouldn't be overlooked. The bigger question is whether we're replacing those homes quickly enough. Every property sold reduces the pool of affordable housing unless it's replaced, so success shouldn't just be measured by how many tenants buy their home, but by whether councils can maintain the overall supply for future generations.”
