Voluntary Right to Buy
Stonewater is pleased to confirm that it is currently taking part in the pilot of the Voluntary Right to Buy Midlands scheme.
The Autumn 2017 Budget confirmed the Government’s intention to proceed with a large-scale regional pilot of the Voluntary Right to Buy (VRTB) scheme in the Midlands.
By operating the pilot in the Midlands, where there is a range of different housing markets, vital information can be provided to Stonewater, fellow Housing Associations and the Government to inform the launch of the scheme nationwide.
Stonewater have been keen to play a part in exploring how elements of the VRTB scheme operate, whilst also giving some of our tenants an amazing opportunity to buy their home at a potentially substantial discount.
Applications to take part in the scheme are currently closed and may be re-opened subject to a review of the remaining budget for the scheme by the Ministry of Homes, Communities and Local Government.
Tenanted properties located in the following Local Authorities may be eligible to take part in the scheme, if you are unsure of which local authority your property falls under then you can check this easily by referring to your council tax bill:
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There are a number of items to consider when looking to purchase your home through Voluntary Right to Buy. Below are a series of guides produced by Stonewater in order to support all tenants through the process of becoming a home owner and cover such items as which homes Stonewater is able to sell, the effect of purchasing on any repairs service you will receive, and what will happen if you are offered the option to port your discount.
Your customer journey
Take a look at our illustration of the Voluntary Right to Buy customer journey.
How much discount will I get?
Our discount table shows the percentage of discount you will be entitled to. The maximum is £80,900.
Do you want to make your home your own?
Your guide to buying your home under the Voluntary Right to Buy pilot scheme
Voluntary Right to Buy Policy Guide
Our VRTB Policy Guide explains how we will operate, so the rules are clear to all potential purchasers.
Eligibility & Exclusions Policy
To find out if you qualify for Voluntary Right to Buy and what the exclusions are, please read this policy.
Portability Policy Guide
A guide for tenants looking to 'port' their discount
with us, what is expected from us and what will be expected from the tenant
Frequently asked questions
We've produced a handy FAQ's leaflet that provides you with more information about VRTB.
Privacy Notice for the VRTB process
Read our specific privacy notice regarding the VRTB process.
Customer Feedback
Read the customer feedback regarding the Voluntary Right to Buy pilot
In order to purchase your home under Voluntary Right to Buy you must be in receipt of a Unique Reference Number (URN) from the Government. Applications can be made on the Government’s VRTB website at https://midlands.righttobuy.gov.uk however the gateway on the website is currently closed pending assessment of any remaining budget for the pilot. If you would like to register with Stonewater to receive updates on any re-opening of the Government portal then please contact vrtb@stonewaterhomes.co.uk.
Note: As part of your application you would be asked to provide copies of tenancy agreement(s) to support your eligibility for discount. Unfortunately Stonewater are unable to provide previous tenants with duplicate copies of their tenancy agreement(s) to support Right to Buy, Right to Acquire or Voluntary Right to Buy applications. We are however, able to provide a reference letter which would confirm the dates of tenancy for your Stonewater home as well as the tenant name(s) who were listed there. We will charge an administration fee of £30 inc VAT for this service. To request a reference letter please call 01202 319119.
Next steps:
If you had been successful in obtaining a URN then the deadline for submitting your completed application to Stonewater has now passed. Stonewater are not able to offer any extension to this unless it is exceptional circumstances.
If you have any queries please refer to our Voluntary Right to Buy Frequently Asked Questions document.
Alternatively contact the Voluntary Right to Buy team by:
- Phone: 02380 658858 option 2
- Email: vrtb@stonewaterhomes.co.uk
