UK Right to Buy Discount Calculator
Estimate a Right to Buy (RTB) discount for eligible council and housing association tenants in England. Provides an evidence-based calculation, guidance, references and examples.
- Page updated:
- Jan 3, 2026
- Tool version:
- v1.1.0
Overview
This calculator provides an evidence-based estimate of a Right to Buy (RTB) discount for eligible tenants in England. It is maintained by the Independent Housing Tools research team with policy analysis experience in UK social housing.
Use the inputs to provide your best information. The final discount entitlement is determined by your landlord and subject to current legislation, local caps and statutory protections.
Core inputs
Results
Discount amount
—
Discount percentage
35.00%
Price after discount
—
Note
Indicative England figures: houses 35% (3–5 yrs) +1%/extra year, flats 50% +2%/extra year, max 70%, capped at £102,400 (£136,400 in London). Check GOV.UK and your landlord for your exact entitlement.
How to read the result
- What it means
- The displayed value is an estimate based on your inputs. It represents the calculated scenario under current assumptions, not a guaranteed amount.
- Calculation limits
- The model uses simplified formulas and cannot account for all variables in your specific case (local regulations, personal conditions, temporal changes).
- Next step
- Use the result as a starting point. Adjust parameters to compare scenarios and validate with a professional when needed.
Glossary+−
- Qualifying years
Full years of public-sector tenancy that meet the eligibility rules for accruing a Right to Buy discount.
- Annual discount rate
Percentage of market value awarded per qualifying year used to calculate the raw discount before applying caps.
- Cap / Maximum discount
The maximum percentage of a property's market value that can be awarded as a Right to Buy discount for a given property type.
- Market value
The current open-market price of the property, used as the base to apply the discount percentage.
- Statutory protections
Legal rules or local policies that may limit or adjust the Right to Buy discount available to a particular property or tenant.
Key takeaways
This tool gives an indicative RTB discount estimate based on user inputs and default annual rates/caps.
It is intended to help you understand how qualifying years and property value interact when estimating a discount. For a definitive calculation, request a formal determination from your landlord.
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Useful links
Worked examples
Example 1 — House, 10 qualifying years, market value £200,000
Indicative result; final entitlement must be confirmed by the landlord.
Interpretation
Indicative result; final entitlement must be confirmed by the landlord.
Example 2 — Flat, 120 qualifying years, market value £150,000
The calculator caps the discount at the statutory max for the property type. Always confirm with your landlord and check for any local adjustments.
Interpretation
The calculator caps the discount at the statutory max for the property type. Always confirm with your landlord and check for any local adjustments.
Frequently asked questions
How is the RTB discount calculated?
This calculator estimates discount as (annual discount rate × qualifying years) capped at a maximum percentage depending on property type. The annual rate and caps used here are default illustrative values; the final calculation is carried out by your landlord in line with current legislation.
Where can I get official confirmation of my discount entitlement?
Contact your landlord (council or housing association). They will provide a formal RTB discount calculation and a statutory offer. A solicitor or housing adviser can also assist.
Does the discount apply to leasehold flats and houses the same way?
Rules can differ between houses and flats and between tenure types. This tool uses different default caps for houses and flats; check official guidance and your landlord for precise treatment.
Are there other fees and costs to consider?
Yes — purchase price after discount does not include legal fees, valuation fees, or any additional costs. The calculator provides an indicative figure only.
Sources & references
- GOV.UK - Right to Buy: how it works: https://www.gov.uk/right-to-buy-buying-your-council-home
- Shelter - Advice on Right to Buy: https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice
Quality & oversight
- Author
- Ugo Candido, MBA
- Maintained by
- Ugo Candido, MBA
- Page updated
- Jan 3, 2026
- Tool version
- v1.1.0