Home purchase scheme

Find information on our home purchase scheme, based on frequently asked questions.

Who is eligible for the home purchase scheme

The Home Purchase scheme is open to anyone owning a property that was previously owned by Brighton and Hove City Council. We prioritise purchasing properties that are in greatest demand and are value for money.

You are eligible if:

  • you own a leasehold flat in a block which is owned by Brighton and Hove Council
  • you own a house that was once part of the council’s housing stock. Many houses across the city fall into this category. If you are unsure whether your property was previously owned by Brighton and Hove Council, please get in touch and we can check this for you.
  • you are a leaseholder in one of the LPS blocks (St James House, Nettleton & Dudeney, North Whitehawk Bird Blocks), refer to the separate guidance on large panel system (LPS) high-rise buildings.

Who is not eligible

At this time, we do not generally purchase properties through the Home Purchase Scheme unless they meet the above criteria (i.e. they must have previously belonged to the Council).

However, if your property does not meet the criteria, feel free to contact us. We may be able to assess it for other schemes or if other funding becomes available.

Flats in a block not owned by Brighton & Hove City Council

We are unable to purchase properties where we do not own the freehold, so flats in privately owned blocks can not be considered.

Vacant possession

We require vacant possession to complete a purchase. We are unable to buy a property that has a tenant in situ. This includes when you are currently leasing a property to the council.

Fees and documentation

There are no fees for selling your property to us through the Home Purchase Scheme.

However, you will need to provide:

  • a valid gas safety certificate
  • a current Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
  • a copy of estate agent valuation of your property

We will cover the cost of our own valuation and survey.

Deductions

Houses

There are no deductions applied when we purchase of your property;

You will need to pay for your own conveyancing costs.

Leasehold properties (flats)

Deductions may apply. We will:

  • deduct any outstanding major work charges related to your property
  • settle your leasehold service account at the completion:
    • any overpayments will be refunded
    • any outstanding balance will be deducted from the purchase price.

How we decide whether to buy a property

We assess each property based on:

  • local housing needs
  • long-term affordability of the property
  • suitability for council housing use.

We offer a chain free purchase and offer market value price based on an independent valuation that we commission.

How long the process takes

Timescales can vary, as conveyancing is a fluid process that can be subject to change. 

We aim to issue within 56 days of receiving all required information, provided the purchase is viable.

Conveyancing typically takes 4 to 6 months. As a chain-free buyer, we are able to be flexible with exchange and completion dates, helping to reduce pressure on your onward purchase.