Have you got the Right to Buy?

Get up to a maximum £38,000 discount (in certain areas).

Most council houses were built post World War 2, (1945 onwards) currently as long as the tenancy is a secured tenancy and it has lasted a minimum of 2 years then tenants who qualify are entitled to purshase the property at a discounted price, the discount available depends upon the length of your tenancy and on the area in which you live, the amount of discount is deducted from the current market value as determined by your landlord.

If you live in the South West for example the maximum discount available is £30,000 tenants of flats and maisonettes are normally entitled to a higher level of discount based on a maximum of 42% of the market value.

Do not forget that landlords can include the Armed Forces, the National Coal Board etc. so tenancies while serving in the forces can often count towards your discount. Also remember that if you sell your property within 5 years of purchase you will be required to repay a proportion of the discount to your ex-landlord.