Right to Buy Solicitors
Right to Buy solicitors in Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire
You could be eligible to buy your property through the Right to Buy scheme if:
- The property is your main home/only place of residence
- You are a secure tenant.
- The property is self-contained.
- For three years you have had a public sector landlord, such as a council, housing association or the NHS Trust.
- You are making a joint application with someone who shares your tenancy.
- You are making a joint application with up to three family members who have lived with you for at least a year.
- Whilst you were living in the property it was owned by the council before being sold to another landlord.
You may be entitled to a discount ranging from 35-60% for a flat or 50-70% for a house; this can often vary depending on the length of time you have been a tenant in the property, the type of property and the total value of the property.
Our conveyancing lawyers have helped numerous clients to purchase their council house or housing association property through Right to Buy.
Why use Rothera Bray for Right to Buy?
We have a wealth of experience in making applications for Right to Buy and dealing with local councils in regards to applications.
We can advise you on any surveys to be carried out that the local authority has requested.
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“We explain costs clearly – so there’s no hidden surprises”
Michelle Young
Head of Conveyancing
FAQs
The Right to Buy scheme allows most council home tenants and some housing association tenants to buy their council property at a discount.
The scheme was originally introduced in the Housing Act 1980 and although it has been abolished in Wales and Scotland it is still available in England and Northern Ireland.
You will need to complete an RTB1 form, which can be found here. Once you have completed and signed the form you need to send this to your landlord. Your landlord then has four weeks to respond to your application, or eight weeks if they have been your landlord for less than three years.
If your landlord declines your application, they must state their reasons for doing so. You will only be able to appeal this decision if the landlord has declined your offer because the property is suitable for elderly people.
If your landlord accepts your application they will send you an offer, which needs to be sent within eight weeks of their agreeing to the sale if you’re buying a freehold property, or 12 weeks if you’re buying a leasehold property. The offer will include information about:
- The price they think you should pay for the property and how they have worked it out
- Your level of discount and how they worked it out
- A description of the property and any land include in the price
- Estimates of service charges for the first five years
- Any known problems with the property’s structure
After receiving your landlord’s offer, you will have 12 weeks to decide if you want to buy the property. If you do not agree with your landlord’s offer you have three months within getting the offer to write to them and ask for an independent valuation. A district valuer from HM Revenue and Customs will visit your property to carry out a valuation. You then have 12 weeks to accept HMRC’s valuations or pull out of the sale.
You might need to pay stamp duty depending on the value of the property. Stamp duty is a one-off tax you pay when you buy a property, and the amount is based on a percentage of the purchase price. It varies according to the property value, and some lower-value properties may be exempt.
Preserved Right to Buy applies if:
- Your home used to be a council property but was sold to another public sector landlord whilst you were living in it; or
- After your home was sold by the council to a new landlord, you moved into a different property owned by the same landlord
You will also still need to fulfil the main eligibility criteria for Right to Buy as well
Right to Acquire has similar eligibility criteria as Right to Buy but allows most housing association tenants to buy their home at a discount, although the discount is only up to £16,000.
To be eligible for Right to Acquire, your property must have been either:
- Built or bought by a housing association after 31st March 1997; or
- Transferred from a local council to a housing association after 31st March 1997
Yes, you can borrow more on a Right to Buy mortgage, but it is advised that you talk to your landlord as well as your mortgage adviser and your local authority, who will have to approve the additional borrowing. It is also worth being aware that only a small number of lenders offer additional money on a right to buy mortgage and some only allow additional funding for home improvements.
No, in most cases lenders will accept a Right to Buy discount instead, but it is worth checking as not all do.
The amount of discount you can get depends on:
- How long you’ve been a tenant with a public sector landlord
- Whether you’re buying a flat or house
- The value of your home
If you’re buying the property with someone else, you count the years of whoever has been a public sector tenant the longest. You will also get a smaller discount if you have used Right to Buy in the past, or less discount if your landlord has spent money building or maintaining your home. If you sell your home within five years you usually have to repay some or all of your discount.
For houses you get a 35% discount if you have been a public sector tenant for between 3 and 5 years, and after 5 years the discount goes up 1% for every year you’ve been a public sector tenant, up to a maximum of 70% or £84,600 across England and £112,800 in London boroughs.
If you live in a flat you get a 50% discount if you have been a public sector tenant for between 3 and 5 years, after 5 years the discount goes up 2% for each extra year you have been a public sector tenant, up to a maximum of 70% or £84,600 across England and £112,800 in London boroughs.
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Posted 16 June 2026
Laura and Lisa were both exceptional in their professionalism, friendliness and attention to detail in selling my late father's property. The challenge of cross border communication was faced with a positive can do attitude, and nothing was too much trouble. I was kept informed every step of the way, and recommend them without question.
Alan Richmond
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Posted 16 June 2026
We have used Rothera bray for numerous legal requirements (Wills/probate, trust advice & conveyancing) and have found them to highly professional, friendly approachable staff committed to resolving your legal issues, there are cheaper solicitors around, but I believe you get what you pay for. I would recommend them to anyone with legal requirements.
Chris Lever
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Posted 16 June 2026
My experience working with Rothera Bray was outstanding. Abbey and Luisa were professional, supportive, and compassionate throughout the entire process. They kept me informed every step of the way, explained everything clearly, and were always available to answer any questions I had. Abbey and Luisa worked tirelessly to help me achieve the outcome I wanted. Their expertise, attention to detail, and dedication gave me confidence during a difficult time, and I felt reassured knowing my case was in such capable hands. I would highly recommend Rothera Bray to anyone seeking legal advice or representation. Abbey and Luisa provided exceptional service, excellent communication, and genuine care for my situation. Their professionalism and commitment to securing the best possible outcome made all the difference, and I am extremely grateful for their support.
Ashkan
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Posted 16 June 2026
We dealt with Abbey and Luisa when selling our property in Leicestershire. Everything was handled efficiently, professionally and sympathetically, reducing our stress levels as much as possible. Thanks very much for walking us through this transaction. Much appreciated and highly recommended.
Colin Turner
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Posted 15 June 2026
I had an excellent experience with Rothera Bray, with Sally Simpson handling my conveyancing. The whole process was managed in a highly professional and efficient manner, with all enquiries dealt with promptly and often responded to the same day with clear explanations. Every inquiry or feedback raised with the seller’s solicitor was followed through thoroughly, ensuring all legal points were properly clarified and completed without any confusion or doubt. I was guided step by step throughout the process, which made everything smooth and stress-free. Overall, a very reliable, professional, and well-organised service which I would recommend.
Lanka
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Posted 12 June 2026
My sister Lesley and myself are very pleased with the excellent service received from Jackie Murphy at Rothera Bray. She was very efficient and professional as well as being friendly and approachable. Emails were responded to extremely quickly and telephone calls answered which made the process smooth and stress free. Jackie also explained things thoroughly. She is a good asset to the firm. I would definitely recommend.
Christina
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Posted 9 June 2026
We would like to thank you and you team for all your time and patience during this process. We would without a doubt recommend you to anyone who requires a conveyancing solicitor because you are ace.
Lynda Cox
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Posted 9 June 2026
Hayley & team were absolutely amazing very helpful & kept us up to date with or property sale all emails I sent was responded straight away. Would highly recommend 5*+!
Angela Webster
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Posted 8 June 2026
I was purchasing a house and it was Fatima Altaf who was dealing with my purchase. Was very helpful and always there and ready to help. She went above and went the extra mile which I really appreciated. I will definitely be using Rothera bray solicitors in the future.
Abu
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Posted 3 June 2026
Brilliant service from start to finish. Ellie Robinson and Grace at Rothera Bray handled the sale of our house with professionalism and care. They kept us informed every step of the way and made the whole process as smooth as possible. Highly recommended.
Leigh Smith
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Posted 2 June 2026
Sally was professional, efficient, and reliable throughout the process of buying and selling our house. Communication was excellent, with quick responses and regular updates. Everything was handled smoothly and promptly. I would not hesitate to recommend Sally and her team to others. Thank you.
Vicky Limer
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Posted 2 June 2026
Sally was excellent and dealt with my parents house sale efficiently and professionally and made the whole process smooth and stress free. Thank you so much and I will definitely recommend to others and would definitely use Rothera Bray again in the future.
Mark Crooks
Tim Brooke
Partner
Tim Brooke is a solicitor and partner in our residential conveyancing department, based at our West Bridgford and Nottingham offices.
Emily Weston
Partner
Emily Weston is as a Partner in the Residential Conveyancing team and is based primarily at our Beeston office.
Michelle Young
Partner & Head of Conveyancing
Michelle Young is a residential property specialist and heads up the conveyancing team. She’s based at our Loughborough office.
Kiran Phagura
Managing Associate
Kiran Phagura is a Managing Associate based in our Leicester office. She specialises in all aspects of Residential Conveyancing.
Lucy Walsh
Managing Associate
Lucy Walsh is a Managing Associate in the Residential Conveyancing team and is based primarily at our Derby office.
Abbey Freeman
Senior Associate Solicitor
Abbey Freeman is a Senior Associate Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Conveyancing team. She is based at our Loughborough office and is assisted by Luisa. She specialises in all aspects of Residential Property including New Build Purchases.
Carol Freeman
Senior Associate
Carol Freeman is a Chartered Legal Executive in Rothera Bray’s Residential Conveyancing department and is based at our Lace Market office.
Johanna Goddard
Senior Associate
Jo Goddard has over 20 years experience specialising in all aspects of residential conveyancing and regularly acts for clients on sales, purchases, remortgages and transfers of equity and is part of one of the largest conveyancing teams across the East Midlands. She works out of our Nottingham city centre office, in the Lace Market.
Sade Love
Senior Associate Licensed Conveyancer
Sade Love is a Licensed Conveyancer in Rothera Bray’s Conveyancing department and is Conveyancing Team Leader at our Mapperley office.
Julekha Nathani
Senior Associate Solicitor
Julekha specializes in residential conveyancing and is based at our Market Harborough office. Having qualified in 2016 she has an extensive property knowledge dealing with a wide range of conveyancing matters.
Sally Simpson
Senior Associate
Sally is based at our West Bridgford office. She has 40 years experience specialising in all aspect of residential conveyancing.
Jo Clarke
Associate
Jo is an experienced Conveyancing Associate and is based at our West Bridgford office.
Sandy Kaur
Associate Solicitor
Sandy Kaur is an Associate Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Conveyancing department and is based at our Beeston office.
Tina Rana
Associate Solicitor
Tina is an Associate Solicitor in our Residential Conveyancing department, based in Leicester.
She has extensive experience in dealing with all aspects of residential conveyancing including, leasehold and transfer of equities.
Fatima Altaf
Solicitor
Fatima Altaf is a Solicitor in the Residential Property department. She is based at our Leicester office.
Kerry Brown
Chartered Legal Executive
Kerry Brown is a residential property specialist at Rothera Bray’s Nottingham HQ.
Hayley Hart
Solicitor
Hayley Hart is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Residential Conveyancing department and is based at our Mapperley branch office.
Jackie Murphy
Solicitor
Jackie Murphy is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Residential Conveyancing team and is based at our West Bridgford office.
Sara Odedra
Chartered Legal Executive
Sara Odedra is a Chartered Legal Executive in our Residential Property department and is based at our Market Harborough office.
Kerry Redfern
Licensed Conveyancer
Kerry Redfern is a residential property specialist in our Mapperley office.
Suzanne Riozzi
Chartered Legal Executive
Suzanne Riozzi is a Chartered Legal Executive in Rothera Bray’s Residential Conveyancing department and is based at our Loughborough office.
Ellie Robinson
Solicitor
Ellie Robinson is a Solicitor in the residential conveyancing department at Rothera Bray and is based at our Derby office.
Laura Runcak
Solicitor
Laura Runcak is a Solicitor in the Conveyancing department at Rothera Bray Derby and Beeston.
Ruth Cooper
Managing Paralegal
Ruth Cooper is a Managing Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Residential Conveyancing department and is based at our Loughborough office.
Michelle Chambers
Senior Paralegal
Michelle works in our Conveyancing department as a Senior Paralegal and is based at our Beeston office.
Priscilla Dohara
Senior Paralegal
Priscilla Dohara is a Senior Paralegal specialising in residential conveyancing, providing clients with efficient and reliable support throughout the property transaction process. Priscilla is based at our Loughborough office.
Nikola Dzierzak
Senior Paralegal
Nikola is a Senior Paralegal and works within our Conveyancing department at our West Bridgford office.
Gail Garner
Senior Paralegal
Gail is a Senior Paralegal in our Residential Conveyancing department and is based at our Lace Market office.
Schiennel Holness
Senior Paralegal
Schiennel Holness is a Senior Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Conveyancing department and is based at our Mapperley office.
Theresa Mason
Senior Paralegal
Theresa is a Senior Paralegal in our Conveyancing department based at the West Bridgford office.
Grace Millward
Senior Paralegal
Grace Millward is a Senior Paralegal in Rothera Bray Residential Conveyancing department and is based at the Derby branch.
Luisa Palumbo
Senior Paralegal
Luisa Palumbo is a Senior Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Conveyancing team and is based at our Loughborough office.
Shelby Richardson
Senior Paralegal
Shelby Richardson is a Senior Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Conveyancing department and is based at our Mapperley branch.
Beccy Rodham
Senior Paralegal
Beccy Rodham is a Senior Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Conveyancing department and is based at our Lace Market office.
Julian Ryan
Senior Paralegal
Julian Ryan is a Senior Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Conveyancing team and is based at our Market Harborough office.
Lianne Green
Paralegal
Lianne is a Paralegal in the Conveyancing Team based at our West Bridgford branch.
Duygu Kartal
Paralegal
Duygu Kartal is a paralegal in Rothera Bray’s conveyancing team and is based at our Nottingham office.
Akeeta Lakhani
Paralegal
Akeeta is a Paralegal in our Residential Conveyancing team. She is based at our Leicester city centre office.
Lisa Rainbow
Paralegal
Lisa is a Paralegal in our Residential Conveyancing team. She is based at Mercury Place in Leicester.
Clare Salt
Paralegal
Clare Salt is a paralegal in Rothera Bray’s conveyancing team and is based at our Nottingham office.
Nirvair Kaur Singh
Paralegal
Nirvair is a Paralegal in our Conveyancing team based at our West Bridgford office.
Rhiannon Tyrrell
Paralegal
Rhiannon Tyrrell is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Conveyancing team and is based at our Loughborough office.
Sally Cooper
Conveyancing Department Assistant
Sally is our first point of contact for any new conveyancing enquiries that come in to the department and provides a bespoke quoting service for prospective clients, estate agents and other referrers of work.
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