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This scheme is for secure Council tenants who want to buy the property they live in, but who do not have the qualifying period for the Right to Buy.
 
Properties are valued at current market prices. Most properties are offered for sale at a lower price because the tenant qualifies for a discount, which is usually £16,000.
 
 
Click on a link below for more information on the Discretionary scheme -
 
Who qualifies?
 
Most secure tenants of Westminster City Council, who do not have the qualifying period for the Right to Buy.
 
The qualifying period for the Right to Buy, subject to any previous and continuous public sector tenancy, is two years for tenancies beginning on or before 17/01/05 and five years for tenancies beginning on or after 18/01/05.
 
Previous tenancies with Westminster, and time spent as a tenant with other councils and housing associations usually counts.
 
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How does the scheme work?

You apply by filling in an application form.
 
We write back to you, confirming whether or not you can buy your home under the Discretionary scheme.
 
If you can, we have the property valued and send you an offer of sale. You have four months to complete your purchase.
 
 

How can I get more information / an application form?

Please contact us on 020 7245 2208 or lesseefrontline@cwh.org.uk, or you can download an application form image of acrobat icon here.
 
 

Warning!

There are private companies and individuals who offer to help tenants to buy their homes. But you may not get good advice from them and could end up becoming homeless.
 
Companies and individuals offering help
 
Sometimes, you are asked to pay for things that you can get for free. For example:
  • We will provide an application form and help you fill it in. 
  • We will explain how the sales process works and answer your questions.
  • We will give you information about how to find a solicitor.
  • Banks and building societies offer free mortgage advice.
We are here to help you and our advice costs nothing.
 
 
Companies and individuals offering money
 
Sometimes companies or individuals offer tenants money if the tenants agree to a deal where the company ends up owning the property. If you enter into this type of agreement:
  • before you buy your property, you will have to repay discount as soon as you buy it.
  • after you buy your property, you will have to repay discount as soon as you make the agreement.
  • the money you make is unlikely to be enough to buy another home, and the Council will not give you another property to rent.
Please think very carefully before using one of these companies or individuals. Ask yourself 'what is in it for them?'. They may be suggesting that you do something that benefits them, not you. Do not sign anything that you are not entirely clear about or happy with.
 
Some tenants have become homeless after agreeing to deals like this. It is very important that you get independent legal advice from your own solicitor or the Citizens Advice Bureau, before you do anything.
 
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