I’m a longtime Burnley local with experience in real estate. It’s my goal to help people in Burnley (and those looking to move here) make sense of buying a home. Burnley’s Right to Buy scheme has made this easier for many. This guide is meant to explain and provide helpful understanding of this government plan and how it works for homeowners in our town.

It’s important to understand Burnley’s Right to Buy scheme if you’re planning to buy property. It gives people a chance to own a home without a whole lot of money upfront. If you’re a local or have lived here for a while, this guide will tell you how the scheme works, its pros and cons. If you’re thinking about buying property, I can share what I know about this scheme from years spent helping locals become homeowners.

The Right to Buy scheme is a UK government program that lets local authority or housing association tenants buy their homes at a big discount. It started in the 1980s and now includes Burnley. Over time, it has helped people who can’t afford market prices become homeowners.

To use the Right to Buy Scheme in Burnley, you have to have lived in your local authority or housing association home for at least three years. These years don’t have to be in a row or in the same place, as long as the landlords were from the public sector. Once you’ve done this, you’re eligible for a discount that grows larger the longer you’ve been a tenant.

On the other hand, there are some things to be aware of about the scheme. If you buy a home through the Right to Buy Scheme, you can’t sell it within the first five years without paying back the discount. If you sell after five years, the local authority or social landlords have to be given a chance to buy it back before you can sell it on the open market.

In addition, there may also be extra costs when buying a home, like council tax, insurance, repairs, maintenance and mortgage payments. It’s important to think about these before you decide to buy. It’s also recommended to get legal and financial advice before you go ahead.

Despite these rules, Burnley’s Right to Buy scheme has helped many people buy their dream home. It has made a positive difference in our community and helped create wealth that can be passed down in families. However, like all big financial decisions, it’s vital to understand everything about the scheme before you use it.


In the end, Burnley’s Right to Buy scheme offers a great way for local tenants and long-term residents to buy their own homes. It’s a fantastic opportunity for those who might find it hard to afford property in Burnley due to rising prices.

However, even though it’s a good deal, it’s important to think about the possible costs of homeownership before deciding to use the Right to Buy scheme. It definitely helps people buy homes, but as with everything in real estate, knowing what you’re doing is key. It’s by understanding how the scheme works, its pros, cons and possible risks, that you can really make the most of it.