The RTB process – step by step

There are several stages to go through when you buy your home. This Charter explains each of those stages and will tell you what you need to do at each stage and how long you can expect the process to take.

Stage 1 – The Application

Firstly you must fill in and return the application form ‘Claiming the Right to Buy’ which is known as the RTB1. You will see this abbreviation on other papers you will receive from us. RTB1 forms are available from Lambeth's Home Ownership Services on 020 7926 6700 or from the estate office.

Stage 2 – Eligibility Checks

When your application has been received, it will be acknowledged and your eligibility to purchase the property will be checked.

When the results are known you will be sent a RTB2 Notice confirming if you can buy or not.  If your application is not accepted, you will be given reason why. This notice will be sent within four weeks of the application being received.

You should keep the RTB2 Notice in a safe place as you may need to give it to your bank or building society if you are obtaining a mortgage.

As soon as your Right to Buy application is received any improvements or repairs that are due to be done will be cancelled (except for work required by law to keep the property weather-tight). This is because when the property is valued the valuation is based on the date your RTB application was made. Any improvements or repairs after that date would affect the valuation of the property.

Stage 3 Valuation / Survey

A letter will be sent with the RTB2 Notice providing a phone number for you to ring and arrange for the property to be valued. You must ring the valuer within ten days to arrange a convenient time to come and value your home.

You should always get an independent survey from a surveyor or structural engineer to confirm there is no faults with the property. The survey your bank or building society gets will only be for the purpose of the valuation, and may not tell you about structural faults in the property. 

Getting a Solicitor

If you want to buy the property you will need a solicitor to tell you about the legal details and the terms of the sale. If you don't know a solicitor then ask your building society or bank to recommend one. Please remember to ask an estimate of the solicitors charges before you decide

Stage 4 – Price Notice

After the property has been valued you will be sent the ’Landlord’s Offer Notice’, also known as the Section 125 Notice. The Section 125 Notice is one of the most important documents you will receive and you should read it carefully. This will advise you of the value of the property, the purchase price to you after discount, any terms and conditions relating to the purchase of the property and any structural defects noted by the valuer.  It will also explain what you need to do next. The Section 125 Notice will be sent to you within eight and 12 weeks of the RTB2 Notice.

Once you have received the Section 125 Notice and you decide to go ahead you should:

• Begin to make arrangements for your mortgage;

• Have a structural survey carried out (your mortgage lender may be able to arrange this for you).

• Choose a solicitor to act for you in the legal process.

Stage 5 – Your Response

You must now tell Home Ownership Services what you are going to do next. You will have to decide if you want to:

• Buy your home outright under the Right to Buy;

• Apply to buy your home on rent-to-mortgage terms (not applicable on Blenheim Gardens Estate)

• Consider appealing against the Landlord’s valuation

• Discontinue with the application

You must reply within 12 weeks of receiving your Section 125 Notice, stating your intentions. There is a ‘Notice of Intention’ form with the ‘price notice’ for you to complete and return.  If you don’t make contact within 8 weeks you will get a reminder.  If you still don’t write within another 8 weeks your application will be withdrawn.

If you think our valuation of your home is wrong?

You can ask the district valuer to give an independent valuation. You must make your appeal within 12 weeks from date of the Section 125 notice. The district valuer's decision is final, whether it is higher or lower than our valuation.

Stage 6 – Completing the Sale

If you decide to continue with the purchase of your home and you have still not chosen a solicitor or arranged your mortgage you should do this now. Your solicitor will be able to clear up any doubts you have about the terms of the sale or the lease (if it is a leasehold sale). Once you have informed Home Ownership Services of your intentions, the Council’s solicitors will write to your solicitor. Your solicitor will contact you to discuss the details of the sale and arrange a completion date.

If everything is straightforward and there are no problems, the sale will normally complete within 3 months of you notifying the Home Ownership Services that you wish to proceed with the purchase.

Who Doesn't Have the Right to Buy?

You cannot buy the property if:

• You live in Sheltered Housing for the elderly or disabled. Further information, please visit: London Borough of Lambeth Sheltered Housing

• You live in a property that is particularly suitable for the elderly and was let to be lived in by someone aged 60 or more.

• You work for Lambeth and your home is part of your conditions of service (this only applies in some cases).

• You are an introductory tenant

• You have breached a Court Order and have not had your tenancy reinstated by the court.  Please refer to rent section or visit HMCourts Service 

• You have been declared bankrupt and have not been discharged. 

Cash Incentive Scheme

Lambeth Council have lunched a Cash Incentive Scheme (CIS) for council resident's wanting to buy a property on the open market. The cash incentive scheme is different from the Government's Right to Buy scheme since instead of buying the home you currently occupy, you are given a grant to relinquish or give up your council property.

Lambeth Council may provide a grant of up to £38,500 on the condition that you are

For more information regarding the Lambeth's CIS please contact Home Ownership Services on 020 7926 6000 or visit www.Lambeth.gov.uk