Right to buy for housing association tenants ends in August 2022

The Housing (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2020 received Royal Assent on 28 August 2020. This intention of this act is to reverse the effect of the Office of National Statistics decision to classify housing associations as public bodies. One of the most significant changes the act will have for tenants is the removal of the statutory right for secure housing association tenants to purchase their home.

When will the right to buy end in Northern Ireland?

Housing association tenants' statutory right to buy their home will end on 28 August 2022. Housing association tenants who wish to apply to buy their home must do so before this date. 

This legislation does not affect Northern Ireland Housing Executive tenants. However, during Assembly debates on the passage of this legislation the Minister for Communities confirmed her intention to "address the Housing Executive sales scheme... with all urgency". 

What happens to the house sales scheme in 2022?

The new Act includes provisions which will allow housing associations to choose to provide a voluntary house sales scheme and to avail of grants from the Department for Communities to provide tenants with discounts on such purchases. The Department will decide appropriate terms and conditions for any such grant.

Advice on the house sales scheme

Now that an end date has been placed on the house sales scheme, advisers may see an increase in enquiries about the right to buy. Our helpline support workers will be happy to help you support your clients with questions about the scheme. You can contact our helpline by phoning 028 9024 5640 or by using the online chat service at www.housingadviceNI.org. Both services are available from 09:30 until 16:30 Monday to Friday.