William Eichler 14 October 2025

Right to Buy leaves councils thousands of homes short

Right to Buy leaves councils thousands of homes short image
© Clare Louise Jackson / Shutterstock.com.

An investigation by The Big Issue has revealed the lasting impact of the Right to Buy scheme on England’s social housing stock.

Over the past five years, 53 councils sold 20,836 homes under the scheme, raising £2.25bn. However, they spent nearly the same amount—£2.12bn—buying back just 8,590 properties.

Over half of the repurchased homes had previously been sold under the scheme, leaving councils with a net loss of 12,246 properties, according to the research.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

FM Hard Services and Accommodations Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£43,545 - £59,220 per annum
Join a progressive and results-driven Corporate Facilities Management (FM) team, delivering high-quality services across approximately 300 buildings within Richmond and Wandsworth. Our remit encompasses a broad range of critical functions, including
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Marketing and Events Assistant

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£27,781 - £31,134
Marketing and Events Assistant... Richmond, Greater London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Part Time Residential Workers x2

Essex County Council
£25395.00 - £32131.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave + Local Gov Pension
Part Time Residential Workers x2Permanent, Part Time£25,395 to £32,131 per annum, plus 10% allowance, full time equivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Principal Ruling Group Support Officer

Liverpool City Council
£51356 - £56673
Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic, and engaged communities... Liverpool, Merseyside
Recuriter: Liverpool City Council

Educational Psychologist - Main Grade

Essex County Council
£43483.0000 - £63394.0000 per annum
Educational Psychologist - Main GradePermanent, Full TimeSoulbury Psychologists Scale A from 3 to 8 plus SPA opportunityLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner