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

Executive Director of Place and Customer

Essex County Council
up to £179,404 per annum
Shape the Future of Essex. Drive climate action. Deliver for our communities. Essex
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Director of Social Work and Social Care

Trafford Council
£100,731 to £104,625
You will join a values-driven senior leadership team, providing visible and responsive leadership. Manchester
Recuriter: Trafford Council

Regulatory Solicitor

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £51,356
If you have the relevant skills, drive and ambition to succeed, we want to hear from you! Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Regulatory Solicitor

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £51,356
If you have the relevant skills, drive and ambition to succeed, we want to hear from you! Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Domestic Abuse (Perpetrator) Prevention Worker

Essex County Council
£31931.0000 - £36423.0000 per annum
. England, Essex, Harlow
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner