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

Trainee Sheltered Housing Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£30,510- £36,969 per annum
The London Boroughs of Richmond upon Thames and Wandsworth present a unique opportunity to be part of a team who work together in a ground-breaking shared staffing structure across both boroughs. Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Assistant Team Manager

Oxfordshire County Council
£50,269 - £53,460
About Us Together, we’re shaping children’s social care for the future. Every day, our colleagues are helping to transform the lives of the residents of Oxfordshire. In our Early Help, Assessment and Prevention Directorate, we’re committed to del Abingdon
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Finance Business Partner (Qualified)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Provide expert financial strategy and insight to shape our services and build a fairer boroughProvide expert financial strategy and insight to shape o England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Residential Support Worker - Development Programme

Durham County Council
£26,403 - £28,598
Residential Support Workers – Temporary 12 Month development opportunity Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Service Improvement Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 10 £38,220 - £41,771
Applications are invited for a Service Improvement Support Officer within the Adult and Health Services Development and Learning Team. The position is Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner