Stephen McPartland, Member of Parliament for Stevenage, set up a website last year to help council and social housing tenants take advantage of up to £77,000 discounts to buy their homes. The free online service, www.righttobuystevenage.com, has the support of successive Housing Minister's and has helped many people own their own home here in Stevenage. In fact, the Government has now created Right to Buy Agents who will help you free of charge through the process, as Stevenage once again leads the way.
Stephen said, "Almost a hundred families have taken advantage of the discounts on offer and bought their home off Stevenage Borough Council in the first year we launched the website. We all know that Housing is a big issue in Stevenage, especially as Stevenage Borough Council is raising rents faster than anyone else in Hertfordshire and providing a poor service. Many tenants are just fed up with a Council that does not care about them."
"Well, having the Right to Buy your home is getting easier all the time and I am delighted the Government have now introduced Right to Buy Agents to help with this important decision. Your home could be a valuable asset for you and your family and an investment for the future. Home ownership could give you more freedom to make the changes you want to your home. This could be your first step on the property ladder and with a bigger discount of up to £77,000 now available, this could be the perfect time to decide if it is the right choice for you. It also helps the whole community, because the money is used to build more social and affordable housing, so it is a great deal for everyone."
The Right to Buy Agent Service can help you understand your eligibility, the level of discount you could get, or guidance on affordability and working out the costs involved, they are there to help. They can also assist you in filling out your application and will be able to provide practical information on taking those next steps, for example organising a mortgage, finding a solicitor or arranging a survey.
Advisers are available Monday to Friday, 8am until 6pm. You can call 0300 123 0913, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or even chat online with them at www.righttobuy.communities.gov.uk/agent-service
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