The Right to Buy / Real Estate Issues (PDF)

An evaluation of the most enduring privatisation of the Thatcher
era ...

Written in an accessible style, this is a key reference for
students and researchers in housing and planning; geography; and
social policy.

The book analyses the operation and impact of the right to buy
policy (RTB). It includes a critique of the Housing Act and the
2001 Housing (Scotland) Act. The enactment of these changes under a
Labour government affirms the continuance of the RTB. The authors
take stock of its profound effect on housing policy, reversing the
growth in social housing developed over the twentieth century,
transforming the nation's tenure structure and revolutionising the
UK housing system.

The Right to Buy: analysis and evaluation of a housing policy
begins with an examination of the policy background to the
establishment of the RTB and the main features of the legislation.
This is followed by chapters that review its take-up and the
pattern of sales and their impact on social housing; a chapter
examining the financial aspects of the RTB from the viewpoints of
tenants, local authorities and central government; one looking at
the impact of the RTB via subsequent re-sales on the open market
and on the private rented sector; and a chapter drawing on the
information already reviewed to consider the potential of the RTB
to create sustainable and diverse communities. In the final
chapters the international experience of parallel policies are
considered and the future take-up of the RTB is assessed in the
light of recent reforms together with alternatives.