Housing Executive and housing association tenants are usually able to buy their home after five years. Private tenants don't have this right. The Housing Executive or housing association can refuse to sell the home in some circumstances.

• General rules
• Can I buy with other people?
• Can my application be turned down?
• Can I still buy my home if I have a joint tenancy?

General rules

You can usually only buy your home if you have been a Housing Executive or housing association tenant for at least five years. You may be able to buy your home even if you haven't lived there for five years if:

• you took over the tenancy following the death of your husband, wife, partner or parent
• your husband, wife, partner or parent gave their tenancy to you (this is called assignment).

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Can I buy with other people?

You can only buy your home with other people if:

• the other person is your husband or wife, or
• the other person has lived with you for at least 12 months before you apply.

Up to four people can buy together. However, all four must have been living in the accommodation for the 12 months before applying.

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Can my application be turned down?

Your application can be turned down if:

• you haven't lived in the accommodation as your main home for at least five years, or
• you are squatting in the accommodation, or
• you owe more than two weeks rent, or
• the Housing Executive or housing association is taking action against you because of antisocial behaviour.

Your application can also be turned down if you live in:

• one or two bedroom accommodation (for example, a ground floor flat or a bungalow)
• sheltered accommodation

Your application can be suspended if the Housing Executive or housing association is carrying out an investigation into alleged antisocial behaviour.

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Can I still buy my home if I have a joint tenancy?

You can only purchase your home if all the joint tenants agree to buy.