The UK government has set up schemes to help those who cannot afford getting a mortgage in order to get on the property ladder.

The right to buy:

Started in 1980, it has helped more than one million council tenants to buy their own home.

After 2 years of letting a council home, you have the right to buy it atonce at a discount price of 32% to 70%. Restrictions apply depending on the number of years you were a council tenant and the area you live in.

Note: you can use a ‘rent to mortgage' scheme if you can't afford to buy it at once.

Other options:

The following schemes are available for those who want to acquire low cost homes :

• Starter home initiative
• DIY shared ownership
• Cash incentive scheme
• Conventional shared ownership
• Homebuy
• ‘Right to acquire'

Check with your local council to learn more.