Money Wellness

housing

Published 24 Apr 2025

2 min read

Right to buy housing crisis in Leeds

Leeds has built over 5,000 affordable homes in the last decade, but nearly all have been sold off under Right to Buy.

Someone handing a set of keys to a new tenant. Right to buy housing crisis in Leeds. Find out what it means for social housing tenants. Help with social housing
Caroline Chell - Money Wellness

Written by: Caroline Chell

Head of Communications

Published: 24 April 2025

Council figures show 5,134 new homes have gone up since 2013. But 5,112 of them were bought by tenants using the government’s discount scheme.

That leaves the city with just 22 extra affordable homes in 10 years.

Council warns of housing crisis

Leeds City Council says the scheme is making it harder to house those most in need. Councillor Jess Lennox said the council supports home ownership, but not at the expense of others being left without a roof over their heads.

Strict rules on how councils can spend Right to Buy cash mean they can’t always build new homes to replace the ones sold.

What it means for tenants

With fewer homes available, people on low incomes face longer waits for council housing and rising private rents.

Thousands are being pushed into debt, relying on food banks, or stuck in temporary accommodation.

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Caroline Chell - Money Wellness

Written by: Caroline Chell

Head of Communications

Caroline has worked in financial communications for more than 10 years, writing content on subjects such as pensions, mortgages, loans and credit cards, as well as stockbroking and investment advice.

Published: 24 April 2025

The information in this post was correct at the time of publishing. Please check when it was written, as information can go out of date over time.

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Caroline Chell - Money Wellness

Written by: Caroline Chell

Head of Communications

Published: 24 April 2025

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