Sorry for delay. Your decision to buy the council House should be based on your future plans.

• If you view the council House as a temporary dwelling and are planning eventually to move - this is a very good opportunity to get some equity.
• However, if you would not able to work because of age, disability or other circumstances - additional mortgage bill would just add a pressure on your budget.

These are main points for the decision, but you most probably are somewhere in the middle and there are other points to consider:

• Decision to buy is a financial and legal decision and there are elements of risk and award. The risk is that you might be not able to pay the mortgage on time and end to pay extra fees. The award is that you buy at discount price and in case of selling - solid amount will go into your wallet.
• There is a political influence. If too many people will buy out their homes - most possible the discount will be reduced. Also it is possible that council housing subsidies would increase or decrease depending on economical and/or political situation.
• There is an inflation element - the house will increase in value over the years and the owner of the house will enjoy this gain. On other hand, despite the inflation the mortgage payments will be the same.

There is no one answer for all occasions. This would be your decision and you will have all gain and responsibility. In any case I wish you the best.