Anybody that lives in council/ social housing should consider exercising their Right To Buy. At the moment discounts as high as £100k. just purchased my property from the council, No deposit at 50% of the valuation price.
Just to add your credit does not have to be impeccable for you to get a mortgage. I had 2 defaults and my mortgage went through swiftly with no real drama. a Mortgage advisor will tell you they are so many different factors to consider when trying to mortgage a house i.e Deposit, Loan to Value Rate, Affordability , Dependants etc etc . End of the day banks make a lot of profit from mortgages so turning everybody down for every little things makes no sense at all. As long as they feel you can afford it they will sell it to you.
http://mortgageadvisers.which.co.uk/ Are good. Give you free advice find you a mortgage they feel you can get. Only get charged when your ready to make the application for the mortgage which they do on your behalf cost me £99 but I think its £200 now.