Buying a flat for mother to live in

[Cinnamon12345]

Can this be done? Mother needs to move and we can afford to by a property but would need to rent it out. Mother has her rent paid by benefits. Would they pay benefits to us? She is 80, if that is relevant.

You need to speak to the housing department of your local authority. They will be able to answer this. Also get the advice of your local CAB if you don't want to ask a solicitor.

england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/benefits/housing_benefit_renting_from_family
The above link says you can get housing benefit if your landlord is a relative, but it must be a proper commercial tenancy not an informal arrangement.
So you as her landlord would have to provide safety certificates etc, contract as for any tenant

You would have to prove it was not a contrived tenancy for HB to be paid to you. Would you really be prepared to evict her if she didn’t pay / you needed to sell? If not then it’s not a true commercial agreement.

Also if you’re buying with a mortgage you’ll have to find a lender willing to lend to you - they also fear you wouldn’t kick out a tenant who’s a relative.

I think @Shelley54 has a more important point re the mortgage