Discount Market Sale (DMS)
A 20–50% discount on a new-build, set and administered by the local council under s.106 planning.
- Who it's for
- Local buyers of new-build homes
- Status (April 2026)
- Live, accepting new applicants.
How it works
Council-by-council scheme attached to new developments via section 106 planning obligations. Typical discount is 20–30%. Eligibility is local: usually 2+ years' residence or employment in the area, household income under ~£80k, and unable to buy at full market price locally. Each council sets its own rules — check the local authority's affordable housing / s.106 pages.
Frequently asked
How is DMS different from First Homes?
Both are discounted new-builds with the discount preserved in perpetuity. First Homes is a national government scheme with consistent rules (30-50% discount, price caps, income caps). DMS is council-level — every local authority sets its own eligibility, discount %, and caps. You'll need to check your specific council's policy.
Where this sits in your planning
Schemes are one input to a buying decision, not the decision itself. Model the same purchase with and without the scheme on the affordability calculator — the total cash required and the monthly payment are usually the deciders, not the headline scheme benefit.