Discount to Open Market

We’re helping buyers purchase homes 20% below market value, preserving long-term affordability.

A row of new build homes by Anwyl Homes lines a clean, winding street. Each house features red brick, gable roofs, and well-maintained gardens, under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

The Discount to Open Market scheme is a partnership between the housebuilder and the local council, designed to help eligible buyers access homeownership. Qualifying purchasers can buy a property at 80% of its market value while retaining 100% ownership of the home.

what is it?

What is the Discount to Market Scheme?

The Discount to Market Scheme (DMS), also known as Discount to Open Market (DOM), Open Market Discount or Discount Market Sale Scheme, is a partnership between councils and housebuilders that helps buyers secure their dream home at price below its open market value.

It allows first-time buyers and home movers alike the opportunity to save a minimum of 20% off their home purchase, with the discount amount and eligibility rules dependent on the council the development is in.

Furthermore, when the property is sold in the future, the new buyer will benefit from the same percentage discount on the market value, helping to keep the home affordable for the next owner.

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am i eligible?

What is the Open Market Scheme eligibility criteria?

Walkers Glade: All applicants must apply to Preston City Council and meet their eligibility criteria to qualify for the discounted home ownership scheme.

  • Local Connection: Applicants must have a local connection to Preston, with priority given in this order:
    • Key Workers (such as teachers, healthcare staff, emergency services, armed forces, public sector, agriculture, or other Council-designated critical industries)
    • Those who have lived in Preston as their only or main home for a continuous period of three years
    • Those who have worked in Preston for at least 12 months prior to occupation
    • Those with immediate family (parents, grandparents, children, siblings) living in Preston for at least five years
  • Financial Need: Buyers must need financial assistance to purchase a home on the open market. The Council will assess household income and commitments.
  • Housing Need: Buyers must demonstrate a genuine need for the property type (e.g., unsuitable current housing or inability to afford suitable market housing).
  • Main Residence: The discounted unit must be used as the buyer’s main and principal residence.
  • Extended Eligibility: If, after 3 months of marketing, no eligible local applicants are found, buyers from neighbouring boroughs (Fylde, Wyre, Ribble Valley, Chorley, South Ribble) who can demonstrate housing need may be considered.

Eagles Green: All applicants must apply to Warrington Borough Council and meet their eligibility criteria to qualify for the discounted home ownership scheme.

  • Local Connection: Applicants must have a local connection to the Warrington area through employment, family connections, or other qualifying criteria determined by the Council.
  • Legal Eligibility: Applicants must be legally entitled to purchase and own a property in the United Kingdom.
  • Property Ownership: Applicants must not have any financial interest or ownership in another residential property at the time of purchase.
  • Main Residence: The discounted property must be used as the buyer’s main and principal residence and cannot be purchased as a second home.
  • Income Criteria: Total household income must not exceed the affordability threshold set by the Council, typically linked to the discounted market value of the property.

Please note, eligibility is assessed and confirmed by the relevant local councils.

let’s apply

How do I apply for the Discount to Market Scheme?

Applying for the Discount to Market Scheme is very easy, and you can do it in as little as four steps:

  • Once the application is approved, you can now reserve your new Anwyl home! This is when our dedicated team take over and take you through the next steps.
  • You will then need to be financially qualified by an independent Financial Adviser, and we’re here to help you with that. Once this is done, you can submit your application to your local authority.
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FAQs

  • Yes, unlike Shared Ownership, buying a home through the Discount to Market Scheme will mean you own 100% of your home, and will not be required to pay any rent on it.

  • No. The initial discount applied when you bought the property will then be applied to any subsequent sale. This is to ensure it continues to help anyone looking for more affordable housing.

  • You will still need a deposit (normally of 10% of the discounted value of the property), as with any other normal house purchase.

  • Unfortunately, it can’t be used alongside other offers. The Discount to Market Scheme is only available on its own and can’t be combined with the likes of our Move Simple and Part Exchange schemes.

*The Discount to Market Scheme is subject to eligibility, terms, and conditions, and will only be available on selected plots and developments.

Please speak to our sales adviser for further information and seek advice from your solicitor.

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