Starter Homes Scheme: length of discount period raises concerns Building Societies Association 1 min read17 February 2016 Partner content With the Government changing the definition of affordable housing in the National Planning Policy to accommodate Starter Homes, its vital that the scheme delivers homes that are genuinely affordable, says the Building Societies Association. The BSA has some specific concerns about the Starter Homes Scheme: The length of the discount period – We have argued that the 20% discount should be in perpetuity to ensure that properties remain affordable for future generations. At the very least the discount period should be 10 years to ensure buyers do not make a quick windfall. No cash buyers – The presence of a mortgage needs to be a mandatory requirement. At the moment there is nothing to stop a cash buyer from purchasing a Starter Home. The scheme needs to be targeted at those buyers who are unable to get on the housing ladder without assistance. Local income limits – A limit like this could be a means to address some of the issues identified by the Savills research and ensure Starter Homes tackles local need. Related Voters In New Build England Say Conservative Promises Have Been Broken By Zoe Crowther 27 Jun