The first properties available for sale as part of the scheme are in the Bolsover district, East Midlands.

The government said ‘the First Homes scheme will help local first-time buyers – many of whom will be key workers like NHS staff and veterans – onto the property ladder by offering homes at a discount of at least 30% compared to the market price’.

There will be safeguards so that buyers will not be able to sell on their property at market values but will have to retain the 30% discount level.

That same percentage will then be passed on with the sale of the property to future first-time buyers, meaning homes will always be sold below market value.