Affordable Private Rent (APR) or Discount Market Rent meaning

Affordable Private Rent (APR), also called Discount Market Rent (DMR), describes affordable homes within Build to Rent schemes that are let to eligible households at a discount to local open market rent. In England it is a planning policy tenure (not a statutory one) referenced in the National Planning Policy Framework and Planning Practice Guidance for Build to Rent. Typical features include a minimum discount to market rent (commonly at least 20% including service charges), eligibility criteria, rent-setting and review mechanisms, nomination rights, and retention/management covenants, all secured through planning obligations (usually a section 106 agreement). Units are generally owned and managed by the BTR operator rather than a registered provider. Local requirements vary by authority. In London, “DMR” is widely used, often aligned with London Living Rent benchmarks, as the preferred affordable housing product on Build to Rent schemes. Usage differs outside England. Wales commonly refers to “intermediate rent” rather than APR/DMR. Scotland’s nearest equivalent is “mid-market rent”. Northern Ireland also uses “intermediate rent”. In Ireland, the closest analogue is “cost rental”. Practitioners should check the relevant local planning policy and the planning agreement for the precise discount, eligibility rules, rent review approach and covenant period.