Initial demand for land in the New Town was not spectacular; in fact, incentives had to be offered to entice buyers.
Various tax exemptions and special payment schemes were devised in the hopes of increasing sales of land in the New Town. 
mnli hypothesis: Various tax exemptions and special payment schemes were devised in the hopes of increasing sales of land in the New Town.  premise: Initial demand for land in the New Town was not spectacular; in fact, incentives had to be offered to entice buyers.