Buying her first home independently: Aimee’s story
Buyer: Aimee, 20
Occupation: Engagement Advisor for the public sector
Date of purchase: December 2025
Development: Poppy Fields, Horncastle
Purchase price: £118,995 (after 30% off with the First Homes Scheme)
Mortgage cost: £425pcm
House type: 2 bedroom, semi-detached Cork
Scheme: First Homes Scheme
At just 20 years old, Aimee has taken an exciting step onto the property ladder as a solo homeowner at our Poppy Fields development in Horncastle, purchasing a two-bedroom Cork. Aimee knew she wanted something that suited her lifestyle as a solo buyer, and the Cork house type ticked all the boxes!
“I chose it because it is the perfect size for me as a solo buyer. The layout felt really practical, with a good balance of space without being too overwhelming to maintain. I also liked that it gave me room to grow into, especially with having a spare bedroom and a garden.”
Affordability played a huge role in Aimee’s journey. Purchasing her home for £118,995 with the help of the First Homes scheme, she was able to secure a property that worked within her budget.
“I chose Gleason mainly because of the affordability and the schemes they offer to first-time buyers, which made it possible for me to buy on my own.”
She also valued both the feel of the development and the reassurance from others’ experiences: “Another big factor was how spacious the development felt compared to others I had looked at. The layout didn’t feel overcrowded, and there was a better sense of space between homes.”
“I’ve also known some colleagues who have bought new build homes with Gleason across a number of developments, and they always seemed to speak really positively about their experiences. Hearing their feedback definitely gave me more confidence in choosing Gleason and reassured me that I was making the right decision.”
Although Aimee had never rented before, she carefully considered her options and ultimately felt buying was the right long-term decision.
“I’ve always been brought up to see buying as the best long-term option. When I looked into it properly, I realised that with the scheme I was using, my monthly mortgage payments were actually much lower than what I would have been paying in rent. It made much more sense financially, as I’m investing in my own property and building equity, rather than paying rent with no long-term return.”
As a first-time buyer, Aimee was initially unsure what to expect but found the whole experience straightforward and well supported.
“The journey was really smooth from start to finish. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but everything was explained clearly at each stage, which made a big difference. The sales team were incredibly supportive throughout, and the Sales Executive, Georgie, was amazing. She was always approachable, kept me updated regularly, and made sure I understood everything that was happening. It made what could have been a stressful process feel exciting and manageable, and I always felt reassured that I was in good hands.”
Aimee added a range of optional upgrades to make her home feel even more personal and practical. “In the kitchen, I upgraded to the Signature plus range and added spotlights, along with boiler housing to keep everything looking neat and finished. I also added additional sockets throughout the house, which have been really useful day-to-day. Upstairs, I opted for a thermostatic shower with full wall tiling and a shower screen, which has made the bathroom feel much more modern. In the master bedroom, I added a built-in wardrobe over the bulkhead, and I have to say this is one of my favourite upgrades as it really makes the most of the space.”
Since moving in, Aimee has been pleased with the affordability of her new home, especially when it comes to her energy bills.
“I’ve found my energy bills to be affordable. Being in a new build, the house is well insulated, which helps keep heating costs down, especially over winter.”
Moving into her first home was a significant life moment for Aimee. “It’s been a big change for me, especially moving into my first home on my own. It’s given me a real sense of independence and stability. One of the biggest milestones was moving in just before Christmas, which made it really special being able to celebrate in my own home for the first time.”
Settling into life at Poppy Fields has been a positive experience, with Aimee already feeling at home in her new community.
“It feels like a really welcoming and friendly community. I’ve been lucky to have lovely neighbours, and I’ve already started to build some nice friendships since moving in. The area itself feels quiet and safe, which is really important to me. Overall, it’s a really nice place to live.”
For Aimee, a combination of affordability, location and timing made her decision a clear one.
“The location was also important as it’s close to where I work and familiar to me. Overall, it was the combination of affordability, location and timing that made it the right decision.”
Aimee is a strong advocate for others considering taking their first step onto the property ladder. “My advice would be to go for it, especially if you’re a first-time buyer. Make sure you understand all the schemes available to you as they can make a big difference. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions throughout the process.”
When reflecting on her journey, her reason for choosing Gleeson is clear: “My ‘why’ was having my own space and independence. I wanted the security of owning my own home rather than renting, and something that felt like a long-term investment in my future. Gleason made that possible for me when I didn’t think it would be achievable on my own.”
Feeling inspired? With a range of 2, 3, and 4 bedroom homes available throughout the Midlands and North of England, your journey to finding your dream home with Gleeson begins today. Explore our developments and get started on your search!
