Finding a Fresh Start at Hollinwell Heath: Gemma's story
Buyer: Gemma, 40
Occupations: Risk & Compliance Manager at Financial Services
Year of purchase: June 2025
Development: Hollinwell Heath, Kirkby-in-Ashfield
Purchase price: £239,995
Mortgage cost: £1244 pcm
House type: 3 bedroom, detached Limerick
Schemes and/or offers used: Deposit Contribution
“I am proud of my home and can’t quite believe that I have achieved buying such a lovely property all by myself.”
When Gemma first visited Hollinwell Heath, she wasn’t just looking for a house, she was searching for a fresh start for herself and her three children. What she found was much more! A forever home, a supportive community, and unexpected confidence in making one of the biggest decisions of her life.
After separating from her ex-husband, Gemma had been renting locally. But the instability of renting weighed heavily on her as a mum. “I wanted to put down roots for my children and me, to have something we could call our ‘forever home’,” she explains. “Renting did not allow for this… it could cause upheaval for my children that I didn’t want.”
When she discovered Hollinwell Heath, everything clicked. The location was perfect, close to schools, familiar surroundings, and spacious enough for her children to grow. And her home fit exactly what she was hoping for. “It was the right location, a great-sized plot, and it had everything I was looking for.”
Gemma had previously purchased a new build home from a different housebuilder, but this time around, Gleeson stood out immediately. “I chose the Gleeson development due to the location and the value for money. I have bought from a new build developer before, and I just found the quality is better with Gleeson.”
As the first buyer on the development, she felt an immediate sense of pride and received a helping hand that made all the difference. “Gleeson supported me by offering a 5% deposit contribution. This was instrumental; it allowed me to free up money to buy a brand-new sofa!”
Like many new buyers, especially those navigating the process as a solo homeowner, Gemma walked into the sales centre feeling nervous. But the experience quickly became something special. “My journey was so nice! I walked in nervous, as a single mum ready to buy a property on my own… Nikki, the Sales Executive, never appeared to judge me and celebrated with me at each milestone.”
From colour choices to solicitor updates, Nikki was there every step of the way. “She treated it as if she were buying the home herself. She kept me up to date throughout and really made the experience a nice one. She welcomed my children into the office without a second thought.”
Gemma moved into her home in June 2025, with monthly mortgage payments of £1,244, just slightly more than her previous £950 rent, but now with security, ownership, and long-term stability. “The price is higher, but it is mine to keep, and therefore I prefer it. The size is similar to that of my previous rented property; however, this is new and fresh.”
The comfort of a brand-new home was a huge advantage for Gemma. “A new build also means that everything is done for you… no hidden surprises or massive bills. I am a single parent of three children; I don’t have time for DIY or the funds to upgrade a property. This new build home ticked every box.”
Despite her initial worries about the air source heat pump, Gemma has become a convert. “I was nervous about an Air Source Heat Pump… but I can honestly say it’s exactly the same as any other boiler. It’s actually quieter, and I feel good because it’s an eco-friendlier option.” She’s also noticed the difference in her bills! “My house is so well insulated, I don’t need to have the heating on as much or as high.”
Life at Hollinwell Heath has already brought calm, joy, and a sense of belonging. “Life has been lovely since moving in – I finally feel settled, and my children are enjoying being in our new home. They often go for a walk to the local park or shops and say they love this house more than any we have been in before!”
The family has embraced the local environment too, “My youngest LOVES her bug hotel, and has put it in the back garden. We review it every couple of weeks, and the ladybirds love it!”
Safety and community mattered deeply to Gemma, and Hollinwell Heath delivers both. “It had to feel safe when I am on my own, and the children are at their dad’s, and I feel exactly that.”
Would Gemma recommend Gleeson? Her answer is clear, “100%.” Her advice to others thinking about buying? “Do it! They aren’t out to get you; they don’t charge you loads of secret fees. Everything is up front and honest. They support your decision in a non-judgemental way, and one of the biggest positives is that if something isn’t working when you move in, or not quite right, they put it right straight away, and nothing is too much trouble. Often, people assume that when you buy a new build, there will be so many problems, and you will be left to deal with them on your own. I can honestly say this is 100% not my experience with Gleeson and I would definitely consider buying from them again without a doubt.
Feeling inspired by Gemma’s story? 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!
