Finding their dream first home: Katie and Josh's story
Buyers: Katie and Josh, 20 & 21
Occupations: Training & Compliance Administrator and Sales
Year of purchase: June 2025
Development: Meadow Walk, Pontefract
Purchase price: £269.995
Mortgage cost: £1123 pcm
House type: 4 bedroom, detached Longford
Schemes and/or offers used: Deposit Contribution and Lifetime ISA
At just 20 and 21 years old, first-time buyers Katie and Josh have taken an exciting step onto the property ladder, purchasing their very first home at Gleeson’s Meadow Walk development in Pontefract. After reserving their home in March 2025, they collected their keys in June 2025 and haven’t looked back since!
Like many young buyers, the couple took time to carefully consider their options. Having previously lived with family, they knew they wanted a place of their own rather than renting. “We saw renting as dead money and wanted something we could call our own,” they explained.
Affordability was a key factor in their decision, but so was finding a home that met their expectations without compromise. Katie shared: “Gleeson was extremely affordable, and we had quite a few expectations for our first home. For example, we knew we wanted a garage, ensuite and utility, and we didn’t have to compromise on any of these things.”
The couple chose the Longford, a spacious 4 bedroom detached home priced at £269,995, with monthly mortgage repayments of £1,123. From the moment they stepped into the show home, they knew it was the one.
“We didn’t think we would be able to afford a 4 bedroom house, but Gleeson made this possible! We went to view the Longford show home and fell in love with this style of 4 bed.”
For Katie and Josh, the Longford offered everything they were looking for, and more.
“It’s so spacious, which is great for our future family plans, and for us to grow into. It has a garage and large driveway, a separate utility, an ensuite, a further bathroom and a downstairs toilet, which is great for guests. I’ve been able to have a dressing room thanks to having four bedrooms. We also love our spacious kitchen/diner and cosy living room.”
To put their own stamp on the property, the couple selected optional extras from Gleeson’s range. “We opted to upgrade the tiling in our main bathroom, and an overhead shower was added as an extra incentive,” they said.
They already have plans to enhance their home further in the near future. “We’re hoping to add an island in the kitchen, as it’s big enough to do so, and also extend our patio area this year because our garden is huge.”
Since moving in, life at Meadow Walk has exceeded expectations, from affordable energy bills to being part of a friendly, welcoming community. “Everyone on our estate is very friendly.” Katie shared. “We already have a Meadow Walk community page on social media, so we can all keep in the loop.”
They’ve also celebrated some memorable milestones in their new home. “We could not be happier. Celebrating our first Christmas here was amazing!”
Katie and Josh used Lifetime ISAs alongside Gleeson’s deposit contribution to help make their purchase possible, and they’ve been impressed with the aftercare support too.
“We would encourage someone to buy a Gleeson home, as any snags we’ve had have been sorted quickly.”
When asked whether they would recommend Gleeson, their answer was simple: “Yes, 100%!”
Now fully settled into their first home, Katie and Josh are enjoying the space, comfort and security that comes with owning a Gleeson home, and they wouldn’t hesitate to do it all again.
Feeling inspired by Katie and Josh’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!
