Melissa's Gleeson journey!

Buyer: Melissa, 29

Date of purchase: July 2025

Development: Hollinwell Heath, Kirkby-in-Ashfield

Purchase price: £179,995

Mortgage cost: £733 per month

House type: 2 bedroom, semi-detached, Mayfield

Scheme and/or offers: 5% deposit contribution and the Key Worker scheme

At just 29 years old, Melissa, a paramedic working for the NHS, has achieved something many young people dream of, stepping onto the property ladder! After years of renting a small one-bedroom flat with no outdoor space, she decided it was time to invest in a place of her own.

“I was renting a one-bedroom flat for £675 a month,” Melissa explained. “It was super cold, and I really don’t like the cold! So not only did I want somewhere warmer for the winter, but I also wanted somewhere my money was being invested rather than just disappearing on rent each month.”

In March 2025, Melissa reserved her Mayfield home at Gleeson’s Hollinwell Heath development in Kirkby-in-Ashfield. Just four months later, she moved into her very own two-bedroom home. “I chose the Mayfield because it was affordable and the right size for me,” she said. “I live on my own and don’t currently need a huge amount of space. Plus, the buying incentives were really good.”

Melissa made use of Gleeson’s Key Worker Scheme and also received a 5% deposit contribution, which she says made homeownership far more achievable. “Affordability was the biggest factor for me,” she said. “The deposit contribution allowed me to buy my home comfortably and still keep some savings aside for emergencies. The timing was perfect too, I moved out of my cold flat before the winter months!”

When asked why she chose Gleeson over other developers, Melissa said the decision was straightforward. “Gleeson was the only developer I looked at. I’d heard mixed things about others in the area, but a friend had recommended Gleeson and I was impressed from the start.”

Melissa also upgraded her kitchen, opting for soft-close cupboards and an induction hob. “I’m so glad I upgraded my kitchen, the finishes feel more to my taste, and the induction hob is much more efficient.”

Her new home also features an Air Source Heat Pump, which she’s still getting used to, but has found easy to use. “We had a minor issue with a sensor at first, but Gleeson and Panasonic were really quick to fix it,” she explained. “I always have hot water, and the house warms up well. I’m still learning about the timers, but it’s been straightforward so far.”

Melissa explains how amazing the buying process was, thanks to her Sales Executive, Nikkie. “The process was made wonderful by Nikkie,” she said. “She kept me up to date throughout, and no request was too big. She was always there to help and found answers so quickly, it made everything much less stressful as a first-time buyer.”

As a solo homeowner, Melissa loves having her own space, and especially her private garden. “That was a huge bonus for me,” she said. “I’m looking forward to planting my wildflower seeds in the spring and seeing if my insect house attracts any visitors!”

Gleeson’s sustainable touches haven’t gone unnoticed either. “I loved that they gave me a bug hotel when I moved in,” she said. “It’s a lovely idea, hopefully it keeps the bugs in the garden rather than the house!”

Melissa’s story is one of determination and smart decision-making. As she looks ahead to turning 30 next year, she’s excited to celebrate that milestone in her new home. “I’d happily host a little get-together in my garden!”

Would she recommend Gleeson to others? “I would!” she said. “I’ve only had a positive experience, the team were brilliant, any snags were sorted quickly, and I’d absolutely consider buying another Gleeson home in the future.”

Feeling inspired by Melissa’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, click here to get started!