Olivia and Shane's Gleeson journey
Buyer: Shane, 29 and Olivia, 22
Date of purchase: July 2025
Development: The Homesteads, Goldthorpe
Purchase price: £199,995
Mortgage cost: £816
House type: 3 bedroom, semi-detached Glin
Scheme and/or offers: 5% deposit contribution
For first-time buyers Shane and Olivia, choosing their first home was a big step. After visiting three other developers, it was Gleeson that stood out.
“Gleeson was by far the most affordable and the friendliest,” says Shane. “The sales team made us feel comfortable from the start, and the quality of the homes was much better than what we’d seen elsewhere. Plus, with a 5% deposit contribution on offer, it was an easy decision.”
The couple chose a Glin 3-bedroom home, which they found to be the perfect size and price for their first property. “Paying a little more for the extra room made sense, it was the right fit for us,” Olivia explains.
Before buying, Olivia was renting a 2 bedroom house for £475 per month. But despite the lower monthly payment, the couple realised buying would be a smarter long-term choice.
“For what we’d have been paying to rent a bigger place, our mortgage was better value,” Olivia says. “Now we’ve got so much more space, off-road parking, and a big garden, things I never had when renting. The buzz of being a homeowner is completely different!”
From reserving in February to moving in July, Shane and Olivia describe the process as “pretty smooth,” with just a few minor delays along the way.
“The sales team, especially Sharon, were brilliant,” says Shane. “She checked in with us every week and kept us updated. That made the whole experience far less stressful.”
The couple’s home is fitted with an Air Source Heat Pump, which is helping them save money on their bills. “At first it took a little time to adjust, but now it’s fantastic,” says Olivia. “It keeps the house so warm, and with no gas to pay for, our energy bills are much lower than before.”
The couple has also made use of Gleeson’s sustainability features: “We’ve set up our bug hotel in the garden and plan to sow the wildflower seeds next year.”
Shane and Olivia opted for a kitchen upgrade to the Harvard range, which they say was excellent value. With flooring included throughout, a bathroom upgrade already in place, and their deposit contribution, they felt they got a lot for their money.
Since moving in, life has felt more settled for the couple. “It feels like everything’s falling into place now,” says Olivia. “The community is lovely too, there’s a park on the estate that families use all the time, and the neighbours we’ve met have been really welcoming.”
Shane and Olivia would not hesitate to recommend Gleeson to friends and family. “One of our parents is already looking at Gleeson for their next home,” Shane shares.
Their advice for other first-time buyers? “Look at the kitchen upgrades! They’re brilliant value, and make the most of the extras Gleeson includes, like flooring and turf. We’d 100% buy with Gleeson again in the future.”
From renters to proud homeowners, Shane and Olivia’s story shows how affordable, high-quality new build homes with Gleeson can make homeownership a reality. 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 could happen sooner than you think. Find your nearest Gleeson development and enquire with our Sales Executive today.
