Stepping onto the property ladder at Bluebell Court!
Buyer: Shannon, 26
Occupation: Technical Administrator in the Steel Industry
Date of purchase: December 2025
Development: Bluebell Court, Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Purchase price: £125,997
Mortgage cost: £530
Previous rent: £495
House type: 2 bedroom, semi-detached, Kenmare
Scheme and/or offers: First Home scheme
Shannon never imagined she would be able to buy her first home on her own. Renting had given her some independence in the past, but with rising living costs and the desire to invest in something long-term, she knew she wanted more. “I always thought buying a house was something I’d never achieve,” she said. “So, it still feels like a pinch me moment.”
While browsing online, a listing on Rightmove caught her eye of a 2-bedroom, semi-detached Kenmare at Bluebell Court. “I thought it was a cosy, perfectly sized home just for myself. I loved the layout immediately, with the kitchen at the front and the living room at the back looking out onto the garden. Plus, the L-shaped kitchen gave me space for a dining table or even a breakfast bar. A 2-bedroom home was all I needed, so it felt perfect.”
Affordability was the biggest factor for Shannon, and that’s where Gleeson stood out. “Gleeson was the only builder in my area offering the First Homes Scheme. I wouldn’t have been able to buy a home at full price, so the discount as part of this scheme made all the difference. I also wanted to stay close to family and this development meant I could do exactly that.”
After enquiring, Shannon received a call from Field Sales Executive Sharon the very same day. “Sharon talked me through everything, including the First Homes Scheme and the eligibility criteria. She reserved the plot for me so I could think about it, but I came back the next day and went ahead with it.” From there, the buying journey started! The documents, the evidence, and the decisions. “It was overwhelming at first, but every question I had was answered clearly. Sharon told me exactly what I needed to do and when.”
Choosing a solicitor was another challenge until Sharon shared Gleeson’s recommended list. “PLS Solicitors were amazing, the Hannah Sutton team dealt with my case and I highly recommend them. People say using the developer’s solicitor can cause problems, but that wasn’t my experience at all. They made the process so simple, and because they specialise in new builds, it really showed.”
Shannon upgraded her kitchen as part of her optional extras, but when the kitchen was installed, the wrong colour was fitted by mistake. By that point, Jamie had taken over in Sales. “Jamie was fantastic. He fixed the issue straight away. He spoke to me like a friend, not just a customer.”
Completion day is something Shannon will never forget. As one of the first residents to receive her keys at Bluebell Court, it felt surreal. “It honestly felt like all my birthdays and Christmases came at once. I had a beautiful bow on my door and a welcome box waiting for me. It was such a special moment.”
Shannon’s new home is a huge step up from the small rental property she lived in years ago, where she paid £495 a month. Although her mortgage is slightly higher, she sees the value instantly. “My rented home had no driveway, no garden and barely any space. Now I have a big private back garden, a driveway for two cars, and so much more storage and room. It’s such a positive difference.”
Shannon is still settling in and loving every moment. “I’m still getting used to being a homeowner, it’s exciting but daunting. I can’t wait to see how my home evolves as I add my own touch.”
While her energy bills are still settling, Shannon is enjoying the simplicity of the home’s eco-friendly features. “Having an Air Source Heat Pump makes things easier, it just does its own thing. And because the house is fully electric, it’s clearer to track usage. Plus, I love that Gleeson considers local wildlife with things like bat boxes, bird boxes, bug hotels and trees. That’s important to me.”
Shannon is excited to see the community grow around her. “The development is in a quiet, tucked-away spot. I’m looking forward to seeing more homes being built and people moving in. I think it will become a lovely community once it’s more established.”
After her experience, she wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Gleeson. “100% I would recommend them. I felt so well looked after from start to finish. Yes, there were moments where I panicked, but every time, someone reassured me and helped straight away. Even now, after moving in, they haven’t forgotten about me, customer service, sales and even the builders have all supported me. Issues have been resolved quickly with no hassle.
“For anyone who feels anxious about buying, like I did, it’s really not as scary as you think. Enquire about that house. Go for it. It might be the best thing you ever do. I love my little home, and Gleeson made that possible.”
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.
