Gleeson leads the way for first-time buyers

First-time buyers remain a key customer base for Gleeson, with recent figures showing that nearly 60% of Gleeson homes are purchased by those stepping onto the property ladder for the first time.

This trend is even more pronounced when split out regionally. In Yorkshire South and West; the Midlands, and Greater Manchester and Merseyside, first-time buyers account for more than 60% of customers, underlining Gleeson’s role in supporting home ownership in some of the UK’s most in-demand affordability markets.

Katie and Josh, 20 and 21, who bought their first home with Gleeson in Pontefract last year, said:
“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.”

With affordability and quality central to its offering, Gleeson is proud that a couple working full-time on the National Living Wage can afford to buy a home across all of its developments.

Owning a Gleeson home also remains more cost-effective than renting. The average weekly cost of a two-bedroom home is £170, compared to £209 for the equivalent rental property. In addition, Gleeson’s homes are highly energy-efficient, using 49% less energy than the average home and costing £13 less per week to heat a 2-bedroom home, helping customers manage ongoing living costs at a time of continued pressure on household finances.

Gleeson supports first-time buyers through a range of targeted initiatives designed to reduce barriers to entry. These include deposit contribution schemes on selected plots and developments, discounted homes through the First Homes scheme, additional support for key workers and the Own New Rate Reducer, which can help secure lower monthly mortgage payments for an initial two or five-year period.

Shannon, 26, a Technical Administrator who purchased her first home through Gleeson in December 2025, said:
“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. 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.”

Together, these measures reinforce Gleeson’s commitment to making home ownership more accessible, particularly for those who may otherwise be priced out of the market.

A summary of schemes that can support first-time buyers is summarised below:

• Deposit Contribution: Gleeson offers a contribution of up to 5% towards purchasers’ deposits on selected plots and developments.
• First Homes scheme: The First Homes scheme is designed to help local first-time buyers purchase their first home at a discounted rate.
• First-time Buyer Assist: When purchasing a first home with Gleeson, all first-time buyers are provided with free flooring throughout their new Gleeson home.
• Key Worker scheme: Key Workers purchasing a Gleeson home will receive £1,500 towards additional extras to further personalise their new home.
• Own New Rate Reducer: The Own New Rate Reducer scheme can provide homebuyers with better monthly mortgage payments for an initial two or five-year period, making it more affordable for first-time buyers and existing homeowners to purchase their dream home.

Find out more about Gleeson and its commitment to delivering high-quality homes at an exceptional value.