Mark Cahill, 51, was unable to use his right hand after it was affected by gout 20 years ago.
Doctors now say he is making good progress after an eight-hour operation at Leeds General Infirmary, 'BBC News' reported.
Although it is still very early to assess how much control of the hand will be gained - so far he can wiggle his fingers, but has no sense of touch.
"When I look at it and move it, it just feels like my hand. Right now it feels really good, it's not a lot of pain, it looks good, it looks a great match and I'm looking forward to getting it working now," Mark Cahill, from Greetland near Halifax, said.
Cahill's new hand is still bandaged up, but he can already move his fingers. It is hoped that with time he will gain much greater levels of movement and sensation.
He developed gout in his toes and feet 20 years ago. Five years ago it spread to his right hand leaving him unable to open his fingers or use his hand for anything.
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One option would have been a bionic hand, however, he volunteered for the pioneering surgery, the report said.
Being a first for the UK, it was also the first time a recipient's hand has been amputated during an operation to attach a donor hand.