Summary — In Plain English
We try to collect as little data as possible. Specifically:
- We do not require you to register or create an account
- We do not collect names, email addresses, or contact information unless you voluntarily contact us
- We use anonymous, privacy-respecting analytics to understand which pages are popular
- We use affiliate cookies — these track if you click through to a partner and complete a sign-up, so we get credited the commission
- You can opt out of analytics and affiliate cookies at any time
1. Who we are
First Home Guide ("we", "us", "our") is an independent UK website at ukfirsthomeguide.co.uk. For the purposes of UK GDPR, we are the data controller for the limited personal data described in this policy.
Contact: privacy@ukfirsthomeguide.co.uk
2. What data we collect
2.1 Data you provide voluntarily
If you contact us via email, we collect your email address and the contents of your message. We use this only to respond to you. We do not add you to any mailing list.
2.2 Automatic data — analytics
We use a privacy-respecting analytics service to understand how visitors use our site. The data collected is anonymous and includes:
- Pages viewed and time on page
- Approximate country (not precise location)
- Device type (mobile, tablet, desktop) and browser
- The website you came from, if any
We do not collect IP addresses, set tracking cookies, or build profiles of individual visitors. Our analytics service is configured to be compliant with UK GDPR without requiring a cookie consent banner.
2.3 Calculator inputs
When you use our stamp duty calculator, the values you enter (property price, buyer type) are processed entirely in your browser. This data never leaves your device. We do not store, log, or transmit your calculator inputs.
2.4 Affiliate cookies
If you click an affiliate link on our site (clearly marked as "Sponsored" or with a commission disclosure), the third party (such as Awin, Habito, or L&C Mortgages) may set cookies on your browser. These cookies allow the partner to credit us with a referral if you complete a sign-up or purchase. The partner's own privacy policy applies to any data they collect.
3. How we use your data
We use the limited data we collect to:
- Operate, maintain, and improve our website
- Respond to enquiries you send us
- Understand which content is useful and which needs improvement
- Comply with legal obligations
We do not sell your data. We do not share your data with third parties for marketing purposes. We do not use your data for automated decision-making or profiling.
4. Lawful basis for processing
Under UK GDPR, we rely on:
- Legitimate interests — for anonymous analytics that help us improve the service
- Consent — for any optional features that require it (currently none)
- Performance of contract — when you contact us with an enquiry
5. How long we keep data
Email correspondence is kept for 24 months after the last contact, then deleted. Anonymous analytics data is aggregated and kept indefinitely for trend analysis — but it cannot be tied back to individuals.
6. Your rights under UK GDPR
You have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate data
- Request deletion of your data
- Object to processing
- Data portability
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk
To exercise any of these rights, email privacy@ukfirsthomeguide.co.uk. We will respond within 30 days.
7. Cookies
We use the following cookies:
- Strictly necessary — none currently used
- Analytics — none, because our analytics provider does not use cookies
- Affiliate — set by third parties (e.g. Awin) only when you click an affiliate link
You can disable cookies in your browser settings. This will not affect the core functionality of this site.
8. Third-party services
We link to and partner with:
- Awin — affiliate network. Privacy policy
- Habito — FCA-authorised mortgage broker. Privacy policy
- L&C Mortgages — FCA-authorised mortgage broker. Privacy policy
- Vercel — our website host. Privacy policy
When you interact with these services, their respective privacy policies apply.
9. Changes to this policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. The "last updated" date at the top of this page shows when. Material changes will be highlighted on the homepage for at least 14 days.
10. Contact
For any questions about this privacy policy or how we handle data:
Email: privacy@ukfirsthomeguide.co.uk
If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to complain to the UK Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk.